If you’re like us, your mountain bike is starting to feel like it’s gained some weight over the years. Sure, it happens slowly — a burlier tire here, a longer dropper post there — but over time it all adds up. But you can save serious weight with many of the products below without giving up much in the way of performance. We say keep those 4-piston brakes, full suspension frames and flat pedals, just ditch the extra grams!
OneUp Components V3 Dropper Post
$269.99
The third generation OneUp dropper post is lighter than ever and is offered in travel lengths up to 240mm so you don’t have to compromise.
Buy from Jenson USA
Santa Cruz Blur 4 C 29 S XC Bike
$5,599.00 | $5,099.00 sale
This Santa Cruz Blur build weighs WELL under 30lb (about four pounds under!) yet it still promises to absolutely shred the trails with a Rock Shox SID SL Select+ fork. 2.4″ Maxxis Aspen tires and even a Fox Transfer dropper post.
Buy from Jenson USA
Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Pedal
$179.99
Cranbrothers pedals aren’t for everyone, but the brand is known for making some of the lightest clipless and flat pedals on the market. The Mallet Trail pedals feature a medium-size platform for comfort and control yet still tip the scale under 350g for the pair.
Buy from Crankbrothers
Hope XCR Pro X2 Hydraulic Disc Brake and Lever Set
$316.00
With carbon levers and titanium hardware, the Hope XCR Pro X2 brakes save almost 100g per wheel compared to Shimano XT 2-piston brakes.
Buy from REI.com
ENVE MOG Frameset
$4,450.00
You know a bike frame is lightweight when it’s weighed in grams. In this case, the ENVE MOG gravel bike frame weighs just 950g and includes internal frame routing, in-frame storage, accessory mounts, and two sets of bottle mounts.
Buy from Competitive Cyclist
Maxxis Ardent Race 29×2.2
$93.00 | $84.00 sale
The Maxxis Arden Race tires deliver excellent traction and cut two thirds of a pound of weight PER TIRE compared to the Minions. This 3C version offers premium construction and is a popular choice for technical XC courses and trail riding alike.
Buy from Jenson USA
KMC X12 12-Speed Chain
$70.00 | $47.99 sale (gold/black)
Not only does the KMC X12 chain save a few grams off the GX chain you’re running, it also LOOKS fast, which we all know is almost as important.
Buy from Amazon
Specialized Epic
$0.00
The new Specialized Epic is one of the lightest stock, full-suspension bikes you can buy; the $14,500 S-Works version has a claimed weight of just 22lb, 9.2oz (size medium) and even includes a dropper post! No matter which Epic build you choose you’ll get one of the lightest bikes for the price. Or, craft your own lightweight Epic build starting with this Evo FACT 11m carbon frame.
Buy from Specialized
Roval Traverse SL II 350 6B Wheels
$1,500.00 | $1,124.98 sale
The Roval SL II carbon wheels are the brand’s lightest trail wheelset to date and our test set weighed signficantly lighter than the claimed 1670g weight. The front and rear rims utilize different carbon layups to give the rear extra strength and to deliver a tuned ride feel.
Buy from Specialized
Salsa Warbird C 4.5 GRX 12 820 Bike
$4,499.00
The Salsa Warbird is a popular choice for gravel riding, and this carbon version is sure to feel feather-light on the days you’re not riding MTB. The 2X drivetrain and clearance for tires up to 700x45c make this a truly versatile bike for riding pretty much anywhere, anytime.
Buy from REI.com
Hunt 35 Carbon Gravel Wheelset
$999.00 | $749.25 sale
Save 25% off these Hunt 25 carbon gravel wheels with a 25mm internal width hookless rims.
Buy from Hunt Wheels
Pivot Mach 4 SL Pro X0 T-Type Carbon Wheel Mountain Bike
$9,699.00
Pivot is known for some seriously lightweight MTB builds, and this Mach 4 SL is no exception. The FS carbon frame weighs just 3lb 10oz (size small, no shock) and the Pro X0 build features a SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission drivetrain, Fox 34 Stepcast fork, carbon bars and wheels, and a Fox Factory dropper post for a race-ready rig right out of the box.
Buy from Competitive Cyclist
SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth 4-Piston Brakes
$300.00
The SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth brakes add about 50g to the weight of the Hope brakes above, but they also add more pistons for even more stopping power. Lightweight and powerful? Yes, please!
Buy from Worldwide Cyclery
ProTaper 35mm Carbon Handlebar
$174.99 | $148.94 sale
If you’re looking to save weight and don’t have carbon bars, this is a simple upgrade that’ll save you more than 100g compared to a similar aluminum bar.
Buy from Jenson USA
Specialized S-Works Power Saddle
$324.99
Among the mountain bike saddles Singletracks recommends, the Specialized Power Saddle is one of the lightest. The S-Works version takes things to another level, dropping another 50g+ thanks to its carbon shell and rails.
Buy from Performance Bike
Crankbrothers Stamp 11 Large
$299.99
For those who desire lightweight flat pedals, these are the flats you are looking for. The top-of-the-line Crankbrothers Stamp 11 pedals utilize a titanium spindle and a thin, forged aluminum platform that adds up to just 325g for the pair.
Buy from Crankbrothers
Bike Yoke Divine SL Dropper Post
$320.00
The Bike Yoke Divine is a lightweight, short-travel dropper post that’s cuttable to save even more grams.
Buy from Jenson USA
Yeti ARC Turq C3 GX AXS Factory Mountain Bike
$6,100.00 | $4,900.00 sale
If you’re looking to go as lightweight as possible, you can’t beat a hardtail. The Yeti ARC Turq features the brand’s premium carbon construction to save weight but doesn’t skimp on tough components like Crankbrothers Synthesis Enduro wheels and a 130mm Fox 34 fork.
Buy from Backcountry
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