I took the bike home and slapped on the XC wheels — Chris King, Mavics, tubed Nevies — for a basis of comparison. The wheels themselves are probably a pound and a half heavier than my target wheels — the forthcoming Easton carbon Havens (1450 grams rated). I figure I can get in the neighborhood of the tire weights with 2.3 Conti or Maxxis “lite” UST models. And the ti XTR cassette on my XC bike (an Ibis Mojo) is of course heavier than the hogged-out SRAM (although not by a huge amount).

With a pound and three quarters to lose, it’s gonna be close once I get the Eastons. But see what you think …

From the specs and a little guesswork, Adam had predicted a loss of 2.3 lbs. You have to understand that when it comes to rated specs, Adam is a flat-out whack-a-geek. He’s like one of those freaks who can watch a freight train pass by and then recite back, in order, the registration numbers on all the rail cars.

So when the actual scales tally came in at 2.25 lbs., I was like, Adam, you’re practically an ounce off! What happened dude?

Actually Adam’s margin of error was less than the standard deviation for spec versus actual weight. So all was cool.

With the scales weighing in at 31 lbs. 12 oz., my goal of a 30-lb. Firebird seemed not only within reach but flat out guaranteed. Because I still had the wheels coming, and they were big. Not big as in heavy. Big as in way cool. I’ve got the Easton carbon Havens on order — expected sometime this fall. At 1450 claimed grams light, the Havens will crash the 30-lb. barrier like Brian Lopes out of the starting gate.

Adam’s gram-busting component selection included (claimed weights):

RockShox Lyrik Solo Air fork (replacing Lyrik U-Turn coil). 4.8 lbs.



Point One Podium platform pedals. Very sweet, strong and tight, plus they’re light: 359 grams. And made in the U.S.A. (San Jose).

Action Tec 20-tooth ti granny ring. Super light and tough. I’m not saving a ton of weight with it but it’s durable and better suited to complement my other major drivetrain enhancement, the cluster. 20 grams.

Thomson Masterpiece seatpost. 158 grams.

Selle Italia SLR XC saddle. 184 grams.

SRAM XG999 9 spd. cluster. 175 grams.

Here’s Adam with the full rundown —