Decreasing Weight

[laura*]

Frame tubing Kona Race Light Scandium Butted, 4" Travel

I'm almost done building an XC MTB on a VooDoo Sobo Scandium frame. The bare frame is scary light. I expect your Kona frame would be too, especially as the VooDoo's designer also works for Kona.

Freewheel Shimano Deore (11-32, 9spd)

You could save a bit of weight by upgrading to one of the cassettes that uses an aluminum cog carrier: XTR, Deore XT, or HG80.

Spokes Stainless 14g

If you get lighter rims, you could also get lighter double (or triple) butted spokes. Also, instead of rim tape or those big rubber band things, consider Velocity VeloPlugs. They'll reduce rotating weight all the way out by the tire.