I've got a 18" mmmbop frame, running 120-150 u turn revelations with a tapered steerer.
I love my bike but I feel like it gives me a bit of a battering on longer days (25 miles +) and I end up feeling generally rattled with a sore backside and small of my back. I've changed my saddle from a specialized one to a charge spoon, and it's very comfy, so I don't think it's that that's causing the general ache. I think the frame is sized correctly as my knees are slightly bent at the bottom of the pedal stroke, and my arms are slightly bent when I'm sat in the saddle.
I'm thinking of doing a frame transplant with my existing kit, and getting a full sus bike as a replacement.
What frame would you recommend where I wouldn't have to change my fork, or can you suggest (other than mtfu) a way of making my bike a little more comfy on longer rides. Riding is mostly in the Peak, and I'm not technically very competent.
Stand up when descending.
27.2 Ti seatpost and a shim. My Van Nic one is great.
I do, it's more the up and along bits, where it's a lot harder to stand, that seem to be causing the problems 🙂
Got an mmmbop too and love it for shortish rides, it's a real blast.
Not tried it myself but you could try getting a 27.2 mm seat post (in Ti or carbon) and shimming it out. Heard that the narrower posts tend to flex a bit and this gives a nicer ride. There was a thread on here about it a while back. Carbon bars may help too.
Edit: Doh, beaten to it!
Another edit: tend to find it better running at 120mm, maybe this means I don't have as much weight on the saddle. It's also better round the local twisty bits at 120.
25 miles over the Peaks on an alu hardtail would leave me in hospital I reckon!
Further to the comments above, a full diameter carbon post might do the job without needing to shim it. Can you borrow one from a pal to try out?
But I'd go for 140mm FS frame myself in your shoes. Loads to choose from. Depends what your priorities are in terms of riding and did you want somethign similar geometry to the Mmmbop?
(plug: I'm selling a large Mondraker Foxy frame myself btw)
What kind of frame suggestion are you looking for, new or 2nd hand?
Due to the tapered steerer, you have a more 'limited' choice - Nukeproof Mega, Foxy, Morewood Sukuma and (2011 only IIRC) Turner 5 spot come to mind off hand.
Though 2nd hand Prophets are plentyful and cheap, can be built light and are plenty of fun.
Thanks, I'd looked at the mega, it sesms to have very similar geometry to my mmmbop which suits me nicely, but wondered if I would be over-biked and whether it's a bit heavy for all day adventures.
Had an mmmbop and sold it for exactly the same reason, a shimmed 27.2 made little difference. Now riding an Genesis Latitude which has the xx44 headset so tapered forks are fine. Also just got a 2nd hand prophet and it's really good.
I supposed it depends on the frame weight, as I have transfered my lightish Prophet (damaged BB threads) parts to a Gemini frame and though it's better then it ever was, it still feels a tad heavy, as I've been spoilt by the Prophet (which will be repaired!).
The end of the day only you can decide on that front.
Couple of medium NP Mega's on ebay for £880 at the mo.... Though I'd confirm they come with a guaranteed frame warrenty for peace of mind
(due to QC issue on the first batch, though its rumored the issue is only with large frames)
Large silver ones it seems. I've a large black one (mega that is) and it's great. Not ridden in the Uk yet though so can't comment on the over bike thing for Uk trails, was amazing in the alps though.
I've got it built with lyriks, but it would be a lot lighter with revs on the front. The lyriks were on my mmmbop but it's a completely different bike with revs up front now.