Newb question...Bike weight before all the gear?

[scooteremu]

Trying to gauge if I need a new rig. I have a 08 Specialized XC Pro. I bought it to get into mountain biking and although it look sufficient to load up for the trips, I am unsure if I can do better towards the weight. The thing darn weighs 30 pounds.

Thanks!

[scooteremu]

Also I guess to get an idea of where I stand, please let me know what you are riding and the weight before accessories.

[Singlespeedpunk]

I would not worry too much about weight or what bike you have. My rigid singlespeed 29er weighs 28lbs+ and I don't care as it is durable and comfey, these are much more important on long trips than weight or spec sheet

As my friend Joe, who is much more eloquent than me, said:

"Since this is a mountain biking forum, I can say with a lot of confidence that if you're reading this and you're wondering, "what would be the best bike for me to use to get started doing these kind of rides?", the answer is right now in your basement or your garage"

Alex

[scooteremu]

sounds good to me. i have already been told that my bike looks good for this sort of thing. just needed some more confidence building answers.

thanks single

[wdlandparker]

I am in agreement with alex, I ride a rigid fixed gear with a rack and all that, weighs around 27-28 lbs empty, and I live in the colorado mountains. Also, when you think about it, how much do you weigh? So, really, an extra few pounds here and there is not going to hurt anything. 
Taz

[AZTtripper]

Not at all you need to spend thousands of dollars on what ever the newest lightest latest greatest bike on the planet that's clearly the only way you are going to have any fun.

Ya right what those other guys said ride what you have for now and when the time comes to buy a new ride then you can look at some of the lighter options.

Best to just get out there with what you have and let the learning process begin then when the time comes you will have the experience to know what you want.

[Slim]

The point here is that there is no magic number when the trail ploice pull you off the trail if your bike is over it.
A lighter bike will be more fun to ride(if all else is equal). But it costs money. Do you have the money? If you do would it be more fun to spend it on a new bike or a plane ticket?

[Aslan]

Slim has an excellent point.  As long as your existing bike isn't a fully suspended downhill rig at 40+ pounds just go.  You will have fun and find out about what you like and dislike about your current rig.  A new bike won't make you better-faster-stronger but riding a tour will.

[DesertDog]

Trying to gauge if I need a new rig. I have a 08 Specialized XC Pro. I bought it to get into mountain biking and although it look sufficient to load up for the trips, I am unsure if I can do better towards the weight. The thing darn weighs 30 pounds.

Thanks!

Work on the body and 'packing gear weight and volume first.  If you still need or want less weight, then put some bucks into the bike.  If you're a weight weenie like me, you can get that bike down nice and light too for not too much money.  My 06 Stumpy FSR 120 Comp (base model) is in the higher 25lb range for pack duty.  If I want it set up for pure XC mode, it's down to a high 24!  2k for the bike and only $800 in upgrades - and that's with a custom built wheelset!

[wuchun]

I would not worry too much about weight or what bike you have. My rigid singlespeed 29er weighs 28lbs+ and I don't care as it is durable and comfey, these are much more important on long trips than weight or spec sheet

As my friend Joe, who is much more eloquent than me, said:

"Since this is a mountain biking forum, I can say with a lot of confidence that if you're reading this and you're wondering, "what would be the best bike for me to use to get started doing these kind of rides?", the answer is right now in your basement or your garage"

Alex