I do have the Procaliber and am just running the stock 32t. I’ve not heard anything specific to fit ups for larger than specified.
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Hey thanks. I’ll probably play it safe then and pick up a 36t chainring
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I have the ICAN version built up and its been really good so far. I built it up in the fall so I haven’t put a ton of miles on it, but the quality of the frame was nice.
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Just built mine - Carbonda version. Haven’t weighed it but this was a budget build with parts taken from my previous bike. Will upgrade the Fork before race season starts and play around with the stem but this is pretty much my race rig! Love the geometry.
Its my first ever Chinese bike and am very very impressed with quality and customer support!
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This looks amazing! Super interested. What hardware did you need to order and replace? I’ve heard that’s an issue with Carbonda.
@mcneese.chad is it time to close this thread and open up 2023 XC Bike Thread?
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I figured I’d leave this open for a bit, since some discussions on the “old” models is still likely. Anyone is welcome to kick off a new one, or I can do it tomorrow.
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WRT the new thread, it might be good if one of the regular forum members with an interest in these bikes makes the first post for 2023. They will have the ability to update the first post with any links or primary info if that is desired.
But if that’s not something people want, I can make it and the OP will be largely just a starting point with main content below.
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Might as well make a new thread
Yes, we are planning a new thread no matter what. The questions is WHO is best to make it.
I’m unclear who you are suggesting, if anyone (per my considerations above).
I have a 2022 bike, so I’ll be hanging out here. 
I don’t have the cash to upgrade this year, but I will lurk in the new thread and live vicariously through others…
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Sure, that makes sense to group it, at least to me. 
This is largely in your guys hands and I am just here to help facilitate if needed.
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I started this one, but I wasn’t compelled to start a new thread until I saw a 2023 model that looked interesting enough to start a discussion.
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Does anyone know offhand if the current Cannondale Scalpel HT (hardtail) has the funky Cannondale Ai rear wheel offset? I can’t find anything for sure other than it’s labeled as having a 55mm chainline and I’m not even sure what “regular” is.
Nope they dropped it. 55mm chain line is a bit of a pain when trying to find new SRAM cranks but apart from that it just gives a bit more clearance.
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Somewhat related to the NS/Carbonda talk above, how do you determine the suspension travel change from a change in shock travel?
Is it just to do with the leverage ratio? Or is it knowing the shock/wheel travel of a different model?
For example, if someone got their hands on a 2022 Giant Anthem and put on a 2.5mm longer shock, could you work out the change?
I was driving home from camping yesterday and day dreaming of a new bike. I really like the Giant Anthem, the only downsides are slightly less travel, though could easily get back the 120mm on the front. The other thing is whether it’s too light to do proper “trail” duty for me as my only bike for outdoor racing/riding on any trails.
And on another discussion note.
Who has weight weenied their Down Country bikes?
My bike has gone back up to a slightly portly 12.7kg with the addition of Maxxis tyres, the matching SRAM grips for GripShift, and my saddle bag.
I’m trying to look at where I can trim a few grams without reducing it’s ability to tackle any trail I throw at it.
I’m running a Race face SixC bar, XT components everywhere, carbon bottle cage, PNW Loam 170mm dropper, and reasonably light (but not overly so) custom wheels with DT 240 hubs and Duke aluminium 30mm wide rims.
I was looking at an integrated bar and stem, but that would be a bit inconvenient for travel. Same with a Grace stem which are light and strong but don’t make for easy bar removal/install.
I am thinking of ordering some BTLOS 27mm extra light rims later in the year, but other than that am I left to really big price for small gram differences (XTR over XT?)?
I wouldn’t say I specifically weight weenied it (that wasn’t my goal), but my Spur is a bit under 26 lbs. The areas where I saved some weight aren’t necessarily areas where your $/g ratio is great when upgrading (I did a frame up build, so these are things I put on at the start). I run a Next SL crankset, which probably nets me some weight savings over other options, but I don’t think is worth an upgrade. I also run an e*thirteen Helix cassette, which I think is another marginal weight savings item (I run SRAM drivetrains out of personal preference FWIW). At least with cassettes, as a wear item, you can upgrade when you need a new cassette, but I think the weight savings is pretty minimal. Since you said you’re considering a wheel upgrade, what’s your current wheelset weigh (approximately)? I didn’t weigh my wheels by themselves, but I think it’s ~1500g. I’ve got WeAreOne Revives (25mm) with i9 Hydra hubs and Sapim Race spokes. The only other thing I can think of is tires, but changing those can mean you lose desired ride characteristics. I run 2.35 Ikons personally for day-to-day, but that’s not enough for everyone.
If you’re considering the upgrade anyways, my vote is wheels personally.
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Thanks for that input!
Yeah, I hadn’t considered a crank upgrade. That could be worthwhile, except I have a spider based PM. I agree with you regarding cassette. I had considered also stumping up for a 10-45T cassette for racing on. It’s such a small weight saving and whilst I don’t use the 51 tooth often at all, it’s really, really helpful when I do!
My current wheelset is right around 1500g. I’m hoping to get it ~200g lighter with carbon rims. I am super keen to go to Onyx Vesper hubs though which would mean a neutral change to ~1400g lol.
I’m currently running 2.4 Rekon/Rekon Race. Though have an Aspen to try on the rear.
I’ve got some Wolfpack Tyres which are lovely, and light, but I’m saving them for my A-Race in the forest which is a little nicer on tyres than the extreme rocks on my March racing.
Thanks again for the thoughts!
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Is there a lightweight version of your saddle? I saved about 200g switching to a lighter weight saddle that also fit me well enough.
Also, consider moving the saddle bag as low on the bike as you can get it. It might not change the overall bike weight much, but it will make the bike much easier to maneuver. I look for mounts:
- Above the BB and below the bottle cages (with some bottle cages, I can use the saddle rail straps to mount the bag)
- On the seat stays below the seat post collar (depending on how your seat stays are set up)
- Inside the main triangle - either at the front or in the middle of the top tube (if you have double bottles inside the triangle, can sometimes strap it to the middle of the top tube).
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