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Really annoying - I am not a AM rider as I live on the Downs and only venture to Peaslake / BPW occasionally. I don't do big jumps etc. I just like a challenge on technical single tracks.
I therefore selected a Commencal Meta HT TR to go with a new Recon Gold 120mm a full XT 1x11 group and Easton Heist 24 wheels (plus Easton bars/stem/post).
Should be around 25 lbs without pedals.
BUT, Commencal don't sell the frame separately - you have to buy the META HT AM and find a 150mm or so fork like a Sektor Gold.
My question is : will that be overbiked for my needs as I need something that climbs well for the Downs. Not sure what the weight difference is either...
AM frame
https://www.commencal-store.com/cadre-meta-ht-am-650b-metallic-black-2017-c2x19265913
TR frame (on a bike)
https://www.commencal-store.com/meta-ht-trail-ride-650b-black-2017-c2x19821485
Lots of choice for that sort of bike frame of you aren't set on the Meta.
Bird do some great alternatives, frame only or competitively priced full builds available.
Looks to be the same frame to me. Probably same frame for both options with a slightly different tt sticker. Could be wrong mind. Email them and check
Put these on your list.
Dartmoor Primal
On One Parkwood
Cotic Soul
Brand-X HT-01
Thanks for the recommendations and input - the 2 frames are indeed related but one has a 504mm for height recommendation (120mm travel, typically) and the other 530mm (140/150mm) hence my hesitation going for the longer travel bike due to my essentially Trailishy XC use...
Brand-X HT-01
Seems too good to be true at £100 after BC discount : what's the catch ?
It's be a perfect match for the Recon Gold 120mm...
Suddenly my budget has gone down as I might as well go for some Crossride 21mm and be at the £1,000 mark while keeping the full XT groupset...
I think the brand x frame is the old Vitus Sentier frame, I'm not sure but they're very similar
Bird Zero TR or Cotic Soul depending on your handling/material preference?
I got the brand x frame when it was on offer last month, threw in my BC discount and bagged it for just over £80. First impressions are very good. I have not built it up yet, it's my summer project to transfer all my bits over from my old 26" bike. If you want a 120/130mm hardtail for general riding you wont go wrong.
There's no catch. The geometry is conservative (by the latest long and slack standards) but sounds ideal for what you are after. It just won't have much SH value because it's not one of the big names.
Seen one built up. It looked understated and decent quality, certainly no worse than any big name complete bikes up to about 700 -800 quid.
Shows how cheap these Alu frames are knocked out for. Parkwood was 60-65 quid (can't remember exactly) at one point and there's still a margin on that!
To an extent you have apples and oranges here, the frame isn't just a carrier for a fork and groupset.
I'd consider if you're prepared to pay the premium for nicer steel (or even if you consider it a better material) and go from there. A Soul will bust your budget and leave you struggling to hit £1500 with a reasonable fork and parts but BFe's in 27.5" start at £349 and apart from having the capacity to go bigger can run a 120 and be a good all day bike - a decent build around £1200 (Full M8000 Xt, Reba 120RL, Crossrides, Ardent/HR2) straight out of Merlin without trying. You could take £100 of that straight away by using M7000 SLX for instance. Just an option... 😀
Bird Zero TR should really be higher up the list, ideal for 130mm, modern geo, light enough for xc, looks lovely in the grey too.
