According to the rule of thumb, it costs on average one gram per euro to sweat excess pounds out of a bike. Using three bikes from three categories (Marathon, Trail and All Mountain) as examples, we tried to make the bike lighter, faster or more trail-ready. However, a wheelset for 2500 euros or carbon fibre cranks for 800 euros were taboo in our tuning project. After all, with the right amount of money you can give wings to any bike. Instead, we paid attention to the budget for all tuning parts and almost only converted what promised a real benefit.
After all, tuners don't just focus on weight, but also on function. To give the specialised racer Giant Anthem with 100 millimetre suspension more confidence, we gave the bike a longer fork and a telescopic seatpost. This made the Giant 460 grams heavier, but much better for trail use.
However, where things are turning, weight reduction makes twice as much sense. Wheels and tyres in particular are therefore very popular with tuners and gram-filers. This is where weight tuning is particularly noticeable and can significantly increase riding enjoyment. The steering feel, acceleration and agility of a bike depend to a large extent on the choice of wheels and tyres. If you want to save weight with little effort, you should first convert your tyres to tubeless and save on tubes. Using the Specialized Stumpjumper as an example, we were able to save a whole 370 grams with this measure for less than 20 euros. Better puncture protection against thorns and minor punctures is even included free of charge.
This leaves room for small but fine titanium delicacies, which cost six euros per gram and still remain well below the rule-of-thumb threshold.
These three bikes were allowed into the tuning round - you will find the links at the end of the article:
- Giant Anthem 1
- Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 50
- Specialzed Stumpjumper Comp
5 tips for fine tuning parts
1 Vecnum Nivo telescopic support
Reliability, function and weight speak in favour of the 449 euro Nivo from the Allgäu-based supplier Vecnum. The dropper post is available with up to 212 millimetres of travel and is easy to maintain. Compared to the class leader Rockshox Reverb, it is around 170 grams lighter.
2 Magura Trail Sport brakes
In our big brake test in BIKE 5/19, the very affordable trail sports brake (€139.99) was awarded the price/performance tip and impressed with its high braking power. Compared to an XT brake, it is also 110 grams lighter per set.
3 Bontrager Comp MTB pedals
For just 59.99 euros and weighing 288 grams (lighter than Shimano XTR), the SPD-compatible pedals offer a very good price/weight ratio. Available in red and black or, with a 30 euro surcharge, in gold/purple.
4 Lizard Skins DSP handles
The lightweight foam grips are available in two diameters for a good 20 euros. They weigh just 26 grams per pair including handlebar
They weigh just 26 grams per pair including the handlebar plugs and can be mounted without twisting using the supplied tape.
5 Maxxis 29 x 2.6 inch
If you like wide tyres and still want to keep the weight in mind, the Forekaster (803 g) and Rekon (811 g) are the right combination for trail use. Both tyres already have "Exo-Protection" puncture protection.
You can find this article in BIKE 10/2019. You can read the entire digital edition in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or the print edition in the DK shop reorder - while stocks last:
