GT Xizang vs Lightning - Differences

[Twozaskars]

Yes that’s correct.


Frames are identical apart from the date stamp.

Hmmmm, big decision then, I’m planning on rebuilding my Lightning but wanted something different to the same old XTR / RC36 and use some nice red bits I have.

 

[d8mok]

Hmmmm, big decision then, I’m planning on rebuilding my Lightning but wanted something different to the same old XTR / RC36 and use some nice red bits I have.

I’ve just finished my Lightning yesterday actuallly and I’m happy how this one has turned out.

My previous 97 one was XTR/SIDS but I felt that XT goes better so I went M739 and RC36 pro class with some nice silver Hope hubs/X517.

If mine was a 97 I would of gone with a Judy SL

 

[Twozaskars]

I’ve just finished my Lightning yesterday actuallly and I’m happy how this one has turned out.

My previous 97 one was XTR/SIDS but I felt that XT goes better so I went M739 and RC36 pro class with some nice silver Hope hubs/X517.

If mine was a 97 I would of gone with a Judy SL

Oh yeah, I just found your thread that I’d forgotten about despite posting in it

 

[d8mok]

My Lightning is kind of finished now so a good opportunity to picture both builds. I’d like to change the lightnings stem for a 0 degree and also it’s saddle for a Ti version WTB.

Xizang is full M952 , SID and ceramic wheels etc. It weighs 9.8kg WITH pedals.

Lightning is M739 , RC36 , Hope hubs. It weighs 9.9kg WITHOUT pedals.

I’m suprised they are so close to be honest as the fork is much lighter on the Xizang and of course we are all told XTR is the lightest

 

[PhillB]

Two awesome builds !

It is interesting weight-wise too - I measured my Lightning at 11.29kg which is heavier than a couple of my steel bikes. I can only assume it is down to the Judys and the Wheels which are Mavic D231's on XTR hubs...maybe the tyres too.

 

[d8mok]

Yeh I’d say the rims make a big difference for sure. And those Judys will likely have a steel steerer.

The lightning wheels are actually slightly lighter than the Xizangs too on mine. Hope hubs with Ti freeehuh and the skinny front combined with Ti skewers all adds up (or down)

Once pedals are added that’s another 400g I’d say to mine so it’s likely around 800-900’g in it to yours.

I didn’t chase a light build to be fair. Just parts I had. The theme was to use silver bits for the lower half and black for the controls.

 

[PhillB]

Yeh I’d say the rims make a big difference for sure. And those Judys will likely have a steel steerer.

The lightning wheels are actually slightly lighter than the Xizangs too on mine. Hope hubs with Ti freeehuh and the skinny front combined with Ti skewers all adds up (or down)

Once pedals are added that’s another 400g I’d say to mine so it’s likely around 800-900’g in it to yours.

I didn’t chase a light build to be fair. Just parts I had. The theme was to use silver bits for the lower half and black for the controls.

Yeah, I've never been a weight weenie, but just find it interesting - It's growing on me as a ride, I took it out last night. I'm on the look out for some red anodised rims - Mavic 517s or Rolf Dolomites for this one . A lot of my builds are a bit 'the same' so trying to mix it up a bit !

I do like the forks you have chosen, they really work. I won't mention the Xizang, it's just fab ;-)

 

[d8mok]

Yeah, I've never been a weight weenie, but just find it interesting - It's growing on me as a ride, I took it out last night. I'm on the look out for some red anodised rims - Mavic 517s or Rolf Dolomites for this one . A lot of my builds are a bit 'the same' so trying to mix it up a bit !

I do like the forks you have chosen, they really work. I won't mention the Xizang, it's just fab ;-)

I’ve got these X517 wheels ready for my team Zaskar. But I may end up selling them if I find a nice Crossmax mk1 as I’m torn if it’s too much colour. I can let you know if I do decide to move them on

 

[PhillB]

I’ve got these X517 wheels ready for my team Zaskar. But I may end up selling them if I find a nice Crossmax mk1 as I’m torn if it’s too much colour. I can let you know if I do decide to move them on


View attachment 865506

Yes, please do let me know

 

[SeeingisBelievingGTMuseum]

Has anyone owned one of the Xizangs with a steel rear end? I have a catalogue with one in it, but have never seen one, nor heard of anyone owning one?

I have one.