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I managed to snap my KTM Scarp Prestige more or less in half at the weekend - short travel XC frame - thankfully I was riding up hill at the time - almost anywahere else on the ride I would have been in big trouble - and even worse up at 7 Stanes next week!
I've ordered a new bike in the sale from Planet X (Big Dog) as a stop gap for my trip up to Scotland this weekend but will have a very nice set of Fox kashima forks and a full XTR groupset kicking about when I get back so fancy a build project -
But what frames are knocking about with "normal" 27.5" set up - non boost (142mm bolt thru), tapered headset, short travel (forks are 100mm) - I'll be happy with a hardtail - need a mediun/poss large depending on brand
Secondhand is fine - but not sure who's done a frame like that? Any ideas?
Can you adapt the rear to 148?
Might extend the options if you can.
I ran a Whippet frame with 27.5 wheels for a while and it geode well.
you're probably looking at a bike from ~10 years ago to match those needs - anything short travel in M or L has been 29er for years.
how about something custom?
It depends how fussy you want to be I suppose.
There is little non boost about though there are a few frames with replaceable dropouts but not (to my knowledge) XC ones. (I guess replaceable dropouts are always adding weight so ??) Same really goes for 27.5" XC... at least anything not XS/S.
I keep a 27.5 XC bike around (with factory 32's) partly because its not really worth selling and partly because its a giggle on group rides.
I think that puts you mainly in the re-dish and add adapters or used market.
If that's the case then perhaps start from what's available in used 27.5 XC frames?
As it happens I have a Giant Anthem from 2016 (not 10 years ago!) that fits the bill. Size L.
Even has a Kashima Float rear shock to match the forks you have.
Here's a link to the original specs:
Mine has definitely seen some action and has a few dents and scratches, but is very sound. I have converted the rear 142 from QR to bolt thru, which was a conversion kit Giant sold separately for some reason.
Was considering selling, so let me know if interested.
Giant Anthem 27.5 frame from 2016-2018ish and bump the fork travel up to 120mm. Rode one of those for years, XC but rode like a BMX trail bike. Great fun!
Thinking about it, you could also try and find something like an Ibis Mojo SLR frame if wanting full suspension.
I had one and although it had 26" at the time, others have got a skinny 27.5" in the rear.
I'd not worry yourself about limiting yourself to a non-Boost 142 rear frame. Just buy a 142 > 148 Boost adaptor kit like this: https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/302967074405 . Ones like that with a 3mm spacer either side are a faff when removing your rear wheel, but negate the need to redish the wheel. I've been using similar for years without issue.
Drop Starling Cycles an email and ask them if they'll do you a 100mm travel Swoop Trail?
Or a Beady Little Eye with a rear mech hanger?
@andrewreay - I've sent you a DM! Cheers
A massive vote for an Anthem. I have a 2018 version with 130mm (they can be run with 120mm forks) and it's brilliant fun, though not super XC.
Find a well looked after version and it'll be great for the more pedally trail centres.
But what frames are knocking about with “normal” 27.5″ set up – non boost (142mm bolt thru), tapered headset, short travel (forks are 100mm) – I’ll be happy with a hardtail – need a mediun/poss large depending on brand
That ain't normal in the slightest, but like the others have said you might find something old enough and in one piece to bolt things to.
Hows about this Sarance Mantra 27.5" with 142x12 rear
Still on the lookout for something that'll run a 100mm fork - any more hints/tips really appreciated!
@velocipide - how about:
https://singletrackworld.com/classifieds/advert/tjd-custom-27-5-120mm-ht-rolling-chassis/