All good ideas.. I wonder if my XT hubs can be swapped for a 12 or 13 speed driver? Though it's QR so maybe not?
And
@Magic I like my Stan's Arch's with Ardents for racing though I'm considering going a bit wider to handle the rocks of Northern NJ
For xc racing, the Crest is the best non carbon wheel I’ve ridden. If you don’t want to change wheels, tires are an easy upgrade.
Ralph’s / Rays combo, ardent race, icons, etc. They aren’t super durable but if you can ride them smooth and away from sharp rocks, they’re the way to go. The difference in race tires vs non race tires is really noticeable. Not to get geeky but you’re talking about lots of watts, when translates to more energy, which means faster.
For gearing, If you’re a Clydesdale, get that 50t eagle in the back.
Otherwise a 40 or 42 in the back is enough. You can always go as low as 28-30 in the front to go lower.
People always like to talk about how high a gear they run but in my experience having a low (easier) gear is way more useful than a high (harder/ faster) gear. Think of the times you’re in the easiest gear, but still clicking your shifter looking for an easier gear, dying on a climb. Then compare that to how often you’re on a downhill spinning out looking for a higher gear. I know where I find myself more often. ?