1. They are pinned like most Alexrims are. I presume the weight includes the 750g Nitro 2's, 150g 28C+ tube, and 150g rotor so that brings the wheelset weight to ~2000g which is not that great. You could get a ~1600g gravel disc tubeless wheelset for $500.
2. Yeah the brakes are okay, I swapped mine out for HYRD's.
3. 46/36 is standard CX setup
4. 272g is not bad for a stock 6061 AL seatpost. But you could spend $100 and get a 200g Ritchey WCS
Here's my upgrades:
a. GP4000S II 28C ($72)
b. Hed Carbon Seatpost (220g) ($25)
c. Easton EA90 100mm Stem ($20)
d. TRP Hyrd Flat Mount with 160F/140R ($140)
e. Ultegra RX800 clutch Derailer ($85), B screw is 1/4 the way in. Could probably go to 42T with a longer chain and B screw further in. This RD has weird cable routing - yeah I need to trim the housing.
f. Sunrace 11-36T cassette - $40
g. Giant PSLX-1 27.5 Tubeless Wheelset with 650x48C GK SK front and 650x38C Maxxis Rambler rear ($200)
h. Oval 325 Flared Handlebars - $15
Saving up for some tubeless sealant so I can test out the offroad se
t.