Finally got my Racer-X finished and ready to race tomorrow. I had to swtich from my much loved YBB to the Racer-X due to back problems and general old age. So far (50 miles of ST) I'm very pleased with it -- very quick handling, great climbing, and enough suspension for our XC race courses -- and, yes, the 5th Element works just fine. At 23.5 NO BS pounds it is plenty light enough for me. I'm 135# and could have built it even lighter but I consider this to be a pretty sensible and functional build for my weight, race courses, etc. Thanks to everybody who gave me advice -- I've been on this forum off and on for the last 6-7 years and have learned a lot. For those who might be interested here's the build:
18" Titus Racer-X Frame
5th Element Shock
RS SID Ti Race Fork
King Headset
SRAM XO RD/Shifters/chain
Formula Brakes (140/160)
RaceFace ti BB/Next Cranks
Boone/Coda/QBP Rings
Shimano XTR FD/Cassette
Frog ti pedals
American Classic Wheels
Notubes/Python Airlites
Titus stem/seatpost
Flite ti saddle
Forte carbon bottle cage
Maxm carbon bar
Pork Rind grips
Salsa ti skewers
Ti bolts everywhere
Bud
http://www.oldhomepage.com
18" Titus Racer-X Frame
5th Element Shock
RS SID Ti Race Fork
King Headset
SRAM XO RD/Shifters/chain
Formula Brakes (140/160)
RaceFace ti BB/Next Cranks
Boone/Coda/QBP Rings
Shimano XTR FD/Cassette
Frog ti pedals
American Classic Wheels
Notubes/Python Airlites
Titus stem/seatpost
Flite ti saddle
Forte carbon bottle cage
Maxm carbon bar
Pork Rind grips
Salsa ti skewers
Ti bolts everywhere
Bud
http://www.oldhomepage.com