Since im now living in Melbourne, and the closest trails (Yarra and Lysterfield) just dont warrant a 6″ trail bike all the time, i decided to build up an XC oriented hard tail, rather than nicking my wife’s Yukon or trying to XC on a DJ/4X bike.
Built this up on a tight budget:
[img]http://gallery2.plebeians.net/d/35916-2/20140726-163000-iPhone.JPG[/img]
Its an absolute hoot, pretty light, rolls well, jumps reasonably and can climb better than I can.
Specs:
2006/07ish Giant XTC3 frame
Fox 32 100mm CTD Evo
Jetblack Rocket wheelset (High Roller & Larsen TT)
M770 XT drivetrain bar the SLX shifters
M615 Deore brakes
Giant composite bars, Crankbros Iodine 1 stem, JB Lockon grips.
Pretty basic build really, but has come in under $500 with some judicious Farkin trawling, and picking up various bits around the country. Wasnt really trying to make a light build either, but it weighs in at 10.7kg with the M540 pedals and cheapo Airwave tubes. Could be lighter if i weeny out, but dont think i can really be bothered too much.
Its an enjoyable bike for my first XC hard tail, and should be good fun to come.