The 15 lightest full-suspension frames in the world: These XC bikes are particularly light

​In hardly any other mountain biking discipline does weight still play such a central role as it does in marathon and cross-country racing. For race full-suspension bikes, keeping the weight down remains a key development goal. However, modern XC bikes are no longer comparable to the minimalist racing machines of past generations: greater suspension travel, higher reserves and a significantly wider range of uses have noticeably increased the demands placed on the suspension and the frame.

Designing an exceptionally lightweight full-carbon frame that still meets these increased demands therefore remains one of the most challenging tasks in frame construction. The key is not simply to save as much material as possible. Rather, it is a matter of using carbon specifically where it is actually needed for stiffness, load-bearing capacity and the function of the rear triangle. At the same time, sensitive areas must offer sufficient reserves to withstand tough racing conditions. Only when these differing requirements can be successfully combined without compromising on durability, suspension performance or stiffness can a truly lightweight yet fully-fledged race full-suspension mountain bike be created. We’re publishing our measurements from the BIKE test lab and showcasing the ten lightest full-suspension MTB frames on the planet.

Conclusion

I think it’s great that cross-country frames are getting lighter again. In my experience, they don’t even lose any of their ride quality in the process. The frames from Specialized and Arc8 are particularly light, but Canyon, Scott and Giant are also producing refreshingly light frames. Anyone prepared to spend several thousand euros on a race bike should check BIKE first to compare frame weights. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Frame on the scales: the BIKE measurement

BIKE is the only specialist publication in the world to operate its own test laboratory with industry-recognised test rigs. No one else goes to such lengths to measure mountain bikes down to the last detail. For cross-country bikes, this also includes determining the frame weight. Of course, even here at BIKE we don’t receive every test bike in every possible frame size. As a result, a race bike might roll into the test lab in size L one time and XL another. That’s why we list frame weights separately according to frame size. However, the data set for frame size L is significantly larger. That’s why we’re listing the top ten here. As a guide: depending on the manufacturer and model, there’s usually a weight difference of 100 to 200 grams between sizes. Smaller frames are naturally lighter than larger ones.

​To ensure the fairest possible comparison, we weighed all frames under identical conditions. Cables, shock absorbers, bottom bracket and headset bearings, and other fittings were not included. However, thru-axles, derailleur hanger, bonded frame protectors and all fastening screws belonging to the frame – for example, for bottle cages – were included in the calculated weight. For models with headset cups already pressed into place, these were also included in the weight.

Top 5 frame sizes: XL

Top 10 frame sizes: L

XC bikes are getting lighter again

For years, BIKE readers complained about mountain bikes becoming increasingly heavy. Although manufacturers in the cross-country sector strove to keep weights low, concerns about stiffness and durability took their toll. Looking back, some frame engineers now refer to this as ‘over-engineering’. The return to traditional lightweight design principles can be seen, for example, in the Specialized S-Works Epic 9. This model replaces the Epic 8, as well as the Epic 8 Evo and the Epic World Cup. Even in size XL, the Californian brand’s exorbitantly expensive carbon frame remains extremely light. To achieve this, the frame’s storage compartment and conventional cable entry points have been eliminated. Incidentally, in a special lightweight version, Specialized promises weights starting from 8.3 kilos.

Canyon’s engineering feat is impressive. The Koblenz-based company has not only managed to offer a genuinely lightweight frame on bikes that are significantly cheaper than the competition’s; the new Lux World Cup CF frame even weighs less in size XL than its already lightweight predecessor in size L. The new Scott Spark RC, too, is actually slightly lighter in size XL than its predecessor in size L. However, unlike Specialized and Canyon, the Swiss manufacturer has opted for a full range of features integrated into the frame. The only current race bike that we were able to measure in both frame sizes is the Giant Anthem Advanced SL. It ranks in the top five in both sizes, gaining just under 200 grams from size L to size XL. It’s always worth bearing in mind that a different paint finish alone can easily account for a weight difference of 120 grams.

What do you think: is the frame weight important to you when buying a cross-country mountain bike, or do you tend to focus on other things? Let us know in the comments!