Forum menu
At sag with a 140mm fork the long size Moxie will be 65.5 deg HA and 485mm reach. Bird Forge in ML is a bit shorter, similar angles, lower BB.
So having gone through this process the *rough* conversion of unsagged to sagged on a 140/150mm fork is +1.5 degrees and about +20mm Reach.
I ended up with a Ragley Big Al in XL. 65/74 and 480 unsagged at 140mm. 435mm chain stays and a lowest BB. Aluminium so significantly lighter than the cheaper steel frames. Cheaper too and the big benefit of being in stock. I'd have probably gone a little slacker and steeper but given it's going to be ridden as a winter bike it's not going to be used for the steepest or gnarliest riding anyway
For the money I'm impressed. You don't get fancy cnc'd bits but they don't add any function. The cable clips are neat, the paint is shiny. Some of the welding isn't the prettiest (and the reinforcement tube across the seatstays is slightly off level) but none of that will affect the ride or strength (and it's got a 5 year warranty anyway)
I have a Solarismax and I'm a bit conflicted with it. It's the best hardtail I've ever had by far, so capable, really satisfying to ride, incredibly versatile too. But I don't love it. I loved my Soul, and my Ragley Ti, and it added a whole extra thing to the rides. The Solarismax is definitely a better tool but for whatever reason it doesn't inspire in the same way, I don't look in the garage and get excited at the idea of riding it.
That's a pretty weird criticism I know but honestly I'd trade a lot of competence and capability for a bit more love.
I looked at a Big Al, but think I missed the stock window as the colours are really nice too!
@Northwind
I've had bikes like that (and then some!). Can't explain why, but they've been great bikes that I've just never gelled with.
The Phantom V3 frame is going for new bearings this weekend, then I'm putting it up for sale. It rides really nice, looks good but for some reason I've just never really took a shine to it.
@chiefgrooveguru thanks, I don't doubt your figures so the Moxie is back on the table!
I think the HT love is something you have to work at 🙂
Every time I get a new one it seems a bit less inspiring than the last one.
After a few months of riding it suddenly seems to be broken in and I gel with it.