Best upgrades for a Whyte 29C

How Far is too Far
How Far is too Far Posts: 534
edited December 2014 in MTB general
Hi, just recently got a Whyte 29C after not having had an MTB for a few years, I ride CX and Road bikes normally.

The bike is the basic carbon 29er and weighs 11.1KG on my scales with pedals. It is the one with Sram X9 and Reba Forks.

I want to do a bit of local XC racing next year and was wondering what peoples thoughts were on getting my bike more race worthy. I fancy a lighter set of wheels, does anyone know the weight of the standard Whyte wheels to save me stripping them to find out?

I normally use the bike to ride red routs at trail centres and weigh 80kg

Also are there any other areas to save weight without spending big money? (I have already changed the saddle)

Thanks :D

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Have you got a link to the spec? Seems to be a few models about.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    It helps to provide a link to the bike specs....
    http://www.bikesheduk.com/whyte-29-c-2014 (the Whyte website no longer shows one with X9)

    Foam grips will be an easy and cheap way to lose 100g.
    Most of the finishing kit isn't branded, so it's hard to guess the weight, so you'll have to take bits off and weigh them.

    Wheels and tyres plus tubes (or going tubeless) always give the most improvement so the best bet is to take them off, strip them down and weigh them, but the wheels don't sound very light from the details given.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • CitizenLee
    CitizenLee Posts: 2,227
    As above, wheels and tyres always make the most noticeable weight difference... but it's already a light bike to be honest and whilst there are areas to save weight you'll never get it CX/road bike light without major compromises in strength.

    Swap the brakes for Shimano if you want an easier life though... and better brakes :D
    Current:
    NukeProof Mega FR 2012
    Cube NuRoad 2018
    Previous:
    2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
  • Thanks,

    This is the full spec. of my bike. It is a late 2013 model I bought it used but I guess it has done no more than 200 miles.

    Specification
    Weight 10.7kg
    Frame Uni-directional Multi Monocoque, with Post Mount chainsty mounted disk brake and full carbon dropouts
    Fork Rockshox Reba RL, 100mm Travel, Tapered Steerer, Matchmaker PushLock Remote Lockout
    Rear Shock N/A
    Headset FSA Integrated, Orbit ZS Plus, 1 1/8" - 1 1/2" Sealed Cartridge Bearings
    Rear Hub Whyte XC-209 Wheelset, 32 StSt spokes, 6 Bolt hub with double sealed catridge bearings
    Front Hub Whyte XC-209 Wheelset, 28 StSt spokes, 6 Bolt hub, double sealed catridge bearing
    Spokes Stainless Steel Spokes
    Rims Whyte X-C 209
    Tyres Maxxis IKON, 60TPI Folding Bead, 29" x 2.2"
    Shift Levers SRAM X-9, 10 Speed
    Front Derailleur SRAM X-7, 10 Speed
    Rear Derailleur SRAM X-9 Type 2 medium Cage, 10 Speed, White/Black
    Cassette SRAM PG-1030, 11-36, 10 Speed
    Chain SRAM 1031 with Power Link, 10 Speed
    Crankset SRAM S1000 PressFit30, 38/24, 29er Ratio Compact Double, 10 Speed
    Bottom Bracket SRAM PressFit 30
    Seatpost Whyte Custom 2014 Alloy, 30.9mm x 400mm, 2 bolt clamp
    Saddle Whyte Custom dual density, triple panel design
    Bar Whyte Custom 2014 Alloy, Flat, 700mm Wide
    Stem Whyte Custom, -6 Degree, 70mm S and M and 80mm Large
    Grips Whyte Race, Foam Lock-on
    Brakes Front Avid Elixir 3, Matchmaker, 170mm Rotor
    Brakes Rear Avid Elixir 3, Matchmaker, 160mm Rotor
    Brake Levers Avid Elixir 3
    Pedals N/A
  • CitizenLee
    CitizenLee Posts: 2,227
    Unless you want change your whole drivetrain or start drilling holes in things, then the only areas for realistic weight savings I see are...

