best "type" of XC bike...

Discussion in 'Racing and Training' started by FoShizzle, Nov 9, 2008.

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  1. phillae

    phillae New Member

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    You can Bling out a 575 and get it around 26 pounds - mine is 30 lbs now, but i switch wheels/fork (lose the 20mm through axle) for xc races and drop to about 27lbs Flip on the propedal and it climbs like a beast... Best of both worlds IMHO...
     
    phillae, Nov 11, 2008
    #41
  2. SSinGA

    SSinGA Free-XC-Downhiller

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    I think you need a Niner because Squeaky is getting 2....so it must be cool :lol:
     
    SSinGA, Nov 11, 2008
    #42
  3. sdyeti

    sdyeti New Member

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    Exactly. That's why the Fontana race was a decent experiment. Same course. Same ride. Timed. Only problem is that the races were at least 2 weekends apart.

    I think a lot of the whole 29er vs. 26er argument is mind over matter. What's the old saying..."It's not the bike...it's the rider"?

     
    sdyeti, Nov 11, 2008
    #43
  4. FoShizzle

    FoShizzle New Member

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    good advice!

    i am going to search for good deals on Terremoto and Comandantes for sure...thanks for the tip!

    CVA is CVGhey
     
    FoShizzle, Nov 11, 2008
    #44
  5. Dan White

    Dan White Member

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    XC Races are won on the climbs!

    Yes, I agree that most XC races are won on the climbs but I've also won and lost races on the decents. Definately depends on the race course.
    Personally I would recommend the following: 1) light wheels w/fast rolling tires, 2) Good fork w/100mm travel, 3) hardtail, softail or under 4" travel full suspension (depends on the course, smoother courses always favor lighter/stiffer bikes), 4) Make sure you have no brake drag or tight bearings (cranks, wheels, etc.).
    Regarding suspension: I'm done running 60 to 80mm travel forks. They're okay early in the race but you start paying the price later in the race.
    26" versus 29"? There's a weight penalty w/a 29er but minimal if you run light wheels & tires.
    Check out Joe Friel's books on training! A good pro could win an expert race on a 30 lb. bike.
     
    Dan White, Nov 11, 2008
    #45
  6. FoShizzle

    FoShizzle New Member

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    thanks to all for comments, even though i didn't get feedback from the most inspiring racers around these parts

    ordred my bike today...well, most of it anyway (all but fork and wheels ordered). Went with a lightweight (3.5 lb frame) 29er hardtail as that makes the most sense for me. Got an OUTSTANDING price on it all!!! Though I wont believe it till it arrives and I see for myself, got a 2009 XTR group for less than half of what I would have paid at any other shop...ridiculous!

    On One Scandal cuz I love my current SS On One Inbred 29er more than any other hardtail (or softtail) I have owned so I know the geo is dialed in for my liking.
     
    FoShizzle, Nov 13, 2008
    #46
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