Advice buying XC Racer

Nordmand

Hello guys and girls!
I recently got my Giant XTC 2 (2008) stolen, and now looking for a new one, I decided getting a race specific hardtail, lightning fast and good climber. I got a 1200 £ Budget, and getting the best (and lightest) frame for the money is highest priority. I'm not sure if its better to buy just a frame and custom build the bike, or the complete bike.

The only bike I have found in a exotic material within the budget is the GT Zaskar Elite, but that one might call for some upgrades.
I thought it maybe might be better to save up the 300 £ extra, so i could afford a
Scott Scale 30 (By far my favorite) or a Whyte 905.

What is your thought about that, or maybe you can recommend a other bike

Thanks
Steffan

supersonic

If you ;ike the Zaskar, consider last years Expert model:

http://s233299868.e-shop.info/shop/arti ... -2008.html

Cheaper, lighter and better specced! Leaves 300 quid for some better wheels.

Whytepeak

The whyte 905 is a great bike, but it may be too much for pure xc racing, and you'll have too buy some new tyres aswell, as the panaracers are heavy and slow - although it livens up a treat with some lighter tyres. Its no carbon frame though - and it says trail on the frame, a hint it may be overkill - i've done drops on mine that I wouldn't do on some xc bikes.

A bike such as a Zaskar is good for xc races, and would therefore be the best bet - would build up lighter too.