Hardtails for racing?

[DirtDiva]

I know someone with a Blur that weighs about 23lb, so if you've got lots of cash to throw at it...

Go for some demos/test rides. All the brands that do higher-end bikes will have a race specced hardtail somewhere in their catalogue.

[SalsaMTB]

This year, I will be racing a KHS Alite Team frame built up mainly with XTR. The weight will be sub 20lbs. Dh will be racing the frame but with a bit lighter build, target is sub 18lbs. He raced the KHS frame last year and loved it. Quick, snappy, good bike and a decent price.

[Voodoo Sally]

Now thats-a-what-I-like to hear. I've always preferred a hard-tail for racing. I tried a full-suspension for a year, and it just didn't do it for me. There are a few companies still making steel XC frames. Jamis, Rocky Mountain and Voodoo are some that come to mind. Of course for some $ there are the more boutique brands like Spot, Gunnar, Salsa, Sycip, Dean and Independent Fabrication, too. You could always see what's on eBay, maybe some of the nice steel frames of yester-year (the Kona Explosif just went out of production this year). There are a bunch of companies (e.g., Kona, Redline, Haro) making a steel 29er hardtail this year. Let us know if you get something.

[han-grrl]

I prefer the simplicity of the hard tail. fewer parts means fewer things to "go wrong" while you race. I feel i also ride better on the HT, i tend to be a bit on the "lazy" side when i ride my FS, letting the rear shock take up a lot of the hits.

i vote ht!!

[Drtgirl]

After much hemming and hawing, I have decided:

1. I'd rather put the most $$$ towards a rocking cross bike for next season
2. I am going to restore my "vintage" (is 1990's considered vintage?) Breezer Lightning. I'm sending it to Spectrum Powdeworks in CO.
3. I may drop a few bucks to make by Blur a bit lighter (wheelset or something.