Ive got the intention, of getting a steel hardtail frame made. Using an existing full suspension frame geometry. So wheel base, bb height, chainstays etc. a exact hardtail copy.

any frame makers out there worth speaking too. I presume I will be looking at a grand? I have no idea really.

any help would be much appreciated.

For that I would suggest Ted James Design.

^ wot he said ^

BTR worth a shout for that too? They have the Pinner and obviously their hardtails are designed as full sus replacements to a degree. Also, purely as I’ve just picked up a secondhand frame from him, I’d have to suggest swarf as worth a call. He has experience of building hardtails in steel as well as his own full sus so likely to have an informed opinion.

18 bikes do custom frames.

^ what he said ^ 😉

We certainly would be able to steal the geometry from an existing bike, actually just finished a frame that’s a replica of an XS Cotic Soul. Except the fact it’s 650b. And got stealth reverb routing. And bolt through. And post mount

More pics here

Drop me an email – matt@18bikes.co.uk – if you want to discuss it further

Would it be worth thinking about whether the quoted geometry for the fs bike is ‘static’ or with sag? Could end up with a slightly different feeling bike otherwise which would be a Shane if going to all the effort of sorting custom steel loveliness.

Wot he/\ said.Geometry of a fs bike changes differently to a hardtail as you sit on them.
You can replicate the fit.
Builders
Curtis
Shand
18 bikes
Swarf
BTR
Titchmarsh (swoons)
Talbot

Starling in Brizzle could probably do you one as well

And post mount

😕

EDIT – Makes sense now I’ve seen the other pictures!

Might I recommend Tom Sturdy. Local to me and currently building a hardcore 650b HT for my mate. It is truly a thing of great beauty

http://www.sturdycycles.co.uk/

Echo the above recommendation – Tom was our workshop manager until last year, and the quality of his work is excellent. He knows more than a thing or two about bike design.

Nothing fills my heart with joy quite the same as a sorted steel frame in naked finish. I’d own 10 if I had the chance

Why not peruse the porn at this Aprils Bespoked in Bristol and make an evidence based decision.

/\ that’s a great shout. Every year I miss this event and cry a salty tear over when I catch up with the after-show images.

I am using Rowan Frameworks currently. He won Bespoke last year.