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Still can't make my mind up on my new hardtail! Was originally wanting something a bit hardcore but I've decided that it would be better to have it as more of an alternative to my maverick but still 29. The plan being when we finally manage to make the move to the tweed valley it can be something I can use during the winter months to go up over the hills like the southern upland way for days out away from the trails as thats where I'll take the big bike. On that page I had my eye on the SC chameleon but as it's not in stock until March and I need it for this winter I'm looking for similar all rounder bikes. Tempted by the nukeproof scout but as the fella has one I didn't really want to be a twin!
Inspire me oh wise ones?!
No idea about availability but the new Yeti Arc?
I'm definitely a brand snob but for £1400 for frame only they can jog on!
Bird zero29
Ragley could well be worth it as loadsa solid options.
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2182-mht-8.9.html
Boardman MHT. £1k, good spec, spend a bit upgrading the tyres/wheels/dropper post and it'll be a good lightweight trail hardtail
I just bought a SC Chameleon from Jonito.de. Great service, loads in stock no idea how. None in the uk.
orange clockwork evo 29?
@gkeeffe they definitely have stock? Says 2-3 days shipping time but also says ask for delivery time.
I got mine in less than two weeks incl delivery. I rang up first and chatted to them. Good standard of English. Really nice people.
Seem a nice bunch but only a C build available and I want frame only and definitely alu rather than carbon.
If you're set on the Chameleon, have a trawl through all of the European dealerships websites. A couple of months ago I couldn't find the Hightower frame I wanted in stock in the UK.. found one (and discounted) in Germany.
Second the Bird Zero29. Only ML and XL in stock right now though
Not totally set. Hence the thread. If anything I’d like alternatives so I don’t own another SC/Juliana!
I went for a Stanton after similar considerations. Personally, I wanted something more XC given where I live so ordered the Sherpa (yet to arrive), though one of the other models might suit better. Note they have an ~10 week lead time. Mate has ordered a Pace, which also looks really good though they also have a 6-8 week lead time I think. However, we are a group of steel fans.
Orange Crush 29? Bikescene have some frames. Dartmoor Primal?
Just sold on a mk1 switchback so was after something other than a Stanton this time, not convinced I need the weight of steel for the use I want it for either.
Personally I think the Chameleon (in carbon) is an awfully expensive bike where you really don't get much for your money, you really are just for the brand. As said if you want an SC anything other than that will leave you a little disappointed.
This video sums it up well:
What size frame are you after?
A Bird is the answer, no?
Any HT will work for what you describe, is just finding stock of frame only that's the difficulty.
A Ragley clearly, shirley, predictably
Similar issues finding Chameleon stock a few years back. Local shop sorted me out with a Trek Stache. No regrets apart from non-moto cable routing which is a minor grizzle rather than a faff. I run mine with 2.4s - no need for 3" unless your keen. It's be nice to run a longer dropper, but I have an Ascend in there with 150.
I'm after a medium frame. Hard to see what ragleys are even available as their website is empty of all bikes. I think they're similarly not in stock until March. I think I'll have to give up all hope for this winter!
ML is the only one in stock on the bird, I'm right on the cusp of the sizing being 5ft7 and I dont really want something longer than my full sus bike.
How about an Orange P7 29
Cotic bfemax or Solaris?
Ragley are no stock till feb at the earliest bike snob a side on one scandal has to be worth a look for the money
nukeproof Also no stock in fact no stock of most decent frames to be fair
orange clockwork evo definitely is a very good shout as an all rounder
I’ve got my eye on the as a frame for a buddy in France I believe possibility end of this month for frames but not holding my breath
other options I’ve looked at
is nordest brittango
pipedeam sirus new v3 version just announced
Stanton sherpa
production privee Shan GT
these are all in the similar vain of the chameleon Geo wise but steel of cause so a slight weight penalty
<span style="font-size: 0.8rem;">also if your lucky check out the second hand market but there’s not much coming up the past week or two as been looking myself for said buddy, of cause this depends on what size you need to </span>
As others have said stock is the problem. Pound for pound my Ragley is brilliant , £290 for a big al frame 29er Long low slack ish compare that to the offerings from Orange and you are £200 up on a build before you start
Yeh totally agree the ragley big al is a bargain in real terms gotta say love mine and just about to fit 2.6 tyres on it to see how they ride lol.
But if you need it now then the orange I’d say is worth a look though there mid to end of November now and only fizzy orange colour or a £100 up charge for a different colour etc which doesn’t make them that good value to me.
I was gonna mention the On One Scandal, but I see they are currently £699 frame only.
Insert ROFL emoji here.
I think it's going to be a waiting game for what comes into stock first. There's a big al on ebay but the chap wants £1k and the only thing I'd want to keep on the whole build is the frame dn the forks so a bit crazy.
Do like the look and finish of the Ragley's.
Too much of a brand snob to own an on-one I'm afraid!
Does anyone know how frame weights vary between these options?
I'm thinking about moving from my XTC to something a bit more trail friendly, thinking along the lines of the Chameleon, Nukeproof scout or the Orange Crush 29.
My 2014ish XTC frame is around 1750g and I think the Chameleon is about 2200g. Any ideas on the others? I'm loath to add more weight, but get that there are greater benefits!
If you're wanting to explore the moorland a bit more in this part of the world then I'd highly recommend going for plus wheels/tyres - particularly if you're wanting to explore off the beaten track. In the good old recommend what you have style, I have a Stache which I love to bits whilst my wife has a Sonder Frontier.
I was gonna mention the On One Scandal, but I see they are currently £699 frame only.
FFS, think i need a lie down now...
I was gonna mention the On One Scandal, but I see they are currently £699 frame only.
FFS, think i need a lie down now…
For a mere £300 extra you can have a whole bike...
I'm really trying not buy a sonder signal ti now because I dont need ti, i dont, i dont, i dont!!!! Orange clockwork evo available from end of Nov but I think they're a bit overpriced for an alu frame especailly when I wouldn't want the bog standard 'orange'. There's talk of a restock for the nukeproof in Nov but CRC can't confirm it. Ragley Big Al was just 2021.
As said, Sirius S5 which will be dropping next month. First thing I thought of next to Chameleon, steel though.
https://www.pipedreamcycles.com/shop/sirius/
Large available. Spanish importer and I got my 5010 from them..
2020 aluminium Chameleon for sale here:
Linky
That’s so much money for a secondhand hardtail (albeit barely used) wearing Sram NX, basic Guide T brakes, a budget wheelset and a 34 with the basic Grip damper.
And it’s Brown, and it’s got grey wall tyres 🤷♂️
Steel!
but the nordest brittango are due to drop this month and on offer just ordered one for a buddy to build up for him.
they look a decent trail hardtail and run a 120/14o fork option to.