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Reynolds 931 probably. 29er with modern trail geometry. Any companies make one?
I think Cotic made one as a one-off prototype and decided it wasn't worth it.
Plenty of titanium options if its the appearance that appeals.
Solaris if 853 will suffice. Very much modern geometry too.
^ didn't let me edit to say I missed the stainless bit in the thread title. Sorry.
I think I saw Shand made one once. I guess the real question is how you want it finished as if you want it bare you might prefer someone who brazes depending on the look you are going for
Dave Yates should be in your list of people to speak to. He welded up all the test pieces and frames when Reynolds were developing the stuff, IIRC, so he'd know more than most about it.
ta, some of those Ted James bikes are real nice.
+1 for the Last FastForwards. I picked my frame up from the buy/sell and built it up over time. I absolutley love it. Super agressive geometry, long wheelbase and it looks awesome.
Hasn't steel reached the point where it's not making frames that are any lighter?
I was quite intrigued by stainless steel, both for the looks and its claimed benefits. But as above, Cy's discussion of their prototype made it sound like it's really difficult to work (or work well), and there seem to be very few places that have the necessary skills/ tools/ sub-contractors.
Talbot Frameworks or Rourkes will also build you in Reynolds 931. There's probably someone in Italy prepared to make you on in Columbus XCR. Because of the harder steel, it takes longer to cut / mitre tubes, wears the tools quicker plus the tubeset costs a lot more than regular steel hence the price hike over normal alloy steels.
IIRC the tensile strength of 953 over 853 is huge, giving the option of either lighter and/or stronger for similar tube needs.