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So... after my previous post, re the electric queen.
I have realised finding a used one is going to be near impossible.
So, I started looking at other Steel 29ers again.
To fit my needs (and wants):
29x2.4(ish)
Potential to run rigid (and feel good)
Bimbling with the kids
Blasting trails
Endurance races
Bikepacking on tougher routes than I’d want to in my gravel bike
...the Solaris max is pretty much the best match I can find but again, finding used seems unlikely.
I really don’t want to wait until December for one of the new frames, so what else should I be looking at? (That being said, I’m probably already looking at the alternatives but again, nothing used is turning up)
Cheers
i was looking at the Switch9er or Pace RC295 as they seem similarly priced and comparative geo. As i'm overseas though I look very closely at the customer service and warranty. I seem to be fairly hard on my gear.
Pace appear to have forgotten to get back to me about freight costs or warranty. Stanton were pretty good but would be a PITA if something went wrong. Cotic back their products.
Hadn’t really looked at the switch9er... a couple of years ago, that would have been. The perfect choice but if I’m honest with what I will use it for, the Sherpa is probably more suited out of the stantons...
Looks like a wait for any new frames there too
I bought the Solaris after trying a Sherpa and Bardino of mates. Both felt too short for me.
What size? I ask to avoid recommending other options also out of stock for a good while.
Large... I’m 6ft
SC Chameleon?
Mine is set up with 120mm 35mm SIDs and is a great all-day bike, really comfy.
the Sherpa is probably more suited out of the stantons…
Looks like a wait for any new frames there too
I’ve ordered one regardless. They are looking at 8-10 weeks for build dates for the 853, though couldn’t promise anything as the delay is with Reynolds.
Brother Cycles? Not sure how well it would do on an enduro but pretty much designed for the other stuff? Not quite as cool as a Stanton or Solaris but review well.
How about the Pipedream Moxie.
If you are looking at 120-130mm hardtails The Aluminum Chameleon is a good choice, and rides soft.
I think the Chameleon is one of the few frames to hit the sweet spot between modern xc bikes and LLS bikes. Great all-rounder.
Cheers for all the options... I like chameleons but I am specifically looking for a steel frame.
Due to lack of anything second hand around, I’m leaning pretty heavily toward the Nordest britango, just waiting to hear back on delivery dates
Cheers for all the options… I like chameleons but I am specifically looking for a steel frame.
So was I, but they are all heavier and after hoisting fully loaded bikes over gates and stiles bikepacking I decided a lighter frame was worth it. Ride quality on Alu Chameleon is good, don’t discount it for that.
I decided a lighter frame was worth it. Ride quality on Alu Chameleon is good, don’t discount it for that.
Though there is only 1 lb between the Alu Chameleon and a Sherpa. Could loose 450 g elsewhere in a bikepacking set up. Like @hooja I decided the comfort of steel was still important for me (though the Chameleon was on my shortlist).
The Chameleons have Santa Cruz's no messing around lifetime frame warranty.
Cotic 5 years
Stanton lifetime
Bardino 5 years
On One Big Dog
I've had an Inbred 29er for about 15 years. Just got a Dog. Took it round the Nant yr Arian red route yesterday on my way back from visiting a client. I'm old and technically useless and it was undemanding of the bike. [My Inbred would have induced quite a few ooh er moments]. It's very smooth, the geometry is sorted, power delivery is good and the frame build quality is high. I've put Z2s on, just for the fit and forget aspect. Wheel build was poor though, I have tightened a fair few spokes. I'm 5' 8" and the dropper is at full stretch on a medium so you may need extra large. As far as I know weight is 2 or 3oz more than a Cotic.
The one thing I didn't initially like is the 75 seat angle, but both Cotic and Stanton are at least as steep. I had to put on my old unused Inbred saddle and angle it back slightly to get my backside the right position. I wouldn't want 76. Cy resisted going 75 for a while. I've got long legs and arms and a very short torso.
Sonder Signal. I have the Ti one but they are now doing steel too.
I'd second the big dog; got the Summer of Love edition, and I am pretty impressed.
sure - its not the most expensive components (its an On-One!) - but they're decent and could be upgraded along the way; but it meets the 2.4 requirements, it has rack mounts for bike packing, its comfy....
Apparently Gomas measure 2.48. That being so there should be room for 2.6" in a Dog. I asked for a 50mm stem as the blurb said it's designed for 35 to 50. On One's come with 60 if you don't specify......