[Closed] 4x bike build advise.

Turning sharp corners if pretty much 99.9% technique, a new frame isn't going to help you.

Also are you sure a 4X frame would be right for the kind of riding you want to do?

A bog standard entry level hardtail bike such as your mantra is enough to get your skills sorted and feel capable at the likes of sherwood pines.

4x is essentially jumps (bmx track style) with some rough thrown in, it sounds like you're just at a point of doing general MTBing (trail riding).

The snap also has a slack HA, far slacker than your mantra, it will make tight turns harder if anything.

im open to suggestions i just really like the look of the frame and the downhill plus jump section is the bit that excites me most. its a shame nukeproof dont do a normal sized mtb frame (hardtail)

Fully agree with Dean, a 4x frame is not what you need.

Any trail / xc frame will be far better suited to your needs

Have a look at the 456 Evo. Thats more for trail riding and will still manage the jumps just fine. Its also cheaper and probably uses the same size headset as your Mantra.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FROO4561/on_one_456_evo_frame

I'd just start fresh with a ragley M74 complete in 16" (£800). Good trail geo, stable enough to learn the DH/juymp sections, good enough in the saddle pedaling for general riding. Maxle forks will help steering no end, along with the wider bar shorter stem cockpit. Grippy maxxis high rollers, single chainring with chain device for security.

It will ride tonnes better for everything you mention and have a reasonable build compared to a snap with the shonky mantra parts.

I'd just get shot of the mantra and start again with something off the shelf better suited.

possibly another option could be to go full suspension in which case AGAIN nukeproof

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=75355

the ragley does look very smart but seems a waste to not use the new parts ive had installed on the mantra 2010 white/blue

That'll probably weigh as much as your old frame

I'd stop looking at nuke proof stuff

any particular reason? do they have a bad reputation? I also like the Kona frames and a friend has recommended Orange. As for the parts on my saracen which bits do u think need upgrading? ive done the brakes, gears, chain, tires and front shox so a new frame seems like the next step.

My best advice is to go to lots of GOOD bike shops and speak to people who know their onions.

You're in need of bike education.

i fully intend on doing this - and tbh i have been in touch with the people who have been rebuilding my bike and they can get the part and saw no problem with the 4x....

The 2 frames you have shown are very different to each other and to what they are designed for,deanfbm is right, but its no good even looking for advice until you decide what you want from your bike.

Your forks are to short for the nukeproof full suspension, and a bit long for the hardtail, but probably get away with it, but its not a ride for hours kind of bike.

Your Mantra is a nice do it all XC bike, you have made good choices on the parts you have upgraded, if it hasnt got a quick release seat clamp, perhaps you can try one of those to drop the saddle a bit for the jumpy bits. Might be all you need for now.

thanks tinsy and dean for the advice it is appreciated. im gonna do a bit more digging on the nukeproof 4x as the bike is mainly going to be used for 1-2 sessions on trails and getting me to work (ten mins)

from what ive read its all about compromise with bikes so if that frame helps on the jumps but doesnt allow long quiet rides down a country lane, then sobeit.

i also have a quick release post already 🙂 tbh it did feel much better aftre all the new parts were bolted on when going round pines last weekend so maybe i just need to adapt to the new parts now and stop wanting to upgrade 🙂

we shall see

There is nothing wrong with nuke proof but neither of the frames suit the kind of riding you suggested in your first post which is light trail & general mountain biking.

Have you looked at bikes like a dialled prince Albert, stanton slackline or charge blender if you want a more do it all fun bike. How tall are you?

I had an identiti dr jekyll (4x frame) as my only bike, as whilst it was fun to ride, the solid rear end made it really uncomfortable on bumpy stuff. Its for 4x sprints, not longer rides. Whites level was a mixture of fun and trying to stop my fillings from falling out.

dialled prince Albert, stanton slackline or charge blender

+1 for the Stanton Slackline.

People you've been speaking to are a Nukeproof dealer by any chance? Sounds like you want a 'trail' frame. The Snap isn't one and the Mega sounds like it'd be way OTT for you (plus you'd need effectively a full bikes worth of new bits as 100mm forks ain't going to go on a Mega frame).

As above, I'd look at a cheap'ish hardtail. Can you still get the On-One Summer Season? I used to have one with 100mm forks and it was ace. As slack as my full sus and took a beating. Cheap too and wasn't too bad at the jumpy 4X-ey type stuff but shove the seat up and go for a 20 mile ride. At your height, you're going to struggle to get a seatpost a) long enough to run at a decent height on a Snap for 'trail' riding and b) long enough not to exert a load of stress on the frame with your 14st bouncing around at the end of it.

thanks for the advice guys i think the nukeproof 4x is now outtabounds. learnt alot today tho so advice is appreciated....

You could get a nice trail bike second hand for 500-800 quid all done for you, either sell your bike first or wait until you have found something then make a choice on the upgraded parts whether you can swap them over.
A nice 120 mm travel hardtail would be ideal for you, dont disregard on one as the bikes have plenty of love on here, in fact if you read into it you will see a lot of Guys have done the full suss £00000s spent and ended up going back to a nice hardtail as its purer for all round riding.

I think Genesis do one of the Core models for about £700 with decent kit and was very highly rated in the magazines. Even cheaper if you find a 2011 model and 2012 stuff will be getting discounted soon.

in fact if you read into it you will see a lot of Guys have done the full suss £00000s spent and ended up going back to a nice hardtail as its purer for all round riding.