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So, about 18 months ago, I built up a Ragley BigWig. With 150mm Pikes and 29er 2.5/2.6 tyres, I thought it would be all the bike I'd need.
It's great for nearly all the stuff I do. But there are times when I think I need a bit more back-end give. I think, after all, that I do sometimes need a FS in my life ...
Sold some stuff, and will hopefully sell some more. I've probably enough money to put towards a used FS frame. Initially, the plan would be to swap parts between the BigWig and the FS, but in time, and as funds allow, build up 2 full bikes.
But what FS frame? I don't want a heavy, big travel enduro machine. Looking at 140/150mm fork and 120/130 shock. Compatible with my BigWig, so 29er, non boost, 100x15/142x12 wheel spacing. Needs to be reasonably 'pert' and pedal well, but capable when pointing down.
Something like an older Transition Smuggler would tick those boxes. Anything else I should consider?
And stealth-ad ... anyone got anything (frame, or rolling chassis) that they are thinking of moving on, that might fit the bill (medium!)
And, as a final curveball, what about a 27.5 option? I've an OnOne 45650b up for sale, but with zero interest, so could potentially look for a 27.5 frame and transfer the parts over? But, given that i am now used to 29er, will I regret a 27.5 FS alongside this?
How important is modern geometry to you? My suggestion would be to get a reasonably progressive, non-boost frame from 2016-ish - and the Smuggler is a great option.
I'd just say to size up to get a decent reach figure (I'm 5ft8in and used to ride a large Smuggler).
If you do get one, I'd suggest a -2deg headset from Superstar for £50 to make the geometry pretty much current.
I'd try to stay 29in if I were you, as the big wheels & short travel are such a great combination.
Also - have you already seen if you can change your username?
@chakaping ... my thinking exactly! I'm 5'8" (and a little bit), so good to know an older large Smuggler would fit.
Also – have you already seen if you can change your username?
Yeah. Tried to change it a few years back when I last dabbled with a (26er) FS frame ... I'm stuck with my username, or will have to resign and come back with a new profile!
On One Codeine.
Geometry wise they aren't quite as LLS as something made yesterday but they are reasonably up to date. They pedal pretty well too
my thinking exactly! I’m 5’8″ (and a little bit), so good to know an older large Smuggler would fit.
Yeah, they were ahead of the pack with lower seat tubes, 450mm IIRC - which was fine even with my stumpy legs.
The fact that it takes a long stroke 190x50 shock (for the 115mm travel) was also good, as it makes the suspension feel very controlled and like it has more travel. And you can pick up nice used shocks easily (I tried a Cane Creek DBair, which was amazing).
5'10 and ride a large 2017 smuggler. picked it up S/H on ebay for ~£500 to swap from an older bandit 29r. everything swapped over with minimal hassle. bit slower up than the bandit but quicker everywhere else.
I will PM you.
Ian
, I thought it would be all the bike I’d need.
I was moving in this direction last year, but after trying keep up with with my mate on his FS at CyB for a day in summer last year I was battered, and it abundantly clear that anywhere involving moderate chop and up, HT speeds dropped severely and couldn't protect my aging body like an FS. Vision blur and blown out legs super quick from extended periods of hovering were also a downer on the day!
Of course, it was perfectly possible to ride the terrain, but it was much harder to do it at the speed and style I wanted to do it at.
What you describe is a bird Aether 9 IMO. Not sure if there are any used ones around yet, but they're damn good value new too.
What are your hubs? Some convert up to 148 easily and cheaply. Would open up a lot more options if you ditch the 142 requriement.
I've got a 27.5 bouncer, and 29er hardtail. I think they complement eachother/are useful for different things.
So ... what else am I looking at/for?
Frames from around 2016-2019? Short-mid travel? Progressive, capable geometry albeit not full-on LLS?
This one maybe, if you can stand the colour…
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Norco-Optic-Carbon-Full-Suspension-Frame-Super-Delux-Ultimate-Shock-29er-Large-/334232289320?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0
It’s a large with 445 seat tube 480 reach. Similar numbers to a ml aether9. I’m 1.81m tall and ride a ML A9. 180 dropper has 65mm below the collar… (420 seat tube on the aether)
Flare max , I'm your height and ride a medium . If going second hand maybe something like a stumpjumper or remedy might be easier to find as i assume there are more of them out there . Owners groups on facebook seem like a good place to find frames these days .
This one maybe, if you can stand the colour…
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Norco-Optic-Carbon-Full-Suspension-Frame-Super-Delux-Ultimate-Shock-29er-Large-/334232289320?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49286&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0It’s a large with 445 seat tube 480 reach. Similar numbers to a ml aether9. I’m 1.81m tall and ride a ML A9. 180 dropper has 65mm below the collar… (420 seat tube on the aether)
That looks ace. But now I'm going to show my ignorance about reach etc. The Norco sizing chart puts me into a large (I'm 5'8" and a bit!) But 480mm reach seems huge? My Ragley BigWig (medium) has a reach of 420mm, the bike fits me pretty well, I could probably go a bit larger, but another 60mm? (I guess I don't really understand what 'Reach' is, other than how stretched out (or not) you are when out of the saddle 🤷♂️ ...
And another question about the Norco, what would it be like with a 150mm fork? And anyone here got/ridden one and can give some real life feedback?
In terms of 'modern' geometry but no boost, you'll find yourself quite limited. If set on not converting wheels (or buying a new rear hub/wheel), then I seem to remember (and I bought for this reason) an evil following V1.
They come up small tho, so size up.
Im 182cm and ride a ML aether 9c. I think 480mm reach would be quite long at your height.
Banshee Prime
Wanna buy a Swarf Contour?
I had a similar conundrum very recently @hardtailonly, albeit I made it more difficult for myself by discounting carbon and wanting a UK-made bike. There's the Swarf above, which would be ace, as well as something like a Starling (lovely frame on Pinkbike at the moment), but I went Orange Five.
There are plenty of Orange's in non-boost flavour, and a few 29in versions (I got an Alpine Five which was basically a normal Five with bigger wheels). A Five frame of that era would likely set you back between £500 and £650ish, making a sub £800 rolling frameset very possible.
Wanna buy a Swarf Contour?
Yeah! But you're not gonna let it go for what I can afford ... 😒
https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/new-bike-day-swarf-content/
It's a medium, only just decided to perhaps sell it yesterday, so I haven't really thought this through properly ....you can drop me a message if you like.