29er XC FS weights

WhipIt

A bit of idle chat about some bikes I like the look of, if you're interested... XC FS 29ers

Giant Anthem X 29er 1 - £2k, 12.2kg measured by WMB
Lapierre XR 529 - £2.7k, 11.5kg claimed, maybe closer to 12
Canyon Nerve AL 9.9 - £2.3k, 12kg claimed, 12.3kg (I think) measured by WMB.

The Lapierre is very light thanks to 500~600g saving on the frame. The Canyon has a ridiculous spec as always and claims a respectable 2.65kg frame weight. The wheelset in particular is very light.

Why, then, is the Canyon relatively heavy? Is it just the extra 10mm travel? With pretty top end kit on it, it seems like the upgrade potential is limited. Put some crest/hope jobbies on the other two, though, and they'll end up very light - for the same money as the Canyon, I think I could get the Giant <12kg. The Lapierre is very expensive, but has the maximum upgrade potential (<11kg if you believe their claimed all-in weight and have deep pockets).

So the Giant is looking very good. Does anyone know the frame weight for the Giant? Has anyone ridden one or more of these bikes and have an opinion on the ride vs each other?

As a total aside, I assume the Giant is on a QR rear - there's no mention of anything bigger in marketing/reviews.

njee20

Wheelset on the Canyon isn't that light - 1700g claimed, quite probably more than that. Even for 29ers that's not what I'd call lightweight frankly.

There's nothing on it that's hugely heavy, but nothing that's light either.

thelonegroover

What are you planning to use the bike for?

WhipIt

For trail riding and occasional XC races/events. I ride an on-one whippet on a fairly light build for everything at the moment, so this would hopefully be a bit stiffer and more confident on steep descents. The biggest stuff I ride is natural stuff in the Peaks/Wales.

WhipIt

I get a bit obsessive over speed/weight regardless of where I'm riding though, you may have guessed...

thelonegroover

I guessed from your profile name. If your so obsessed by weights, why go for a FS, wouldn't you be better going for an HT. You could save yourself 2kg and some money.

supersonic

I'd be tempted by a custom build for that cash. Something like this frame:

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FRTITXCARRS ... arch_shock

Some super light wheels, and finish off with top end kit. OK is not a 29er, but I bet can be got close to 10kg for 2.5k.

WhipIt

Thanks for the input guys. I'm going to keep the Whippet so I have a 26" carbon HT already for smooth stuff/winter rides/etc. I used to have a cheap XC FS and I miss being able to keep consistent power delivery over rougher trails without unweighting, standing etc.

The 26" FS looks good, although I had my heart set on a 29er so it's sufficiently different to the whippet. Also I'm hoping the bigger wheels will improve my confidence on descents (not my strong suit) without adding too much weight. The titus carbon 29er is another option but about the same weight as an alloy frame, so probably doesn't beat the giant/canyon on a full build.

thelonegroover

Cube carbon 29er can be as low as 9.1kg. Lapierre pro race is 9.4kg I'd like to see a full sus 26 or 29 get down to those weights.

The Rookie

The lightest FS frames will add about 1Kg over the lightest HT's.

The lads half carbon Scott frame with shock is 2.25Kg (2008 technology), using the bits off my HT with lighter wheels (1300g instead of my 1700g set) and tyres (racing Ralphs) only that would be built into a circa 10Kg bike, with not that much more money about 9.75Kg would be possible.

njee20

Lapierre pro race is 9.4kg I'd like to see a full sus 26 or 29 get down to those weights.

My Top Fuel:




That's 8.99kg in new money. Got down to 19.7lbs with Furious Freds. There are 29ers at similar weights if you spend enough!

thelonegroover

OK, thats impresive. Guess it comes down to how much you want to spend.

njee20

Pretty much. Still places I could save weight if I really wanted. I did actually have a lighter seat post, would've saved about 60g IIRC, but I got offered a chunk more than I paid for it (which in itself was a lot!), so sold it.

Brakes aren't that lightest, XX cassette would be lighter, DT XRC100 or SID WCs would be lighter. I like it though.

Greer_

njee20 wrote:

My Top Fuel:

njee, do you have any build threads on here?! :shock: Lovely looking bike, and I'm sure its not your only!

thelonegroover

Is this a 26 or 29?

Greer_

Looks 26"

njee20

Yeah it is a 26", was just in response to your comment:

I'd like to see a full sus 26 or 29 get down to those weights.

njee, do you have any build threads on here?! :shock: Lovely looking bike, and I'm sure its not your only!

It is actually my only MTB, did have a thread on it here, don't update it though. Perhaps I should, make a couple of changes since those pics, albeit nowt major.

Greer_

njee20 wrote:

It is actually my only MTB, did have a thread on it here, don't update it though. Perhaps I should, make a couple of changes since those pics, albeit nowt major.

Resurrected