Looking to build up a steel framed 100-120mm travel XC bike with an IHG (Alfine at this stage) with a maximum budget of £750 although i'd like to spend a lot less. I've also considered fitting a trickstuff exzentriker or similar to a standard frame.
To complicate things i'd like to buy a frame built in the UK, USA, Canada or Germany. I despise the principle of outsourcing, believe in home country manufacturing and a fair day's pay for a decent day's work.
Call me naive or idealistic......!
You may have to up your budget considerably due to your hatred of outsourcing. You certainly won't be able to get it for "a lot less". Frames made outside of Taiwan are pretty expensive normally. You will have to look second hand.
taiwan isnt a backcountry sweatshop affair by any stretch and as said youll have to swell the budget to go brit yank canuck or bavarian
Thanks chaps.
At least you're sufficiently enlightened to comment and both replies are equally valid.
I think I went a little off track on the sliding dropout vs EBB question.
Another try maybe......
for what its worth i think the ebb is the way to go but a quick look at ifrider shows that a lot of folk like the sliders too
Both EBB's and sliders have good and bad points.
I've got both and have had slightly less grief with the sliders. Not much in it though.
Love my paragons, pretty sure still the oly set curtis have built with, was the first 853 frame they built too (with 853 stays)
cost more than £750 3 years ago so I'm sure it would be more now. Guys at paragon are good to deal with too, I ordered a few sets an me and a couple of mates split postage
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You need to get those slider faces polished up. 😉
Oh and here's a pic of my Paragons.
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polished a long time ago, just found that nice pic on the curtis site!
don't suppose anyone as any spare bolts for the paragons?
Just use standard allen head bolts.
Very interesting. I spoke to Curtis today. He wasn't too keen on fitting Paragon dropouts, only because you can't braze stainless and they have to get them tig welded elsewhere. He mentioned your frame, sssimon as they've only done a couple. Up to £875 for 853 now.
Paragon look like a company right up my street, The Americans have held onto that pride that we lost a long time ago.
Check out Brian Rourke's website. Custom SS in 853 with slidey dropouts for less than £700.
I'm VERY tempted!
It's nice to know there are people out there thinking in a very similar way. That's really strange as after speaking to Curtis I tried to phone Brian Rourke today but they were closed!!
I also left a message with Burls in Essex. Basic build £680, although not really sure what you get for your money and whether he'd do a ss/hub gear frame. Columbus tubing for starters though.....
Explosion in a Spaghetti Factory, what frame have you got there? It looks like Ti and expensive but just right. You've got flanged Paragon dropouts as opposed to flat. What's the thinking behind them? Is it just suitability to frame stay or something else?
You can silver solder stainless - can Curtis not do this or is it considered not strong enough?
Moulton make a full "silver brazed" stainless spaceframe.
I've got a singlespeed where I made stainless dropouts and a friend silver soldered them (still in one piece).
And I've silver soldered stainless to stainless and steel to stainless for the cantilevered rack on my kiddy carrying bike - no toddlers have died yet! 🙂
http://www.atomiczombie.com/gallery/alisonrushton/recumbent.htm
I have been using Paragon dropouts for the past couple of years and have found them very good. In comparison I have had a cheaper sliding dropout frame and a Busnell EBB, the Paragon drop outs have worked better than those.
Just to keep with the theme of pictures:
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sssimon, you will want some M8 x 16 socket button screws in stainless. If you are anywhere Guildford these guys stock them : http://www.margnor.co.uk/
mick r - I'm not sure on that one. Curtis made no mention of it so I guess they're not that happy with the idea.
Jason - Thanks for your comment, especially as you've used both 'systems'. After looking at Paragon's website I'm not surprised by what you say as their ethos seems to be one of no compromise quality which is very inspiring.
ir_bandito - I spoke to Brian Rourke's shop today but not actually Brian Rourke. Sadly the price has gone up to £775. Still tempting as it's made to measure.
Just got back from the Cycle Show at Earls Court. In amongst the bling were some interesting bikes and stunning frames. Norco Judan belt drive. Gates Carbon Belt Drive assembly looked beautifully simple.
Independent Fabrications, all I can say is freakin' awesome!
The other frame that was really impressive was the Lynskey built Ragley. They obviously don't compromise even when making batch jobs for other companies.
travellingman.
In answer to your question mines a Blacksheep hilight 29er.
Another thing you might want to consider though.
If you plan on using a Rohloff at some point in the future you might find that the Paragon sliders can creak in the lower gears. When it's really sticking some kickback torque through them.
Used as a singlespeed setup and also with a standard gear mech they're fine.
The other frame that was really impressive was the Lynskey built Ragley. They obviously don't compromise even when making batch jobs for other companies.
Cheers. Did you get any pork scratchings?
Explosion in a Spaghetti Factory - thanks for the tip on using a Rohloff and the Paragon sliding dropout. That would be something i'd consider in the future although it'll be some way off. Paying for the frame's bad enough, let alone the cost of a Rohloff hub! Nice bike you have there.
Brant - no pork scratchings for me. Didn't see any and i'm a veggie!!