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MTB
6 bits of ultra-lightweight MTB tech for Cross-Country racers
The lighter, the faster? Check out these mountain bike components that will turn your machine in a racing-rig.
If you want to see some of the lightest and craziest mountain bike products around, look no further than Cross-Country racing. In a discipline where weight – or lack of it – really counts, XC racers have become obsessive over the weight of every part of their setup.
Thankfully, bike and component manufacturers are happy to meet racers' demands. If you're really looking to make your bike the fastest it can be, we’ve compiled a list of the lightest XC tech around.
1. Mcfk – Stem
Mcfk are a small German brand who like making their featherweight cycling components out of carbon fibre. This is great news for all you XC weight-watchers out there, as it means you can drool over this carbon stem which weighs well under 100g, depending on the size you pick.
It’s available in minus 6 or 17 degree options, so there’s no problem if you want a low and aggressive position on your race bike.
Lack of mass does, however, coincide with an increase in price – and Mcfk’s products are no exception, with their stem costing £319.
2. ax–lightness – Ultra 29T Wheels
Another German brand, ax-lightness make some of the lightest kit out there – and whilst all but a lucky few can afford it, we still love to drool over their carbon components.
Their Ultra 29T tubular cross country wheels are a prime example of what ax-lightness are capable of, with an overall weight of just 1065g. That’s incredible, when you consider that they have a rider weight limit of 100kg. A set of these wheels will set you back €2,399, somewhere around £2,137 at the current exchange rate.
3. FRM – Vader saddle
FRM’s Vader saddle weighs just 80g – yes, you read it right, 80 measly grams. For that, you don’t (physically) get much, with the saddle made up of basically just a carbon shell and a small strip of rubber attached for some added grip.
It’s also only rated up to an 80kg rider weight limit, but FRM team riders have raced this saddle all over the world, including the insanely tough Cape Epic, so there’s no doubt it can cut the mustard at a world class level. As one of the best saddles out there, it sits at around €427, or £380.
4. Cane Creek – Titanium Crankset
Now, here’s some exceptionally rare and impressively light titanium hardware from EE Cycleworks and Cane Creek.
Weighing a mere 390g, the eeWings Titanium Crankset comes in lighter than most carbon cranksets, and still comes with a 10-year warranty.
Titanium isn't commonly known for being the stiffest material, but don't worry, Cane Creek claim their crankset is 30-40% stiffer when compared to to competitors' designs – not bad.
It costs $999 (around £760) to get your hands on one of these bad boys.
5. Cannondale – FSI
Henrique Avancini on his Cannondale FSI at Stellenbosch
© Craig Kolesky/Red Bull Content Pool
Released this year, Cannondale’s FSI has to be one of, if not the, lightest stock cross country race bikes you can buy at the moment, with a claimed weight of 8.4kg.
It’s unique Lefty Ocho single-sided suspension fork helps save a few grams, and the Sram Eagle groupset and Enve M25 wheels hardly trouble the scales.
This bike is raced at the highest level by the Cannondale Factory racing team, proving it can take some hits, even with such a low overall weight. You can buy the full build for £7,499.99.
6. Trickstuff – Piccola Brakes
Wait, another Germany manufacturer? Yes, it seems Germany is the place to be if you want to get in on the lightweight mountain biking game. Not ones to miss out on the party, Trickstuff have their light-weight Piccola brakes.
These clean looking brakes claim to be the lightest on the market, at just over 300g for the pair!
This incredible lack of weight will cost you €800 (£712) for the pair. However, just like the Cannondale FSI, these brakes are raced at the highest level by the Focus XC team, so hopefully their performance matches the dizzying price.
