Im thinking about building up a budget bike packing rig/general duties ride and see I can get a malt 725 frame at a pretty low price point.
Are they any good? I see the geo isnt exactly cutting edge but tbh that is not a problem. I am looking for a 'bike' that rides off road, can cope with a few bags attached, maybe a rack, and not break the bank. Most of the components will be out of the parts bin.
I dont know anyone who has one so any thoughts appreciated
Try a forum/google search, looks like there have been a couple of threads in the past
Singletrack reviewed it as a complete bike..
https://singletrackworld.com/2023/06/merlin-malt-725-steel-slx-hardtail-review/
It looks like it might be pretty much it's sweet spot from the review. Basically good for bridleways, not so good for playful and exciting.
Looks a nice frame but if you're thinking of using it as a bike packing or utility bike it has no mounts for rack, mudguards or more than one water bottle. There are solutions for attaching things without braze on fittings but this may limit choices of gear.
Apart from that it's a very good price and looks great.
Thanks guys I had not noticed the lack of braze one, that is a good point.
The Sonder Frontier could be worth a look? The frame/fork bundle looks ideal for bikepacking.
If a large will do and if you're not insistent on steel, Planet X have some Scandal frames @ £299 but I can't tell from the product page whether they have the mounts you need.
Singletrack reviewed it as a complete bike..
https://singletrackworld.com/2023/06/merlin-malt-725-steel-slx-hardtail-review/
I missed this corker the first time around:
"The frame is built from Reynolds 725, which tends to be chosen for having a bit more flex than the slightly lighter steel alloys"