Building a 20lb hardtail for 3k

Discuss light weight issues concerning mountain bikes & parts.

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Mocean
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Joined: Wed May 04, 2016 4:54 am

by Mocean

Hey all,
Could use your advice. I am building a 20lb or less hardtail to use for gravel, bikepacking (I pack super light) and light xc riding. I want something stiff but still with some vertical compliance. My budget is 3k. Right now I'm looking at the black 2016 trek superfly alloy frame for $600 which is estimated at 1700gr and is a nice looking bike. I'm open to carbon but not sure it's worth the extra expense to save a pound or less, open to ideas though of how to get to my desired weight/$ goals. Probably going to run a 1x drivetrain and I'd like a lockout 100mm fork. Thanks in advance!

by Weenie


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stoney
Posts: 474
Joined: Wed Jun 08, 2011 11:26 am

by stoney

Let me know if you can get that frame built up to less than 20 pounds for a complete bike with a 100mm fork for under 3k. This should be interesting.

DanW
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Joined: Fri May 02, 2008 5:39 pm
Location: Here, there and everywhere

by DanW

I want something stiff but still with some vertical compliance.


:oops: :D

Worry about tyres and pressure first, then seatpost.

My budget is 3k


256-sl frame (cheaper than the Trek and will save you 700g), SIDs, cheapy 1.4kg wheels (American Classic based or Chinese again), Ikons or Racing Ralphs, Mt Zoom and KCNC everything, Chinese seatpost and clamp (e.g. 135g and 6g versions on ebay), Kalloy Uno stem, whatever 1x10 or 1x11 works out the best $/g, XTR brakes, foam grips, Toronto Cycles for Ti and Alu bolt tuning, Xpedo pedals. should be pretty doable especially if you can pick up some of the more expensive bits like wheels/ fork/ frame second hand.

Starting with a 1.7kg frame will do you no help at all in the weight department :D The rest of the above are bread and butter budget weenie MTB parts and just as good if not better and lighter than the pricier alternatives :thumbup:

I say all this on the back of a sub 8kg full sus (albeit 26er) for 3k and a 8.5kg 29er (with dropper) for the same money. Currency is GBP but it seems by the time we add our taxes $1 = £1 :evil:

TheRookie
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Joined: Wed Jan 18, 2012 4:23 pm
Location: Midlands, United Kingdom

by TheRookie

My homebuilt hardtail was 20lb for £650 (less than $1K). Admittedly that did use predominantly used parts.

That weight was complete ready to ride bike, Drivetrain mostly XT, alloy frame of competitive weight, 1x gearing and home built wheels using Stans Alpine rims, lots of attention to small details.
Impoverished weight weenie wanna-be!
Budget 26" HT build viewtopic.php?f=10&t=110956

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stockae92
Posts: 295
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:13 pm

by stockae92

I have to say building a 26er bike is a lot cheaper than a 29er, and its a great way to go for a light weight bike without breaking the bank.

I too though, would be interested in 29er light weight built without having to sell my car for it. May not be 20lb, but maybe sub 22lb ready to ride (with SPD pedals and cages) would be nice

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Getter
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Joined: Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:30 am
Location: So Cal

by Getter

Not sure if you're open to the idea of a direct from China carbon frame. You can get a ~1200 gram frame for around 500usd. My frame weighs in at 1111gr for a medium with a BSA bottom bracket. I paid less than 500 shipped. Mine is at 21lbs with pretty common parts and some 1740gr Easton wheels. I've been riding it for over a year with no issues.

sholiday
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Joined: Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:25 am
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA

by sholiday

Price Point has 2015 BH Ultimate 29 all carbon frame for ~$725 right now. Not sure what size you are but they are around 1100-1200grams. They have deals on complete builds for under $3k. They also have great deals on Niner full builds.


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Parlee Z3 4.94kg: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=101920
Wilier Cento Uno SL 5.52kg: viewtopic.php?f=10&t=101957

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stockae92
Posts: 295
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:13 pm

by stockae92

Doesn't BH has life time warranty on frame for original owner? That would be great CF frame ...


sholiday wrote:Price Point has 2015 BH Ultimate 29 all carbon frame for ~$725 right now. Not sure what size you are but they are around 1100-1200grams. They have deals on complete builds for under $3k. They also have great deals on Niner full builds.


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Getter
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by Getter

That is a pretty killer deal.

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stockae92
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Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 5:13 pm

by stockae92

According to Price Point, "There is a limited lifetime warranty on all BH bikes and frames. You must register online with BH at their website BHBikes-US.com within 30 days of purchase for the warranty to apply."

TheRookie
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by TheRookie

WOE is a 'limited lifetime' ???
Impoverished weight weenie wanna-be!
Budget 26" HT build viewtopic.php?f=10&t=110956

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marecej
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by marecej

its not limited lifetime, but limited "lifetime warranty" :-) limited belongs to warranty, not lifetime :-)
Unno Horn = 8100g
Ellsworth Truth = 9371g

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stockae92
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by stockae92

marecej wrote:its not limited lifetime, but limited "lifetime warranty" :-) limited belongs to warranty, not lifetime :-)


That's my understand of the term :)

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Ghastly
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by Ghastly

https://www.canyon.com/nl/mtb/grand-can ... oneby.html

€2799, don't know how much dollars that is... Listed 10kg, probably a little over, but with heavy saddle, seatpostclamp,...

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

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