I know this technically isnt a xc bike discussion but I can't seem to find a better place to ask. I am looking at 2 used bikes, one is older with slightly steeper geometry but around 23lbs. The other is newer, slightly slacker geometry, more travel, and probably more fun to ride, but it weighs 26lbs. I race in the highschool level for xc with 5 or so fairly competitive races, but overall 98% of my riding would be not racing. So I just wanted some people opinions on if 3lbs would make enough of a difference to get the lighter bike.
This is the lighter bike- https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3266384/ And the heiver bike- https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3205977/
PS. Are there any upgrades that could make the pivot a pound or two lighter without breaking the bank?
Buy the heavier bike and pedal harder.. Or buy the more fun bike and build yourself a hardtail for courses that it would be faster.
I wouldn't touch that old sworks as a high school kid. It has aging proprietary suspension that is not going to be cheap or a longterm great solution for a kid.
I’ve spent some time on that generation of 429 SL. It’s a blast. Efficient, light, playful. I recall it bottomed out quickly, but you could add more air or volume spacers. It’s also a very quick handling bike. An angle set might help or offset bushings.
That generation Shimano drivetrain is bomber. Maybe you can find a wider casette if you find yourself struggling uphills?
I agree with Swann. Hard pass on the Specialized for me. Not sure 2x and Rs1 is actually lighter either.
I’ve spent some time on that generation of 429 SL. It’s a blast. Efficient, light, playful. I recall it bottomed out quickly, but you could add more air or volume spacers. It’s also a very quick handling bike. An angle set might help or offset bushings.
That generation Shimano drivetrain is bomber. Maybe you can find a wider casette if you find yourself struggling uphills?
I agree with Swann. Hard pass on the Specialized for me. Not sure 2x and Rs1 is actually lighter either.
I’ve spent some time on that generation of 429 SL. It’s a blast. Efficient, light, playful. I recall it bottomed out quickly, but you could add more air or volume spacers. It’s also a very quick handling bike. An angle set might help or offset bushings.
That generation Shimano drivetrain is bomber. Maybe you can find a wider casette if you find yourself struggling uphills?
I agree with Swann. Hard pass on the Specialized for me. Not sure 2x and Rs1 is actually lighter either.
I know this technically isnt a xc bike discussion but I can't seem to find a better place to ask. I am looking at 2 used bikes, one is older with slightly steeper geometry but around 23lbs. The other is newer, slightly slacker geometry, more travel, and probably more fun to ride, but it weighs 26lbs. I race in the highschool level for xc with 5 or so fairly competitive races, but overall 98% of my riding would be not racing. So I just wanted some people opinions on if 3lbs would make enough of a difference to get the lighter bike.
This is the lighter bike- https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3266384/ And the heiver bike- https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/3205977/
PS. Are there any upgrades that could make the pivot a pound or two lighter without breaking the bank?
None of the HS tracks in CO are really going to challenge dh capabilities of either bike (just because they have to make them more rideable to all the riders).On the HS level it's down to how hard you're training/ how much your legs can take = uphill speed. So I'd say go for the Spec, and try to change it to a 1X setup. But I'll still be cheering for the kids I coach to give you hell
Shimano CE-TCNM1 riding glasses are my fave! They cool and not too big-lensed vibin which I like... They never fog out on me and don't come with silly blackout lenses...