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I have long wanted to own one of these, but the fact is that I have never even seen one in the flesh. I think this desire is deeply rooted as a result of having spent my early teens in the early nineties reading MBUK! Can anyone comment on how these things fare as a day to day bike? I have a 575 and the fit is absolutely fantastic, but it is too much bike for what and how I ride. I have realised I prefer a lighter, snappier bike that would climb well. I have an original Dialled 853 PA which I sometimes build up from the 575 bits (did this a few months back), and although I love it I wish it was a bit more "eager" pedalling and climbing, if that makes any sense? Anyone care to persuade/dissuade me. Even better, anybody want to sell me a M frame to try or swap for my 575/PA?
Lovely frame. I've had the AS-3, 575 and now the ARC. The ARC feels alot like the 575 on the descents, you just can't get away with quite as much. On the climbs though it's much more nippy than the 575, seems to get up alsorts and generally a very fun frame. I run it with 120mm forks up front, and used it for the Grand Raid Cristalp last year. Nice all rounder.
Uh-Oh, sounds just like what I am after 🙁 I have heard that the curved stays give a reasonably soft ride. Would you agree with that?
Considering it's an Alu frame then yes, although I don't know how it would compare to a modern carbon HT. I had an m2 s-works and Zaskar from the early 2000's before it and it's alot more forgiving than either of those 2.
I run it with an 80mm stem and 720mm bars as of last season. It didn't seem to effect the climbing, but it's a whole lot more fun on the downs, compared to the 100mm stem and 680mm bars I had before.
ps mines a 2005/6 frame, so it's lasted well considering I've riden it in the alps for the last 3 years.
That's good info, cheers. Now to find a used one...
I had an FRO when they first came out, miss it like crazy, and am also thinking of getting an ARC.
Is it any cheaper to import one from the states?
They have ARC frames on display in Swinnerton Cycles at Cannock Chase if it isn't too far for a ride and look see.
Had one years ago for a bit. Lovely. Have a look for a second hand one, I suspect there are plenty around!!
nooooooooooooooo.... this confirms that I definitely need an ARC frame. @barnsleymitch, I think the USA retailers are not allowed to ship outside of the country, otherwise I would look at getting one from Jenson. I really would like a decent second hand example, as I'm not only skint, but these days I kind of like buying used, I find it strangely gratifying lol. Will sell the 575 to fund it I guess.
Thanks budgierider, I am near Malvern so not far to Cannock Chase. Might find out how much they are doing them for... I would get new if there was a great deal going somewhere...
mokl - checked on Jenson's site, they're about £550.00 including shipping to the UK, but I'm not sure if you need to pay any extra tax, etc, on arrival (I got stitched up with this a year or two back when I bought a load of carbon fibre bits for my Buell from the states). Not really worth it, as at best, you'd be saving about fifty quid. Oh well, best tell the missus not to get me an I-pad for my birthday, I'll have an ARC frame instead!
Are you certain, mitch? I was sure it says that they only ship Yeti to USA, Mexico and Canada. I think this applies to a couple of brands for wahtever reason... Although, as you say, when you add on 20% tax and possible handling charge it's not really any saving over a new one in the UK (seem to be £699 everywhere). Thanks for the info though, appreciated 🙂
p.s. I'll fight you if a good used one pops up.
You're right mokl, just went back again and checked - first time I looked, I just added the frame to my basket and went straight to checkout, which is where I got the quote for shipping from. As it is, even if they did ship 'em to the UK, you wouldnt be saving that much.
Ooh - there's one on e-bay at the minute, but it's a small.
Small really is small as well! I think up to about 5'4" rider?