I have a Dialled Bike Prince Albert hardtail (medium).
In an ideal world I'd like it about 2lbs lighter and with a lower top tube and then it would be spot on. That said, it is brilliant and is my 2nd PA (having had the original model and now the latest model).
I am after a new hardtail to build using a 140mm fork (Pike).
My riding partner has a on one 456ti which I like a lot.
I am 5ft 10 and his 16" on one seems to fit, which is strange given how small a frame size it is/seems.
I have made an offer on an on one 456ti (16") and a Charge Blender ti (again a 16" frame) with the hope of getting either one.
I am also looking at the on one 456 carbon, but not sure on looks or the 1.1/4" lower head race sizing.
I want the bike to be smaller enough to jump (not mad dirt jumps for 24"/BMX style jumps, but some decent sized kickers/doubles etc) with the saddle right down. Light enough that I can do a decent say 2hr Xc ride on it and a nice frame material that takes out the buzz of the trial.
Any suggestions from the foum??????? (thanks).
I want the bike to be smaller enough to jump (not mad dirt jumps for 24"/BMX style jumps, but some decent sized kickers/doubles etc) with the saddle right down. Light enough that I can do a decent say 2hr Xc ride on it and a nice frame material that takes out the buzz of the trial.
Dialled Bikes PA?
😉
poppa
thats the problem ! PA is almost spot on - just weight is tad excessive - and the top tube could be lower to aid jumping.
Am finding this a head scratcher....
I would suggest the Alpine as it has a nice dropped TT. About the same weight as the PA tho.
What's your budget? If you don't want Alu and steel is too heavy for you, then you're looking at carbon or Ti!
JP, you're gonna have to go Ali or Ti to get a 2lb lighter frame, as the current Prince Albert is about as light as you're gonna get for a long travel, non-853, CEN compliant steel frame. If you want steel, the obvious choice would be a Cotic Soul (about 0.75lbs/1lb lighter).
Or maybe stick with the PA frame and get a lighter fork and wheels. That could possibly save 1-2lbs.
Maybe go for the next size down if you want a lower top tube.
Wasn't the PA raced in 4X for a while? If so it should be more than capable (ideal?) for what you want, as you have found.
Maybe you could try to work out how much weight you could save if, instead of spending the money on a frame, you spent it on lighter components and sold the old ones?
Orange Crush
2nd hand Gary Fisher GED frame (may not be that light though)
Santa Cruz Chameleon
Banshee/Mythic Scirocco or the Viento
for starters...
What about this- http://kinesisdecade.co.uk/product.php?id=2
it says it's for 100-130mm travel, i'm 140 wouldn't be too far out of it though.
New PA is lighter than the Alpine, Jamie. Not by much though.
Yes Poppa, Steve and Paddy raced small Prince Alberts for 1 season before we developed the Holeshot (which is basically an extra small PA with 4X friendlier geometry).
So you made an offer on that Ti 456 on eBay, the complete bike, and it's been accepted and the auction has now closed. So aren't you committed to buying it?
I only ask because I was also looking at the Ti456 and notice it's been sold and there aren't any others on there.
The Blender Ti (also on eBay but not showing as sold) is a very different bike to the 456. It's got a super short TT, around 21.5" IIRC and is designed as a 4x/playbike, not really a trail bike although of course you can ride it as such if you want. But it will feel very different to the 456, which is about 1.5" longer in the TT and has a steeper seat angle.
Been called out all day, after posting my message - thanks to those who replied.
Mike - appreciate your thoughts and comments. I love the PA(the new frame) this would be additional bike alongside the PA. I may well consider an Alpine to get the top tube clearance. Equally today I have been thinking of XTR finishing kit to loose some weight and a carbon seat post. Will be the most bling jump/Xc bike going at this rate!!
geetee1972 - I'm not guilty of buying the on one on ebay - not me! that said appreciate comments on TT length on blender ti frame.
Know doubt a nights sleep will provide the solution, have just been looking at my white custom paint job PA - does look cool and component weight reduction may well be right outcome.