But... but... Vip' for this amount of $$$ you could have had a lighter bike with XX1, AXS reverb, a power meter, brakes that stop and even XTR rotors

Hey, it has XT brakes and rotors, they'll stop!   

But yeah I did a full build up of an FM936 (on paper) and was at about $7k with top line everything as you describe. Maybe a bit less if you can scoop some deals.  I'm still a big advocate of taking the Chinese/open-mould route.

Right now I'm on track for a 23.8-24.0lb build.  A heavyweight compared to my Chiner hardtail, but pretty light considering the bike/frame.  Heck, even the $15k top-of-the-line Spark RC is only 22.9lbs.

I still want a reverb, but they're heavy and expensive. First deal I can find, I'm on it.

I just purchased a 2023 Spark RC Team Black. I can post any info anyone might need for a comparison with the Lexon Spirit.

Don't worry, I fully acknowledge buying this OEM bike at OEM prices and then upgrading almost everything on it was a dumb decision and I should have just built a FM936 or FM909.  And I'm not being sarcastic about that... The price for these Scott Sparks is insane. 

Basically it was $5k for the bike. I ordered the following:

LightBicycle XC925 Recon Pros with CXRay and Onyx Vesper hubs
X01 Crankset
X01 Cassette
GX AXS
Carbon Handlebar
Transfer SL post
XT 180mm rotors

Take-off parts will sell for maybe $800-900. Maybe.

So basically I paid $4200 for a frame/shock/fork/stem/Twin-lock... The value proposition is hard to see.  But I'll see how it rides.

The internal cable routing, while cool, seems like a pain in the ass. It arrived with a kinked rear brake line that impacted performance (had to pump the lever to get power even after a bleed). I'm working with the shop to get it replaced under warranty.

The twin-lock seems great (haven't ridden it yet).  The lock-out is full lock front, nearly locked rear.  The 'traction' mode limits travel and bike rides high (low amount of sag).  The full unlock mode lowers the bike into it's full sag setting.  It's neat to feel the difference.

(I haven't lost my way, about to order a Chinese titanium hardtail for an SS build soon.)

It's anyone aware of a carbon hardtail option with sliding/horizontal dropouts? I'm looking to build a SS and this would make life much easier and avoid the need for a idler/tensioner or eccentric bottom brackets.

enter

This is promising.  Some neat features to be sure.

They're not even trying to be subtle about who they are ripping off here. Check out the promotional material.


And several of the images on the listing are lifted straight from Scott's website.

Feels kind of dirty that it's this blatant. Right down to the paint scheme. 

Considering how many high end Race Face and SRAM carbon MTB cranks I’ve seen broken (usually JRA, not some dramatic impact), I’d be *extremely* cautious about this. Many riders I know who’ve tried carbon cranks in the past will not ever touch them again with a 50 foot pole.

Raceface Sixc are the only ones I’ve never seen break, but they’re DH-grade and quite rare.

Now when you’re talking road applications that’s one thing. But I wouldn’t trust them to take any kind of serious multi-axis punishment, even if it’s “only” XC.

Just my $0.02, FWIW.

I have no reason to doubt you, but this blows my mind. I've only ever meta single rider who claims to have broken one (a SRAM) and that came after years of use on the same crank set.  I personally have 8 years and 12k+ miles on my X01 SRAM set without issue.  I wouldn't consider myself a gentle rider.  Maybe on the lighter side at 175lbs? 

I built 3 identical bikes in 2014 with Novatec hubs. Of those, all 3 front hubs are running great to this day with original bearings. However, 2 of 3 rear hubs had catastrophic freewheel failure where the ratchet ring shattered in multiple locations.  Both were able to be ridden home, but that might have just been luck; they sounded terrible and very skipping engagement.   1 was within 24 months. The other was after 6 years.  Both were replaced with DTSwiss 350s.

I would not choose Novatec again for a rear hub.  Fronts are fine.  Ok to save money there in my opinion.