Forum menu
Hi all,
Looking for a cheap do-it-all hardtail - OK on XC loops, some jumps, bit of DH etc.
I'm looking at the 45650b - any thoughts? From looking around, general consensus is it's pretty fun.
Second question - I am about 6ft 1, and want a bike that I can really throw around (especially on jumps), and whack a long seatpost in for the climbs. Short travel (100mm ish ideally) I don't really want to run the 45650b with anything more than a 130mm fork.
For reference, I used to ride this - a large (16" I believe) Giant STP, for all my XC duties quite happily:
[img] 
[/img]
I am looking at the 45650b in a medium, 18". I assume it will be larger than the STP, so I should be fine with that size, right?!
Any thoughts much appreciated.
Also, any recommendations for other cheap hardtails to look at would be great.
Cheers,
Duane.
Bro had one. It was heavy and i didnt really gel with it. But I didn't ride it like it sounds you do!
It's quite short in large in reach terms but if hooning it around a medium would suit also.
I wouldn't run it with 100mm forks, think it's suited more to the 130 you suggest.
Dartmoor frames always come recommended. I'm 6.2 and had a 20" 45650b, size was ok for me apart from reach but I wouldn't go for 18" as I'd have too much seatpost (and reach would be even shorter).
For me it sat up quite tall which you make like if jumping is your bag, not so good for XC or trail riding
Im just building up a 14" 45650b for the missus, seems a good do it all bike. Theres a guy on pinkbike selling a new 18" frame for £100.
Got a 16" one, lively little bike. Not light or subtle but it blats through stuff with aplomb and will grind up most hills. Fun little thing but does work better with fork up to 150mm with a beefy front tyre for grip.
They grow up so fast... 😯
Yer Giant was 15" son.
There's a Large STP here doing nothing if you want it! (complete bike. needs a new fork and could do with new brakes).
Nothing with 650s is gonna feel quite like an ol' STP with it's 16" stays. But you already knew that, eh?
45650b's possibly not all that bad for what you want if you're adamant about leaving 26s and going to 120-130mm up front.
These might fit the bill too.
http://nukeproof.com/products/scout-frame/
http://dartmoor-bikes.com/hardware/enduro-trail/hornet-2016-0
only about £50 more (if we're talking new)
#264LYF-1 😥
Are you looking for a full bike or frame only?
I've got a Santa Cruz chameleon mk5 that is was about part out and sell. Frame sounds like it could be just what you're after. Designed as a 26" but fits a 27.5" (think it was intentional) with stealth dropper routing. Would fit as I'm 6.1. Good condition other than a mark on the chain stay. £250. Would also sell as full bike for
I had a large and im 6'2. Only just fit me so I would go with a 20" and short stem. I liked it, as others said it plows through stuff. Not a light frame but its got some give for the rough stuff.
I had an 18" in large - good fun frame, very chuckable. Felt a lot more better when it had a 150mm fork on the front than the 130mm it started with - though to be fair I went from a Sektor to a Yari, so that will have been a large part of it. I'm just under 6'0", and ran it with a 50mm stem, but the reach is quite short, which is why I took all the parts off and transferred to a longer one. I'd have no hesitation recommending the 45650B frame though if it suits your riding.