I have been riding my 21" rigid IP 256 for about a year and a half. I am 6'2" 220 pounds, my bike is 16.6 pounds. I thought I would give an update on how its been going.
I am always looking for lighter parts to try out on the bike. I had a response cassette along with the one up RADr derailleur cage mod. I was never really happy with how it was shifting. I finally went with an XTR 11 speed derailleur, shifter and 11-40 cassette. I could not believe how much better the shifting was. I added the one up 45 tooth cog to the mix and it still shifted great, I was using a 32t ring up front. I still was missing the top end speed. I ended up with the e13 9-44t cassette. The hub I was using from Bike Hub Store had interchangeable parts, so I could just get the XD driver which was required for the e13 cassette. I finally had a rage I could live with, and it still shifted as good as the XTR cassette.
I Had no idea how I would like riding a rigid mountain bike, with a carbon seat. I was surprised how much I liked it. Most of my rides are around an hour after work. On weekends I will do longer 2-3 hour rides, and have no issues with comfort. I ride all the same spots as when I had my hardtail. I never did crazy downhill or big jumps so the rigid was perfect for me.
The axles were the last big weight savings. I am using a Extralite Black lock rear axle, and a Shift Up 15mm thru axle that is specifically designed for the rigid carbon fork. Both axles come to 69g. The front axle that came with the rigid fork is 82g. The rear that came with the bike was even more. I had purchased a lighter one on ebay that was 70g, but still double the weight of the Extralite rear axle.
As far as durability of the 256 I have only had one crash, and I was more damaged than the bike. In October I was on my usual after work ride going down a hill around 38mph and lost control. I don't remember the ride that day or anything for the next 5 days. I was in a medical induced coma for the first 3 days with a diagnosis of diffuse axonal brain injury. Lucky for me I have a heard head and was out of the ICU in 6 Days. The doctors thought I would be recovering for the next year learning to walk and talk again. After a few weeks I was back to normal, with a few small breaks (face and ribs). The front rim was cracked, I am guessing from hitting one of the wood steps I was suppose to jump over. I called Jason and ordered a new rim. I had one other chip, on the frame but it was very small and just barely noticeable. The bike was ready and I was riding again in December.
I am not sure if I like this bike so much because it's a great bike or because it's a good bike that I built AND is functional. Purchasing a frame and building a bike really makes me appreciate so much more than just the ride. I have learned so much about bikes going through this build. I am a car mechanic, and have a great place to work on my bike. I have been purchasing bike tools as I need them. I enjoy helping my friends with their bikes, and showing them how to maintain them.
I love my rigid bike! I feel like It is complete, there is nothing I want to change. I am sure when I am older (I am 43) and start to feel the aches and pains from years of riding I will go back to suspension. For now I am just gong to enjoy the ride.