    Lighter wheels
    Lighter tyres
    Go tubless
    XTR brakes
    Carbon bars
    Carbon seat post (or just cut down the current one)

    Rookie might have a few more suggestions but personally I don't think you can do much else without facing diminishing returns or risking failure.

    As I said, it was never a heavy bike to start with ;)
    Current:
    NukeProof Mega FR 2012
    Cube NuRoad 2018
    Previous:
    2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
  • Thanks, I might strip the wheels down and see what they weigh what would be a good set of wheels for less than £400? CX use with a few trail centres (not much air I am too old for that ;-) )

    The bars are massively wide so might cut them down. Then I guess it will just be see how I get n with it. I was just hoping it would be a bit quicker, but I guess I am more use to a much lighter CX and road bikes.
  • CitizenLee
    CitizenLee Posts: 2,227
    Thanks, I might strip the wheels down and see what they weigh what would be a good set of wheels for less than £400? CX use with a few trail centres (not much air I am too old for that ;-) )

    The bars are massively wide so might cut them down. Then I guess it will just be see how I get n with it. I was just hoping it would be a bit quicker, but I guess I am more use to a much lighter CX and road bikes.

    I think that's it really, but give it a few weeks riding and you'll get used to it and it's weight will seem normal.

    Chopping bars down is a good shout, for comfort and control if nothing else.
    Current:
    NukeProof Mega FR 2012
    Cube NuRoad 2018
    Previous:
    2015 Genesis CdF 10, 2014 Cube Hyde Race, 2012 NS Traffic, 2007 Specialized SX Trail, 2005 Specialized Demo 8
  • poah
    poah Posts: 3,369
    tyres are already pretty light @ 580g

    you can loose a bit more going tubeless depending on the weight of the tubes.

    you'll have to see how much the bars, stem, saddle, seat post, wheels weight before you think about buying lighter ones. for wheels LB carbon XC would be a little over 400 built up and weight around 1455g
  • Antm81
    Antm81 Posts: 1,406
    As has been mentioned I'd be changing the brakes on that list, not necessarily for weight but having used elixir 7s previously, I find Shimano brakes much less hassle.

    The only other thing that stands out weight wise is possibly the wheels, but hard to tell . Something like Stans crests on decent hubs should be available for under £400.
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    A 1x conversion would be a decent weight saving, circa 400g is usual.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • I took the saddle of it and it was a brick like 326grms, now replaced with a 130 SLR. The seat post was 258 grms so I guess not that much to be saved from that?
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    100g easy saved from seatpost easy. Depends on size, but they exist - Exotic start from about 150g.
  • Its a 30.9 400mm, so I think the weight is ok at 258grms. I need it to be reliable as I am 12 1/2 st.

    Bars and stem are next to be weighed when I get a chance, been too busy riding it and enjoying the snow we have at the moment up north.
  • I had some time so weighed the wheels

    Front 856g Rear 1134g. not super heavy but not light either. Any recommendations for around £300 good for CX racing and Trail centre use.
  • stubs
    stubs Posts: 5,001
    Go for a wee and a dump before you ride that will save a couple of pounds. I would just ride it and replace the parts with better lighter kit as it wears.
    Fig rolls: proof that god loves cyclists and that she wants us to do another lap
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Should be able to get some crests on hopes for that, there is a wheel buying thread in buying advice with some good suggestions for 29er wheels...
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • njee20
    njee20 Posts: 9,613
    Hope on Crest is the stock choice, won't save that much weight though really. My 26" ones were 1585g.

    My Light Bicycle/American Classic 29ers are 1370g, but you'd need to up the budget. I'd be inclined to stick with what you have until you can get something that's a significant improvement.

    1x10 is a good shout, if the ratios work for you. Pointless if not. Tubeless brings other advantages and generally a weight saving.