USE’s XCR Carbon looks great but comes up short in terms of performance. While the carbon wrap drops 40g off the £85 alloy version, it’s no lighter than posts a quarter of the price.
While alternative spring kits are available, springs firm enough to stop pedal bounce rarely give more than half the claimed travel. The offset seat clamp also means serious shear-related seizures unless you sit in exactly the right place. It wobbles and turns from new, too.
The single-bolt Sumo clamp slips regularly if you stick to its recommended torque settings. It can still split its rail ridges and move even if you crank it up super hard and adjustment generally involves a hammer and a lot of swearing. Not really what you expect for £100, even with the pimpy carbon looks.
