If you want to go down a rabbit hole - this thread is what I found really useful. All sorts of build info and specs (exact bearing sizes, shock stroke lengths, etc). I got a good deal on my Fox 34SC and carbon hoops but I think I was able to build mine up to <26lbs for $5,500 CAD in the end by picking up stuff on sale for a year leading up to my build. I think that’s almost impossible to do post COVID, but you can still build up a nice light, but very capable XC/DC bike for way less than anything with a name brand on it.
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I have the ICAN version which is heavier with nothing exotic or weird built at ~25lbs with pedals.
What is the ICAN version? is that the FM936 standard frame? If so, can you give high level overview on spec?
I went:
4 piston brakes; 203/180mm rotors (I’m 200lbs)
1500g carbon wheels
Mezcal or Rekon Race for tires. Not super weenie but not the heaviest either.
Shimano XT drivetrain/brakes
Race Face NEXT-R cranks (not the SL)
one up 210 dropper
carbon bars
I don’t see how I get to 25lbs without going fancy on drivetrain or getting more XC cranks. But as I am bigger guy I wanted to avoid crank-arm failures on drops, etc. I can easily lose 10lbs off myself, so focusing on that for now but always fun to think about ways to cut weight on the bike!
duh. thanks
That list is not exact or accurate or even comprehensive lol, but it’s mostly representative of the build. That is my “You-don’t-need-to-spend-the-money-dumbass” spreadsheet.
From my understanding, the Carbonda/Vitus/Boltcutter etc etc version has flex stays and no rear pivot. The ICAN does have a rear pivot and provides slightly different and more progressive travel. The front triangle however is exactly the same.
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Thanks. As usual, no obvious area to improve for me, rather it’s small differences here and there.
The spec/build process is almost as much fun as riding itself! I have a similar spreadsheet somewhere in my archives as well. Thanks for sharing.
“ounces become pounds”
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Has anyone heard anything about 2023 Epic Evo? I know there’s been spy pictures of the updated short travel Epic that will serve as a HT replacement but I’ve heard the normal Epic will be 120/120 with some sort of Flight Attendant or similar lockout and the Evo will be 130/120. I’m hoping those are the same frame as I love to ride my race bike in a more aggressive setup 95% of the time. Would be cool if they used different headset cups like the Stumpjumper Evo too (and also the new Spark but hopefully easier to use).
Marginal losses?
When I saw folks talking about 28lbs bikes I was like “holy moly!” then realized you were talking endros not XC…right? I mean my FS Scalpel is 21lbs with a dropper. I could drop 200g off of that with a Carbon Lefty, but $1600 for 200g seems excessive even if it does take the front end up from 100mm to 120mm travel.
Where did you hear that?
@Briceps
I hope they don’t really change the Epic Evo that much.
If I wanted more travel, I’d just get a Stumpy.
Maybe adding lockout from the factory.
They could bump the normal Epic up, but man…I really like the space the current Epic Evo fills.
Hump
A lockout would be great and I wouldn’t mind it getting a tad bit longer but that’s just my personal bias as someone’s who’s a bit between sizes on that bike, at least for my preferences.
We were talking about 120mm XC/DC bikes, but as above, I’d say there’s no value in negatively commenting on the weight of someone’s bike build who may have chosen a beefier build or spent a bit less money.
A quick Google shows the Scalpel SE at ~28lbs so I guess you have a pretty racey set up. That’s awesome, but might not suit where someone else is riding.
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Is that a measured weight for the Fox Transfer SL? 222g is outstanding!
These look awesome. Outside my price range, but very cool design features.
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My 2023 Fezzari Signal Peak build. I’ll be targeting Moab Rocks, GJ Rides and Vibes, and Downieville, so it’s definitely more of downcountry build.
Size: XL
Fork: MRP Ribbon SL (Titanium CeraKOTE lowers)
Rear Shock: Rock Shox SidLUXE Ultimate w/ TwistLoc
Drivetrain: Shimano XT/XTR (XTR cassette, cranks, & chain)
Wheels: Roval Control
Seatpost: BikeYoke Devine 160mm with Titanium hardware
Handlebar/stem: FSA KFX Sic 780x65mm
Brakes: Formula Cura
Pedals: Crank Brothers Mallet Trail
Saddle: Ergon SMC Women’s M/L
Tires: Maxxis DHR2 2.3 front, Maxxis Minion SS 2.3 rear
Power Meter: Xcadey X-power
As shown: 27.2 lbs
I finished the build on Thursday night and got ~8 hours on it in Moab over the weekend. Happy with the build overall, but already to going to change the tires to Rekon/Rekon Race. I think the Minions might be too narrow for Roval rims – for a semi-slick the rear sure felt slow!
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My blur came with Rekon Races and I am extremely impressed with them. Obviously they roll incredibly well, but they have a surprising amount of grip. I really like the Minion SS, but it is much slower than I expected before I rode one. Its basically a faster rolling Minion rather than a truly fast rolling tire; and that’s not saying much, as the minions are one of the slowest rolling tires out there!
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And threaded BB like they did on the new S6 Evo.
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Yeah it’s a Carbon Scalpel 2, so 100mm F/R setup, so it’s quite racy and definitely has some serious limits when getting into more DC/Enduro terrain.
That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t LIKE to have 120mm up front, but as folks are discussing in the thread, you can have a crazy setup if you don’t mind opening your wallet. My Scalpel is the first new MTB I’ve had in 20 years, so my hardware is a massive improvement, but my software now needs an upgrade as well, practice practice practice…
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Have you used Maxxis Aspens before? Any comparison? Currently on F/R Aspens 2.4" doing XC in NV/UT/AZ.