nnowak

Beautifully clean and simple. This is how CNC'ed and bonded aluminum frame should be done.

@Mtmw: I brought up the Element because I own one and am very familiar with it. While Rocky may list the Element in the XC category, it is not an ultra-light XC whip with flex stays and minimal rear travel. Compared to the Pivot 429 you used for reference, the Element has the same travel and more modern geo. Here are different points of reference... The Element C70 SRAM comes with GX AXS and alloy rims, weighs a pound less than the stock Ring, and costs $2000 less. A Trek Top Fuel GX AXS is a 1/4 pound lighter and $2300 cheaper ($3500 with current discount). The Ring is quite an accomplishment for an aluminum frame, but it is very far from the most cost effective solution if weight is a priority. It is a boutique option and priced accordingly.

The Pivot 429 frame is lighter than the Ring frame, and a V4 Ripley frame is roughly the same weight as the Ring. Which one ends up lighter is all about component choices. Speaking of component choices, the $9845 Ring weighs 27.8 pounds. You need to dip into the additional upgrades on the Digit site to get down to 26.3 pounds. I have an upgraded Rocky Element sitting in my garage that weighs 26.25 pounds with pedals, and it cost thousands less than the Ring. A brand new Rocky C90 is $9699 and weighs 26.29 pounds stock I am not criticizing the Ring. It is an aluminum frame with a weight similar to many carbon frames, which is an achievement, but the Ring is not some magical ultralight bike that weighs less than similarly priced alternatives.

Where is the frame only option?

Not quite. The Rocky has a steeper STA, slacker HTA, and a bit more reach. Maybe gen 9 will finally catch up. The Specialized looks like a nice bike, but definitely not groundbreaking in any way.

@davechopoptions: Not quite true. The AdventX cassettes use standard 10 speed spacing and work great with a Shimano SL-4100 and RD-5120.

@GTscoob: $10 is "too much" for a pair of bike specific Schrader valves?

https://igus.bike/en/the-bike/ 1,200 €, 17kg, and you can mix and match between 8 different colors for the frame, fork, and wheels. I have zero use for it, but for some reason I want one. Maybe it's the single sided rear end, or maybe it is because it looks like a balance bike for adults.

@vinay: The Schrader valve stem is nearly impossible to clog. The little Schrader valve cores are not. At only $0.12 a piece, I just swap the cores at the first sign of trouble. Usually only once a year.

@hydraulica: A Schrader valve is 7.7mm nominal, but is usually a hair under at around 7.4mm. Depending on your valve stem, 19/64" might be enough. If not, 5/16 will definitely work.