Can a Off-Road bike be too light?

[Rampage]

Just wondering this as the lighter I get my Torus the worse it rides over loose rock. It seems be more skittish than it used too.
Has anyone else noticed this?

 

[legrandefromage]

Just wondering this as the lighter I get my Torus the worse it rides over loose rock. It seems be more skittish than it used too.
Has anyone else noticed this?

dont ride over loose rock?

 

[IWish]

I'll give you £1 posted.

Wrong section fella. It might just be that you got lighter?

 

[Raging_Bulls]

Applies to modern bikes as well. I shaved 2.5lbs off my Copperhead's weight, and find it to be more nervous on any uneven surface. It's not like you feel that you'll lose control, but some of the tank-like stability has been lost indeed. Adjusting fork and tyre pressure does help a little, but it still feels different.

In general, lighter is said to be better, and there's some truth in that. it'll accelerate quicker, handle lighter and be better uphill. However for off-road riding or cobblestones, I reckon 30lbs is just about perfect. In those circumstances I'll take a 30lbs bike over a 20lbs one any time.

 

[Rampage]

Yes, wrong section
It's definitely not me that's lighter, I've put on loads of weight!

 

[tintin40]

Yes they can. i think 20-22lb is best

 

[videojetman]

when i had my yeti with carbon fork, it did feel way too light at the front.

 

[merckx]

i rode a friends M3 or similar specialized hardtail bitd, and agree. it was crazy light and very stiff. however it was an absolute m-- ngrel to try and ride up steep hills, it bounced off the slightest pebble and changed lines, ie skittish.

 

[development_cycle]

I guess it can depend on the materials a lot too. I would expect a very light steel framed bike to still have a certain amount of "flex" for want of a better word and therefore not give you that same feeling. My thoughts anyway.

 

[dvatcmark]

I think it's more down to the weight of the wheels. My race bike has silly light wheels and tyres which makes it really skitty over rocks. The same bike with a ' normal xc' wheel / tyre combo is much more stable.

My thoughts are it's down to the intertia of the wheels, I.e more inertia give a more stake ride