10 Best Ways to Save Weight on Your Mountain Bike

The WCS pedals are a featherweight dream for mountain bikers. At 195g per pair, they’re incredibly light, and the carbon fiber body with titanium axle gives you a stiff, responsive platform. The 3 sealed bearings keep things spinning smoothly even after dusty rides, and the wide 101x85mm platform with pins offers solid grip.

You’ll appreciate the anti-slip pins on technical climbs, but the carbon body can be prone to scratching if you’re a frequent rock-striker. They’re perfect for XC racers or weight-conscious trail riders, but if you’re a heavy rider or ride aggressively, you might want a more durable alloy pedal. Great for climbing and acceleration, but skip if you need maximum durability.

The TiTo skewers are a weight weenie’s dream. At just 35g for the pair, they’re among the lightest you’ll find, and the titanium construction ensures strength without the bulk. They’re compatible with disc brakes and come in multiple length options to fit your bike.

You’ll love the weight savings, but the titanium can be softer than steel, so be careful not to overtighten. The silver finish looks clean, but it might not match all bikes. They’re perfect for XC racers or anyone building a featherweight rig, but if you need maximum durability, you might want a steel option.

The Corki skewers are a clever twist on the classic quick release. Instead of a cam, they use a ratcheting system that lets you tighten with turns, giving you up to 50% more clamping force than standard skewers. That means your wheels stay put even on rough descents, and the spring-loaded handle lets you reposition it easily.

You’ll appreciate the secure feel, but the ratchet mechanism adds a bit of weight (56g) and complexity. They’re ideal for aggressive riders who want peace of mind, but if you’re a weight purist, the extra grams might bother you. Good for trail and enduro, skip if you need the absolute lightest option.

The ZTZ wheelset is a solid choice for mountain bikers who want a balance of weight and durability. The aluminum alloy rim is light yet strong, and the 32 spokes with extended copper heads reduce the risk of breakage. The sealed bearings (2 front, 5 rear) keep things rolling smoothly, and the tool-free hub makes maintenance a breeze.

You’ll find these wheels handle rough trails well, but they’re not the lightest option out there. The PVC tire pads are a nice touch to protect your inner tubes. They’re great for trail riding and commuting, but if you’re a weight-obsessed XC racer, you might want to look at carbon rims. Good value for the price.

If you’re serious about shedding grams, the ZTTO skewers are a no-brainer. At just 52g per pair, they’re among the lightest you’ll find, and the titanium alloy axle keeps strength high while cutting weight. The aluminum handle is comfortable and the three color options let you match your bike’s vibe.

Installation is straightforward, but note they only fit 9x100mm front and 10x135mm rear — so check your dropouts first. They’re a solid upgrade for XC racers or anyone building a lightweight rig, but if you ride in muddy conditions, the exposed mechanism might need extra cleaning. Good for weight-conscious riders, skip if you need a heavy-duty touring setup.

The ZTZ carbon hub wheelset is a clever way to shed rotational weight without breaking the bank. The carbon fiber hub reduces mass where it counts, while the aluminum alloy rim keeps durability high. The 24 spokes are fewer than some, but the extended copper heads help maintain tension.

You’ll notice the lighter feel on climbs, but the 24-spoke design might not be as robust for aggressive riding. The sealed bearings (2 front, 5 rear) keep things smooth, and the tool-free hub is easy to service. Great for XC and light trail use, but if you’re a heavy hitter, you might want more spokes.

If you’re counting every gram, the CYCEARTH skewers are a standout. At just 40.35g for the pair, they’re among the lightest you’ll find, and the carbon lever adds a touch of class. The TC4 titanium axle keeps strength up while the weight stays down, and they fit both road and mountain bikes.

However, the limit ring instead of a spring might feel unusual at first, and some users report the lever can be stiff. They’re a great budget option for weight weenies, but if you prefer a traditional spring-loaded skewer, you might want to look elsewhere. Good for XC riders, but skip if you need maximum clamping force.

The MRP Race Axle is a clever upgrade for riders who want to save weight and gain clearance. The bolt-on design eliminates the bulky handle, saving up to 25mm of lateral clearance — perfect for tight, technical trails. It’s also 20-50% lighter than stock QR-style axles, making it a great weight-saving move.

You’ll need a hex wrench to install it, but it’s a set-and-forget solution. The Syntace threading ensures a precise fit, but it’s only compatible with specific frames — check your dropout specs. Ideal for XC racers who want a snag-free setup, but skip if you need quick wheel changes.

The Cyclesavvy pedals offer a great balance of weight and grip. The carbon fiber body keeps them light at 185g, and the titanium bearings are corrosion-resistant for long life. The anti-slip pins provide excellent traction, even in wet or muddy conditions, so your feet stay planted.

You’ll like the wide platform, but the carbon body can be prone to scratching if you’re a frequent rock-striker. They’re a good choice for trail riders who want a lightweight pedal without sacrificing grip, but if you’re a heavy rider, you might want a more robust alloy option. Good for most MTB riders, but skip if you need maximum durability.

The FSA BB reducer is a small but essential part for certain frame and crank combos. At just 50g, it’s a lightweight solution to adapt a 24mm spindle crank to a BB30 or PF30 frame. The alloy construction is durable, and the PressFit30 technology ensures a secure fit.

You’ll need to check your frame’s bottom bracket shell width (68/73mm) to ensure compatibility. It’s a niche product, but if you’re building a bike with mixed components, it’s a reliable choice. Good for DIY builders, but skip if you don’t have this specific setup.