My current ride is dangerously close to an evolutionary dead-end. Currently it sits in near the top of the hill of bike specialization, poised for flexibility: it can serve equally well as a front suspension cross-country mountain bike, a sturdy and fast commuter, and a capable light trail blazer.

To achieve this I have as of yet yielded nothing when it comes to mountain biking. I have a spare set of 650cc wheels with 2.1” knobbies and an XTR rear cassette, 12-34. However many roads lead to lookouts near the top of the hill. Do I optimize for bike weight, or cyclocross, or road racing?

The primary issue lies with Cannondale’s intentions for the F3000 frame. While very light at 1550 grams, it comes with a Fatty Ultra fork, which weighs nearly as much as the frame itself, at 1200 g. I love the fork, and the ability to pressure-adjust the shock compression for road rides. But damn, if I went rigid I could save 1.5 lbs. That alone would bring my bike below the 20 lbs mark1.

The other notable issue is the delicate balance in drivetrain choice between MTB- and road-readiness. Currently the front rings are 22/32/44 and for road use I hit the extreme with a 11-21 cassette. This obviously limits my top speed, and in general low rpm cycling. I would love to try out a Ritchey compact crankset, with 34/48, 34/50, or 36/50 rings, but this comes at the expense of MTB-readiness, as in this case I could no longer scoot up the steep and rocky hills of Valley Green.

This issue thus appropriately motivates the point of this note: do I splunge for a new frame, so I can return the F3000 to a dedicated XC bike once again?

Full bike or frame?

Frame manufacturers/options

• Specialized S-Works tricross frameset (frame, fork, headset, setpost): $1100
• Redline conquest scandium team (with fork): $800
• Ridley Supercross (with fork): ~$1600
• Rock lobster: at least $1000
• Lemond poprad frameset: $770.00 retail