Looking for a steel hardtail to build up for the winter i am aware of the main players cotic, genisis, Dialled etc but wondered what other stuff was available . It will be for going round the peaks doing i think the term is agg xc or all mounatin.
Tom @ [url= http://www.demonframeworks.co.uk ]Demon Frameworks[/url] will build you something nice if your after something bespoke and just a little bit special.
Apparently there are some very good deals on Rocky Mountain Blizzard frames (Merlin??) at the mo. Only 100mm but great geometry. If money no object, I'd have a custom Curtis.
Sanderson do an 853 too. Not sure on the fork specs.
Does it have to be 853? There are a lot more options if you're willing to go for "scaffolding".
I've a sanderson 853 in 18", £200 posted inc 95% of the cane creek headset (missing crown race)
Doesnt have to be 853 , ox platinum, columbus life , tange prestige maybe even good old 4130 but i'd like a light frame , been looking at the spooky horror taxi , just cant justify the £650 price tag and i know it should be more like £1000 but ive got a mate in the states
Anyone ridden a genisis altitude ?
Might have it's big brother an alpitude in 853 flavour for sale if you are interested
Curtis, Gary makes amazing frames!!!!
Mercian Cycles or Bob Jackson for true custom built bikes
Anyone ridden a genisis altitude ?
Yes - Absolutely loved it, thoroughly recommend it for Aggressive XC as you describe - the Reba 120mm Maxle fork perfectly matches it. You'll have to wait though, frame only is late Sept/Oct.
Oh, you've already listed the Cotic Soul. I have nothing to add then.
mundiesmiester
interested , what size / price email is in profile.
thanks
As you say you can't justify £650 I think you're stuck with off the shelf frames. Cotic or Genesis. Mona did an 853 Explosif a couple years ago, you may find one of them. Rock Lobster from Merlin though may be more XC than AM. Kinesis Decade? Not sure if 853 but think it's some "nice" tubes.
Kinesis Decade Virtue is Tange Prestige and is designed for 100 to 130mm. Just checked website.
Orange P7? There was a rumour/prototype P8 in 853 last year but no sign since. Maybe the price hikes made it too expensive to go just yet?
Brian Rourke for a custom job?
mundiesmiester
im also interested in the alpitude frame prvoiding its a 18" one !!
pics to email in my profile please!
only if stonemonkey isnt interested mind as i dont want to step on anyones toes.
"Only 100mm but great geometry"
They're pretty steep up front, and short in the top tube. Perhaps not that great for the peak?
Kinesis Decade are almost as light as a cotic soul I think
Pipedream Sirrus (90-130mm) is not a lot heavier either (light side of 5lbs) but cheaper than both. Also not 853. Might be 631 (or something) instead of 520
Sanderson Life - the best steel frame I've had. Built for 100mm forks, but 90-120 adjustable ideal.
Explosif FS in classifieds (2nd best I've owned)
Merlin are knocking out Rock Lobsters for £200ish.
Go and talk to 18bikes, they have some of the bikes suggested built up for demo, and they ride hardtails in the peaks all the time.
I own an Rocky Mountain Hammer which has the same geometry as the Blizzard and I've ridden it on a number of rides in the Peaks including up and down Pindale, down Chapel Gate, Loops around Hayfield, and Ladybower etc and not found the geometry an issue but I like quite a fast handling bike. The standover is great but I do have to admit that while you can use it in the Peaks singletrack is where it rules.
That said I preferred the feel of my 18.5" Hammer to a medium Cotic Soul round Cannock Chase on a demo day but I think a small Cotic frame would have suited me better.
I have gone for mundesiemester alptitude , with some revs on the way from crc will post up some pics and a "review" when its built up
Orange R8 passed CEN testing a few months ago and a 100 bike batch is due in the next few weeks.
Specification
Model R8 Frame
RRP £549.99
Sizes 15,17,19,21
Tubeset Reynolds 853 Double-Butted Cro Mo Steel
Swing Arm QR Axle
Bottom Bracket
Colour Powder Blue
Two full builds also available:
Specification
Model R8 S
RRP £1299.95
Sizes 15,17,19,21
Tubeset Reynolds 853 Double-Butted Cro Mo Steel
Swing Arm QR Axle
Bottom Bracket Race Face X Type
Colour Mandarin Orange
Fork Rock Shox Recon SL Solo Air w/lockout 100mm
R shock N/A
R Mech Shimano SLX Shadow
F Mech Shimano Deore
Shifters Shimano Deore R Fire +
ChainSet Race Face Ride XC X Type
Cassette Shimano HG50
Brakes Avid Juicy 3 160/160
Hubs Shimano 525 Disc
Rims Mavic XM317
Spoke DT Swiss Competition S/S Black
Rear Wheel Travel N/A
Tyres Continental Mountain King 2.2
Headset FSA TH 857
Stem Orange Stalk +
S Post Stick Up
Saddle SDG Bel Air
H Bars Supercross +
Pedal Flat
Specification
Model R8 Pro
RRP £1649.95
Sizes 15,17,19,21
Tubeset Reynolds 853 Double-Butted Cro Mo Steel
Swing Arm QR Axle
Bottom Bracket Race Face X Type
Colour
Fork Fox 32 FRL 100mm
R shock N/A
R Mech Shimano XT Shadow
F Mech Shimano SLX
Shifters Shimano SLX R Fire +
ChainSet Race Face XC Evolve Triple X Type
Cassette Shimano HG50
Brakes Avid Elixir 5 160/160
Hubs Hope Pro 2
Rims Mavic XM317
Spoke DT Swiss Competition S/S Black
Rear Wheel Travel N/A
Tyres Continental Mountain King 2.2
Headset FSA TH 857
Stem Orange Stalk +
S Post Stick Up
Saddle SDG Bel Air
H Bars Supercross +
Pedal Flat
No pictures... yet 😉
Swing Arm QR Axle
Am I being thick - why would it need a swingarm?
Its oranges generic template they put the information into.