Hi,
I've got a ~2014 Giant XTC 29er that I picked up used at the end of last year. Have really been enjoying it having gotten more into MTB'd during lockdown these past few months (roadie mainly with a bit of CX).
Did my first XC race Sunday and really enjoyed it and would like to do more next season.
Now thinking about upgrading my frame. I've already got XT M8000 1x groupset that the previous owner updated and I upgraded the wheels to DT XR391 rims with DT hubs - 9mm QR rear hub, non boost. Got 100mm FOX F29 32 RLC forks that I've had serviced, a selcof carbon bar and a brand x dropper, weighs 11.0kg.
I'm happy that the wheels and groupset are decent, but objectively, how good are the forks and current frame?
Can anyone recommend a frame to upgrade to? Something to look out for second hand or perhaps chinese carbon? Current frame is around 1.6kg so be good to save a bit of weight.
Dont want to spend loads.
Thanks.
You'd have to splash a fair bit to get an appreciable improvement, the xtc frames have always had a solid rep, geo has moved on a bit but if you're racing not so much you'd make big time gains. A high end frame and forks you'd be looking at couple of grand unless you got lucky with some second hand stuff. Otherwise you'd end up with much of a muchness. So...spend big and give me your frame and forks 😜
Careful Miles, you’re not admitting that you’re actually enjoying our Tuesday night rides are you?!
In all seriousness - obviously a light carbon XC race frame may well be better for racing, but might it get a bit overwhelmed around Spanish for example? It’d probably end up being a compromise either way between racing and trail riding. You’d be more than welcome to try my Ragley Mmmbop next week if you fancied as a representative of the more ‘trail’ orientated end of the market.
Have a look for a Whyte 29c frame.
Fast enough for a xc race but just as happy as a trail bike.
Thanks for replies.
Haha Drew, I love our Tuesday rides.
I dont think its just the bike that gets overwhelmed at Spanish! I'm not entirely convinced carbon is a good idea either as it wont dent as well as my XTC.
Thanks for the joyride, I mean test ride offer!
