Does it really make that much difference? Really?
Due to financial constraints I had to downsize my bikes last year. Just keeping the full suss. All the parts on it are pretty high end (as far end as I’m prepared to go anyway). So… Revs, Avid Elixers, XT/SLX drivechain, DT Swiss hubs/rims etc
I stripped it down and put all the parts on a Pace Hardtail frame to ride through the winter – a 5 inch full susser is overkill for short winter blasts. And with what expensive damage peak district mud does to bearings…..
All theses parts are now going back on the Intense frame for’t summer. So I’ve got a Pace RC305 frame that’s just going to be sitting about. I quite fancy building it up for a dossing about playbike for evening blasts. But there’s absolutely no way i can afford to build it up to the spec its been sporting
So… if I downgrade everything a couple of levels, am I really going to notice? I’m not that bothered about weight as I’m pretty hefty myself.
Deore is going to be a little bit heavier, but does it perform any worse than XT? Will a set of cheaper forks really make that much difference just mucking about on local downhills? Are deore-hubbed heavier rims going to be any less able to cope with abuse? Really – The only thing that does concern me is brakes. I know that’s where money does seem to count
Will the answers to these questions fundamentally undermine everything I’ve previously thought.
Your thoughts please…..