My XTC

So here it is - the 2009 race bike!Its a carbon Giant xtc frame with the following bits:

• Fox RL80
• 9spd KMC gold chain
• XTR 12-34t cassette
• Shimano XTR r mech (medium cage)
• Shimano XT fr mech
• XT shifters
• WTB silverado Saddle
• ODI Rogue grips

The wheels are Hope Pro 2 hubs (blue) with Sapim Race spokes (black), Bontrager Race X lite tubeless rims (32hole), and Specialized Fastrak Control Tyres (2.0).

The rotors are Gusset superlight with 180 front and 160mm back

Hmmm, I'm pretty sure when I was planning on getting next years bike I said I should not have to do any upgrading of components... well, that went out the window with the Giant. Initially I was just going to upgrade the brake and crank... but it got a little out of control - namely:

• XTR Crank
• XTR Brakes
• Gusset Superlight 180mm front rotor
• Raceface Next XC SL bar
• Raceface Next XC SL Seat Post
• XTR Pedals

However, I have kept well under my budget so that's ok :). There may be changes still to the bike - I'm looking at a few other bits (headset, saddle), but happy with it.

Today, I brought it out for a spin to Glending - a wet and rooty spot near where I live. First thing I noticed was a acceleration and speed. I spent the first 15 minutes in the big ring and did not even realise it. Its really easy on the climbs and descents. Because its a slightly longer bike than the Cube, I'm going to need some practice on the tight twisty stuff.

Before today I was not too impressed with the look of the Specialized Fastrak Control Tyres. But after a couple of laps, they felt as good as the Crossmarks - and I was running them with a lot of pressure. The Silverado saddle is bloody hard, and will take some getting used to.

After the spin I've noticed a few things which will need to be seen to:

• Fork needs a service - and possibly the headset replaced.
• The brakes - well, the rear brake needs a bit more adjustment
• A little bit of gear tuning

Otherwise, its the best bike I've ever owned!