It looks like the cheapest aluminium hardtail frame for a build with 29er wheels is the PX 29er Jack Flash at around £ 99
This is advertised as good with 130 mm forks. I am thinking of a lightweight bikepacking build so considering rigid carbon forks.
Any thoughts on this - I imagine that as long as the axle to crown race measurement is about the same all is OK
So can anyone give a rough guide on axle to crown race measurement for a 130mm travel fork ?
Are you sure a Jack Flash is the right option for a "lightweight bikepacking build"? I mean, I loved my Jack Flash but it wasn't light and it wasn't an all day bike either.
It might be a cheap frame, but that may not mean it's the right frame.
Thanks for the pointer- I suppose "lightweight" was a bit misleading as there maybe lighter aluminium frames but I imagine it is lighter than the steel boot zipper, and not having suspension front forks will save a bit too.
I will also be carrying bivvybag / sleeping bag / stove / junk .....
Happy for suggestions on something better/more comfortable for all day bikepacking (for a low budget build)
I'd have thought that the Bootzipper might well be better suited to touring and load carrying duties. I only know one person who has one and he's absolutely delighted with it's performance. He definitely rates durability over lightweight and is mostly using it for exactly what you describe above.
lunge
Full Member
Are you sure a Jack Flash is the right option for a “lightweight bikepacking build”? I mean, I loved my Jack Flash but it wasn’t light and it wasn’t an all day bike either.
There are two types of Jack Flash, a dirt jumper and a 29er trail hardtail.
Former obviouslyy not suited, but the latter seems to be just a cheap hardtail, would probably be fine, won't have mounts, but if cheap is the priority i suspect it would be fine with the right rigid fork
I struggled to find cheap forks with the right A2C for 120/130mm, but the two that fit the bill were:
1) exotic rigid forks, they do alu or carbon, the latter being a bit more expensive
2) Bird blank rigid forks. Bargain, but steel.
I'd probably just get a bootzipper though.
Not that it helps but I’m very happy with my Flash. It just about takes a 2.8 x 27.5 tyre if that helps.
Iirc, the Jack Flash has the old style "square" tubing on the CS and SS. I always felt that made it harsh. It probably wouldn't be my first choice for bikepacking for that reason alone. They have full build Big dogs on sale. Rack mounts and everything.
A suitable carbon fork is rather close by at PX - the Selcof one (same as Alpkit/Sonder/Olsen) is on sale...500mm a2c, should be just right instead of a 120/130mm fork.
Not that it helps but I’m very happy with my Flash. It just about takes a 2.8 x 27.5 tyre if that helps.
Are those 2.8 tyres in the picture?
Are those 2.8 tyres in the picture?
Yes they are.
Ta. Might risk it for £99 then.
Only £79.99 with code bfbest20!
I’ve got a large Bootzipper R&D with headset if you are interested
Only used it for local commute - think it’s done 300k
Blimey £80.
I might build a commuter around it, although I need a rack
Thanks for the advice - and suggestions on the Selcof fork