[slow_v6_stang]

So I plan on building a hardtail XC bike for my fiance for christmas and want some feedback on components to use. I've come up with a couple of different build options that I kind of have in mind (I bolded the components that change between the two component specs I created). I want to spend as little as possible, but still want a decent bike. She is ~5'4" 135lbs and will be using this mostly for gravel path riding and the occasional light singletrack.

Here are the following requirements that i have for the bike...
- Frame must be pink (her favorite color). I found this frame on ebay, it looks like a frame that Giant makes for sale only in China, very similar to the XTC frame
- Must have v-brakes (preferably avid brakes w/ cartride style pads)
- Sram chain
- Sram cassette
- riser handlebar & somewhat short stem for comfort


Basically, I just want a bike that will be comfortable, fun for her to ride, doesn't feel like you are pedaling a lumber wagon, will last a long time, and will shift nice and smooth. We live in a relatively flat part of Wisconsin, so full suspension is not needed (I am even wondering if fully rigid would suffice). I really like the price of the sun rhyno lite rims, but they are way too beastly of a rim for someone her size.


Frame - 2009 Giant ATX Pro, Silver/Pink, Size 17" - $203.00
Fork - Marzocchi 22 Rlo Fork '10 - $95.00
Handlebar - Race Face Ride XC Riser Bar - $19.99
Stem - Race Face Ride XC Stem '10 - 21.99
Brakes - Avid Single Digit 7 Brake 2010
Brake Levers - Avid Speed Dial 7 Levers - $69.98 (brakes & levers)
Crankset - Shimano LX FC-M582 Crankset - $79.00
Chain - Sram PC-971 Chain w/ Powerlink Gold 2010 - $19.98
Cassette - Sram PG-950 9 Mountain Speed Cassette 2010 - $24.98
Pedals - Wellgo LU-895 Pedal - $9.24
Wheels - Shimano Deore Disc/Rhyno Lite Wheelset - $95.00
Tires - Michelin Country Gravel Tire - $35.98
Tubes - Standard Presta Valve Tube - $6.00
Front Derailleur - Shimano LX M571 Front Derailleur - $6.00
Rear Deraulleur - Shimano Deore XT M772 Rear Derailleur - $67.99
Shifters - Shimano LX M580 9SP Trigger Shifters - $34.95
Saddle - WTB Speed She Women's Saddle - $29.98
Seatpost - Race Face Ride Seatpost '10 - $25.99

Total cost - $863.54, Total weight - 27.3lbs



Frame - 2009 Giant ATX Pro, Silver/Pink, Size 17" - $203.00
Fork - Marzocchi 22 Rlo Fork '10 - $95.00
Handlebar - Race Face Ride XC Riser Bar - $19.99
Stem - Race Face Ride XC Stem '10 - 21.99
Brakes - Avid Single Digit 7 Brake 2010
Brake Levers - Avid Speed Dial 7 Levers - $69.98 (brakes & levers)
Crankset - Race Face Ride XC Crankset 22-32-44 W/BB Blk 175m - $94.98
Chain - Sram PC-971 Chain w/ Powerlink Gold 2010 - $19.98
Cassette - Sram PG-970 9 Speed Cassette 2010 - $29.98
Pedals - Wellgo LU-895 Pedal - $9.24
Wheels - Mavic Crossride UB Wheelset 2010 - $219.98
Tires - Michelin Country Gravel Tire - $35.98
Tubes - Price Point Light Tube - $8.98
Front Derailleur - Sram X.7 Front Derailleur Low Clamp 2010 - $27.98
Rear Deraulleur - Sram X.9 Rear Derailleur Oe Take Off - $57.00
Shifters - Sram X.7 Trigger Shifters 9 Speed 2010 - $49.98
Saddle - WTB Speed She Women's Saddle - $29.98
Seatpost - Race Face Ride Seatpost '10 - $25.99

Total cost - $1,038.50, Total weight - 25.5lbs (2.1lb reduction in rotating mass over the 1st option)

 

[slow_v6_stang]

i just checked into a rigid fork. i can get the weight down to 22.2lbs AND cut another $58 off the price if i go rigid...

 

[TreeSaw]

Why the 17" frame? I am 5'4" and ride a 15" frame...you may want to check the geometry to make sure it's the right size.

I think the 2nd build looks better and for the weight savings I think you could go rigid and if she enjoys the bike a lot and wants to ride off road more, then look into a good used fork.

 

[slow_v6_stang]

Why the 17" frame? I am 5'4" and ride a 15" frame...you may want to check the geometry to make sure it's the right size.

I think the 2nd build looks better and for the weight savings I think you could go rigid and if she enjoys the bike a lot and wants to ride off road more, then look into a good used fork.

she currently rides a 17" 1998 Schwinn Moab 2 which seems to fit her well, so that is why i am sticking with a 17" frame.

the 2nd build most definately is better, unfortunately the price tag comes with it. as of right now, i am really considering the 2nd option with a surly 1x1 fork. i used to be pretty big into biking from 2001-2005 or so. since then, there has been some pretty big changes in bicycle components. any thoughts/suggestions on what components i picked?

 

[TreeSaw]

I personally like my SRAM drivetrain. It's durable and works great (I ride X.9 but have used the X.7 too). You could probably use the Shimano front der. in place of the X.7 in the second build to save some $. The Mavic wheels will definitely be lighter and faster rolling than the RhynoLites. As for the fork, if she's primarily riding dirt or gravel paths, I would go with the rigid fork and then look for a used 80mm fork (I really like my FOX Forks) to upgrade to later if she enjoys riding enough and wants to take more singletrack.

 

[slow_v6_stang]

here is the complete bike. i pretty much went with the 2nd option (no shimano) with the surly 1x1 fork. sorry for the crappy cell phone pic...

 

[TreeSaw]

here is the complete bike. i pretty much went with the 2nd option (no shimano) with the surly 1x1 fork. sorry for the crappy cell phone pic...

Sweet!!! I hope she enjoys it