Hi, my name is Dennis, and I'm an addict. I just started, so it should be easy to kick, but I'm not sure I want to...
From 30+ lbs stock, to 26.8lbs (currently).
I found a well used but slightly upgraded '01 Fuel for $200, couldn't pass it up. Already had XT front and rear derailleurs, cassete and cranks, plus the CK headset.
I'm just getting back into riding after a 10 year "family vacation", so I'm on a tight budget (which adds to the fun, for me). I have a great used bike/parts store near me, it's a gold-mine of good stuff mixed in with the crap.
Originally had V brakes, so I sold the wheels and put on my Mavic Crossmax and Fox float RL, got a set of cheap Hayes Stroker Ryde brakes, to get it trail worthy. They SUCK, so that's my first real purchase, better brakes. Cleaned, greased, adjusted and rideable she weighed 29lbs.
The XT cranks were 165mm, so I traded them for a set of m952 XTR, 175mm with bad rings. The chain-suck was so bad I was effectively riding a 1x9, and the m952 rings are an odd BCD so impossible to find. I found a 5 bolt spider and a 32T ring and made it official. Swapped the seatpost from the bontrager club to an Easton EA50, 26.8 lbs :0.......aaaaand I'm hooked. All I can think about is the 24.9lb mark and "what's next" to make it lighter AND better?
My plans so far:
- XT/XTR brakes, the XT actually have better reviews.
- stem/handlebar
- spiderless chainring (if/when I can find one)
- pedals (m757 currently, still work great, but heavy-ish)
- shifter pod (getting sloppy, needs replaced soon)
- shifter cable & housing (may as well, with the shifter)
- shadow rear der.
- UST tires
- alloy bolt set? (not sure if that's worth it...)
Not sure of the order, probably as I find deals. I want new brakes now, but they're not a necessity. Typically I upgrade when something isn't working right, or I feel it's holding me back. The brakes suck, but I don't think they're holding me back at this point.