Currently have charge 29er with Steel F& F which i'm thinking about upgrading/changing and was wondering what was the best combination to go for
a) another Steel frame & fork
b) Steel frame and carbon fork
c) alu frame and steel fork or
d) alu frame and carbon fork?
Ti isn't up there as I can't stretch to it. It will be a 29er and as for me 17 stone and 6ft 3 and bit.
Considering something like a Salsa or Orange Clockwork etc, would like a tapered head so I can run my forks if I wanted too. Also could carbon forks handle my bulk? Any ideas recommendation please?
I wouldn't get too hung up on materials, buy the right frame your riding style. I'm running alu frame with carbon fork as I wanted something light, if I was going for a more chunky build I would have looked at steel frames as well.
what is your bike going to be used for mainly?
Buy an XL Scandal. Comes with a tapered head tube and is great value. And possibly a Exotic carbon fork?
All works for me but some people do say they find the Exotic's a little flexible for their liking but I love mine. I suppose it's all about what you are going to use it for!
What type of riding do you want it for?
What is is about your Charge that you don't like?
When I swap my SIR.9 it will be for a Salsa. I like the El-Mariachi but keep thinking a Fargo might suit me given the stuff I ride on the HT. Fancy something with full guards, & a rack I can commute on.
If you like 29er, try to score a ride on a Krampus 29er+, or a fatbike before spending your money on another 29er.
IT'll be used for general XC duties and some techincal stuff when I head to the lakes/pennines and dales.
At the moment I'm quite tempted by the Clockwork 29er with a pair of exotics but I've always had steel frames.
There's nothing wrong with the charge but just fancy a change.
I'd give a second vote for a Surly Krampus, or go for a steel frame and a carbon fork, I've got a Canfield Brothers Nimble 9 waiting to be finished 🙂