I'd like an 853 steel hardtail that will take a 140mm fork but isn't built like a tank – say 4-5 lbs

I know it's a common question but it seems that my only option is a Cotic Soul, is there anything else I'm missing (apart from custom) that would fit the bill?

http://www.dialledbikes.com/products/mtb/alpine.php

Off the top of my head, the Genesis Alpitude can be bought frame only for £400:

http://www.genesisbikes.co.uk/bikes/mountain/alpitude/alpitude/overview/

Alpine is probably too heavy
didn't realise Genesis did frame only – will check that out, ta

IME a Soul won't be right with 140mm forks – a BFE sounds more like what you need.

What about a Dialled Bikes Prince Albert if the Alpineis too heavy.

I have an Alpine and use it for everything.

"IME a Soul won't be right with 140mm forks – a BFE sounds more like what you need. "

Why? The new Soul is built for 140mm and the geometry is the same for the BFE and Soul.

I had a PA and didn't like it that much, felt a bit dead, which is why I'm looking at 853

Sorry – didn't realise they'd changed the angles of the Soul.

They haven't changed angles on the soul and I think your right in saying it would not be the best bike to run at 140mm 120s where it's at for a soul IMO

I have an alptitude for sale 18", 69.5 deg head with 140mm fork. 5lb ish

"Sorry – didn't realise they'd changed the angles of the Soul. "

They haven't- they've beefed up the frame so it's warrantied for 140mm. But the Soul and BFe angles have always been the same, so if you think 140mm will work in a BFe then there's no reason it won't work with a Soul.

I've always wanted one of these it's not 853 but I'm sure Columbus is just as good 😉

woops not 140mm! oh well

that's a pretty bike tootin
looking at the price I'm glad it's not suitable!

Ive got an 853 Price Albert and really like it, but I believe they were a limited edition??

Ive got an 853 Price Albert and really like it, but I believe they were a limited edition??

Yep, only 100 made….. I've got one 😀 never sell her, she's ace…..

I also have a 853PA baby blue – ridden today SS. Very solid frame.
OK we are up to 3.

I'd like an 853 steel hardtail that will take a 140mm fork but isn't built like a tank – say 4-5 lbs

How about True Temper OX Platinum?

is there anything else I'm missing (apart from custom) that would fit the bill?

When you say that, would you consider Curtis?

OK, not 853, but the new Prince Albert is Reynolds 725 and closer to 5lbs.

How about True Temper OX Platinum?

is that the Ragley Blue Pig? I have been looking at these, but worried it might be a bit slack and I'd have to leave the 'blue pig' sticker off (sorry don't like that sticker)

I also don't like the Cotic head tube badge but it wouldn't put me off

OK, not 853, but the new Prince Albert is Reynolds 725 and closer to 5lbs.

interesting

my other requisite is 'available in black' 😀

pipedream sirius … ! nice bike, nicer price …http://www.pipedreamcycles.com/sirius_2010.html

will do 130mm

Sorry, no black. Just bright green and orange.

I have an original small PA with the extra tube, can't believe there is any difference in ride (apart from weight) than the 853 version..
Anyway its a great bike and superfun built up nice and burly with pikes, bash, short stem etc etc.

yeah, I had a medium mk2, part of my dislike was that I came from a DB Kobe Ti and was disappointed with the ride

The pipedream sirius looks like an interesting frame, good price when compared to other 853 rivals.

Although I think the seat tube, top tube, stay mounting looks a little untidy as the stays join the seat tube at a point higher than the top tube.

Swayndo of these parts is/was selling a DB Morning Glory which I believe is, in effect, a Ti Prince Albert. How about that?

aren't they a bit of a gate?
don't really want to go s/h either.

what about one of the new 456 ti – think they are out soon?

not enough money for ti, sadly