I ride singletrack almost exclusively, roots and sharp turns. Accelerating and decelerating are the order of the day, so I want 26" wheels which accelerate and decelerate faster than 29" wheels. Seems 26" bikes are getting rare.

I sometimes do cyclocross portages, so I want the cable hangers on the top of the top tube, not on the underside where they will dig into my shoulder. This is a unusual on many carbon frames.

Want Sram 1x11.

Please experts, recommend a durable lightweight 26" bike/frame for me.

My first question would be does it have to be carbon?

If so, why?

It would seem you could find a high end alloy bike that would fit the bill much more easily that looking for a carbon framed bike.

You could always go the custom route.

What's your budget?

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Lefty heaven

If you mean a hardtail frame, then you have a lot of options in the face of PedalForce MT and the many other brands offering basically the same frame under their own brand name. I have this frame for my hardtail and it has proven to be light and quite strong. Also very stiff, even too stiff for my liking.

Here is the link of the PedalForce frame:
http://pedalforce.com/online/product_info.php?products_id=4702

All the cables are routed on top of the top tube. The weight for my 19" frame is: 1192 grams including the derailleur hanger.

I am sure with some digging around you can find a local to you brand which carries the same frame.

Stefan

This might be a the way I end up going, but I am looking for something more like the brand OPEN.

Why not a Scott Scale 600 RC frame? http://r2-bike.com/Scott-SCALE-600-RC-2013

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I had only looked at S-works and Trek of the big brands...thanks for reminding me to check out Scott....that's what I was looking for.

Do you know if there is/will be an xx1 version?

thanks!

You are looking for a complete bike? It' more fun to build yourself

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yes, just more money to build.
Mostly the part that annoys me is buying $1000+wheelset then replacing the freehub on a brand new wheel.

It depends - looking at what the topmodels cost (around 7000 euros) I'm pretty sure that you can build more personal/better for the same amount of money and get at least the same quality

I only think it pays of if you buy the lower range bikes to buy complete - otherwise collect the bike yourself.

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It can't be that hard to get an XD-ready wheelset; I'm fairly sure eg. Hope Hoops with Stan's Arch rims come in about £350 the pair, with XD freehub body fitted.

Are there any more affordable 26ht frames in the 1kg range?

Haibike Greed

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You only own a bike when you've violated every single term of guarantee.