2009 Giant XTC 2 -> Now a 2009 Specialized FSR XC Elite!

[EarlofBarnet]

In the Alps at the moment and have brought the XTC along. Easy Jet managed to get it here safely, which I was very nervous about.

Here it is near the top of the Col de la Croix de Fer on our ascent up to watch the tour at the Col du Glandon. Weather not quite as great as it appeared to be on the forecast, but we are over 6000ft above sea level!

 

[EarlofBarnet]

At the top of Alpe D'Huez. No road bike, no slick tyres and no granny ring used

8.92 miles, 1,250 cals burnt. Av. heart rate 166bpm. 1hr 30mins.

 

[EarlofBarnet]

Re: 2009 Giant XTC 2 & a 2009 Specialized FSR XC Elite

Few little upgrades to the XTC: Fox F90RL forks (converted to F100 RL's; a Shimano XT chainset; Easton EA50 stem and the Elixir brakes fitted from the FSR.

 

[EarlofBarnet]

Gave the FSR a run out yesterday around the Skiddaw Loop. Great bike for it.

 

[Exeter Man]

Loving the XTC, and well done for getting up Alpe D'Huez without the granny ring :shock: . I ride 1x9 with 32T upfront most of the time, which is fine for a 2 hour blast, but I wouldn't contemplate it for an all day hilly/mountainous epic!!!

Do you switch between the two bikes based on your mood or the terrain?

Regards

 

[EarlofBarnet]

Alpe D'Huez is an excellent climb, definitely one to try as do if you get chance. It's weird climbing constantly for that long, it's nothing like anything in the UK. Most climbs locally to me (Lake District) are short and steep. Mt Ventoux is another on my list.

With the bikes it just depends where I'm off to an who I'm with. If I want a quick xc blast then the XTC is ideal. Anything a bit rockier and longer and the FSR comes out. Coming in to 2013 I was wanting one new bike, however the bikes I looked at just didn't seem to give any value for money. So I decide second hand was the way forward. Neither bike owes me much money and combined would be half of what I was looking to spend on something new.