Anything better than a Sonder Frontier frame for £400?

I have a few bits in the spares bin (topped up by the CRC dumpster fire) that I’d like to hang on a frame: 29″ wheels, 100mm fork, 31.6mm seatpost desirable.

Not after anything fancy – most of my riding will be what I currently do on a gravel bike, I’ve just come to realise I’d be about as quick on a 100mm 29er but more comfortable and without having to nurse the downhills. Also for the odd bit of bikepacking.

New Singular Swift looks lovely but not sure I can justify £950 for a frame. Specialized Chisel also lovely but again silly money for the frameset (especially compared to the complete bikes). Sonder Dial just seems like a curvier Frontier for £100 extra.

Anything else to consider? Or feel free to tell me just to get the Sonder Frontier 🙂

Having paid £850 for a full sx spec frontier, £400 for just the frame feels like a lot. 

That said, nearly 4 years in, the frame and fork are pretty much the only original parts left.

You might get alternatives offered, but in my opinion you won’t get anything better for the money if you’re looking for a ‘traditional’ mountain bike frame.

i loved mine and totally regret selling it.

If you buy before the end of April, I’ve got a £50 voucher to help with the cost.  Message me if you want it and I’ll ping it over.

I was looking at what to replace my original on-one scandal 29er and came to the conclusion that the Frontier was the best bike to do that. So i ended up with a cotic cascade…head & heart and all that

Thanks all, there’s definitely plenty of heart over head options but not this time unfortunately

The eBay Alpkit Outlet frequently have some bargain frames that are discounted because of minor paint chips. I got my Frontier from them with full warranty, but at a bargain price. The paint chip was easily hidden with a little touch of nail varnish.

For the riding you describe it would be perfect. Mine is retired as I’ve ridden a Chisel for last 2 years, but it never put a foot wrong. Did all my local riding, East Devon Trail in a day etc. Built mine with a carbon fork.

I did exactly the same as you, @deft about 18 months ago. Had a load of parts in the spares bin so wanted to use them.

I already had a Sonder Broken Road and fancied something similar but cheaper for commuting and general hacking about. Bought a Frontier frame and built it up. The only new parts I bought for it were the chainset and headset spacers. It has been great and for the money I don’t think you can go wrong.

When I bought mine the answer was no.

PlanetX currently have Scandal frames on offer at £300 and after that it’s their Bootzipper at £550. I liked the look of Brother Big Bro or a Surly but they were more than double at the time.

I think the Dial has slightly less stack and maybe a degree or so different head angle.

Pleased with mine. I’m running it rigid with Superstar 29 inch wheels and 10 speed deore for just riding. Currently got an On One Geoff handlebar but may try a standard riser as some point.