Thinking off stripping down my Kona Dawg and building up a hardtail instead as it just seemed more fun. Plus if I ride the Dawg when out with herself I just have to wait longer at the bottom of hills 😉
Also have an 853 Inbred that is rigid and I mostly ride so a new build doesn't need to be a comfy all day ride really just a trail centre type play bike. I am becoming more of a mincer as I get old so nothing too rad.
<£250
C456 maybe?
Just out of interest, what would the Inbred 853 handle like with 130mm forks? Just wondering as I was thinking of moving my 130 Rockshox over from my 456 to my Inbred 853.
@slugwash, I actually ran it like that for quite a while and it was alright so long as you don't have it setup with your weight back. In the end I got some U turn forks and played about and 115mm was the sweetspot for me.
c456 would have to be 2nd hand I suppose. But would also mean new bottom bracket, seatpost and headset looking at the specs and my spares bin.
My hardtail is an old inbred...not 456 but it rides great with 130mm z1 freerides.
Feels better than 100mm to me
I ran an Inbred with 130mm Revs for a while. It was fine. Always meant to reduce the travel but never got around to it.
C456 is going to be your best bet. Don't think you'll find anything lighter at anything like a similar price, unless you opt for second-hand. It's also a great bike.
I used to run my Scandal (same geo as the Bred) with 130mm forks. IMO it spoiled it- stopped it being a great XC bike, but it was still no thrashy hardcore hardtail. Felt too long and boaty. Exactly like you'd expect if you stuck 30mm extra into any 100mm XC bike, tbh.
C456 uses a standard bottom bracket incidentally. Can't remember the shell size though.
the c456 is £399 again which is £149.99 over the <£250 budget!
Kinesis Maxlight XC130 - often come up 'cheap' new.
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Not long ago they did have un stickered C456 on budget might be worth a ring.
or bearing in mind the other bits you need,
The Scandal used to be rated up to 120mm forks, I notice thats now changed to 100mm, but might be worth looking at Geometry will be close to your 853. Certainly light at 3.5lbs.
edit, I run mine at 120mm & have none of the issues Northwind found. It might make a difference what forks & what AC height they are though.
Second hand Soul, push budget £50 or so for a BFe or Prince Albert
You can get the 725mm version PA for £249
reduce forks to 120mm and get a whippet instead? They were doing them for £250. But would need a new push fit BB and headset.
C456 is normal BB with 73mm shell width.
Maybe trawl e bay for a Kinesis Pha5e or a Rock Lobster B52 frame (essentially the same) they were designed for 130-150mm forks and were pretty light.
Been looking at c456 pics, not sure I can get over the extra brake cable guides (obsessive I know)
Kinesis looks nice
I know too many people with cotics already
Bfe
Prince Albert. Fantastic bike with 130mm Revs fitted, lighter than BFe.
I was going to suggest running 120mm forks and a Cove Handjob from CRC but they've sold out.