Advice: Building a 20 lb. Hardtail XC Mountain Bike

[Hans W. Gruenig]

Howdy,

Someone stole my trusty (heavily modified) Trek 930 last month that
I'd been riding since 1992. I've been out of the 'gear' loop for
years now. I'd like to build a 20 lb. Hardtail XC Mountain Bike
that's rigid, smooth, and durable (possibly with two wheel sets: one
mountain and one road -- kind of like the Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra,
but lighter).

I'd appreciate any input based on experience.

(1) Suggestions on reasonably priced lightweight frames?

(1a) How is Cannondale's current "Optimo Mountain" frame?

(1b) What about Cannondale's 2001 "CAAD5" frame? (Is there a problem
with fitting new brakes on this frame -- say, the Avid Ball Bearing
Disc Brake? I ask because I've read: "The 4 bolt rotors suck big time
if you want to get new wheels, or brakes." and "Cannondale's use of
only 4 rotor screw to secure the Hayes Discs to their hubs are not
good nor secure as the standard 6 rotor screw set-up.")

(2) Suggestions on light, durable, quality component sets?

(2a) I like a bike that doesn't require constant fiddling. Are disc
brakes worth the trouble?

Many thanks,
-Hans.

--
rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt

[TJ]

Post by Hans W. Gruenig
Howdy,
Someone stole my trusty (heavily modified) Trek 930 last month that
I'd been riding since 1992. I've been out of the 'gear' loop for
years now. I'd like to build a 20 lb. Hardtail XC Mountain Bike
that's rigid, smooth, and durable (possibly with two wheel sets: one
mountain and one road -- kind of like the Cannondale Bad Boy Ultra,
but lighter).
I'd appreciate any input based on experience.
(1) Suggestions on reasonably priced lightweight frames?
(1a) How is Cannondale's current "Optimo Mountain" frame?
(1b) What about Cannondale's 2001 "CAAD5" frame? (Is there a problem
with fitting new brakes on this frame -- say, the Avid Ball Bearing
Disc Brake? I ask because I've read: "The 4 bolt rotors suck big time
if you want to get new wheels, or brakes." and "Cannondale's use of
only 4 rotor screw to secure the Hayes Discs to their hubs are not
good nor secure as the standard 6 rotor screw set-up.")
(2) Suggestions on light, durable, quality component sets?
(2a) I like a bike that doesn't require constant fiddling. Are disc
brakes worth the trouble?
Many thanks,
-Hans.
--
rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt

I guess you have been out of the gear loop. I think if you shoot for low
weight you will be sacrificing durability. There are a lot of good products
to spec a fully rigid bike. But you may be spending a lot o cash to get a
sub 20 pound bike. But hey...spend that money. Your LBS could use it.

TJ
www.fatboy.s5.com
www.gvii.net/hundtoft



--
rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt

[Charles Beristain]

Post by Hans W. Gruenig
(1a) How is Cannondale's current "Optimo Mountain" frame?

it is an excellent frame... and it is rugged as well.

Post by Hans W. Gruenig
(1b) What about Cannondale's 2001 "CAAD5" frame? (Is there a problem
with fitting new brakes on this frame -- say, the Avid Ball Bearing
Disc Brake? I ask because I've read: "The 4 bolt rotors suck big time
if you want to get new wheels, or brakes." and "Cannondale's use of
only 4 rotor screw to secure the Hayes Discs to their hubs are not
good nor secure as the standard 6 rotor screw set-up.")

caad4 and caad 5 are excellent frames... my caad 4 has magura
hydraulic disc brakes ... the newer cannondales don't use the 4 bolt
design, and use any of the standard brakes like hayes, magura, etc.

Post by Hans W. Gruenig
(2) Suggestions on light, durable, quality component sets?

mid to top of the line from any of the component mfgrs will be both
light weight and durable. I like SRAM rocket twist shifters as they
are light weight and seem less likely to get bent/broken when
crashing.

Post by Hans W. Gruenig
(2a) I like a bike that doesn't require constant fiddling. Are disc
brakes worth the trouble?

definitely worth it... expecially if you ride in wet/muddy conditions.
no more fiddling than with V brakes.
charlie

[Monique Y. Mudama]

["Followup-To:" header set to alt.mountain-bike.] On 2004-08-03, Charles

Post by Charles Beristain

Post by Hans W. Gruenig
(2a) I like a bike that doesn't require constant fiddling. Are disc
brakes worth the trouble?

definitely worth it... expecially if you ride in wet/muddy conditions.
no more fiddling than with V brakes.

And unlike v-brakes, you can't forget to re-attach your front brake
after putting on your front wheel!

I recently (1-2 months ago) got a new bike with disc, and I definitely
appreciate it. My hands get less tired and it's easier to brake "just a
little bit" (brake modulation). I've had to fiddle with the caliper
adjustments a bit to get their distance set just right, but it's
extremely easy to do (two big knobs; no tools required).
--
monique

"Get a bicycle. You will not regret it, if you live."
-- Mark Twain

--
rec.bicycles.off-road is moderated by volunteers. To find help solving
posting problems, or contact the moderators, please see http://rbor.org/
Please read the charter before posting: http://rbor.org/rbor_charter.txt