Steel Hardtail?

I’m looking for a steel hardtail frame to build up at the moment.

I’ll be running 130mm forks but could switch them up to 140mm if needed.

Currently looking at the following:

• Bird Forge
• Pace 429
• Solaris Max

I’d prefer 31.6mm seat tube and UDH hanger so I can swap parts over from my current frame.

Has anyone tried both the Solaris and the Forge? I’ve had a Solaris Max previously and liked the way it rode.

Anything else to consider?

Pipedream Sirius worth considering

Buy once , buy right , job done ?

I built up a forge in the Summer – really enjoying it so far. More laid back than the ragley big al it replaced – very at home on steep stuff.

18 bikes are selling their No.9’s for £500 ATM, gorgeous frames.

https://www.18bikes.co.uk/2021-18-bikes-9-frame.html

Ive got a Pace RC429 and it’s in a different league to other steel hardtails ive ridden in my opinion

@oldfart – I concur

Please stop sharing pics of Curtises. I don’t want to get divorced.

Stif squatch is a hoot

Slackline?

Transition transam an option? If you can still get them over here.

@garethjw pardon?

@dartdude indeed!

Cotic BFE 100%.

I run the previous 2023 BFE Max with a 130 Fox 34.

It’s a treat and very versatile.

Seems like the new model version similar, but basically has Swap dropouts for those looking to Mullet.

You won’t regret.

Stif squatch is a hoot

It really is, and optimised for 130mm forks. I was going to recommend, but the seat tube is the wrong diameter for the op

Frames

Production Privee updated their geometry finally. Always liked the looks of their frames and the details.

The Curtis is nice but it’s way more than I’m wanting to spend. I’ve been looking around for something secondhand but there doesn’t seem to be much about at the moment.

If I’m buying new it’s a real toss-up between the Pace and the Bird…

I don’t know if it’s just me who’s super fussy about geometry, but I’d be going through the fine details of the charts for each (taking care to adjust for things being quoted with different A2C length and saddle heights (for seat angles and ETT)) and then comparing to what you’ve previously owned and seeing if the changes are what you want.

That’s how I’d ended up with a Moxie with 160mm forks and I think it’s bloody marvellous but also probably not the right bike for everyone!

I disagree chiefgrooveguru, it’s made of magic and perfect for everyone, they just don’t know it yet 🙂

Really miss my 631 Pipedream Sirius. If I was in the market for a new steel frame, this is where I’d be looking.

Any reason why you’re considering the 429 over the 529? I built one up in Feb and really like it. Definitely stiffer through the back end than my signal ti but with a decent volume tyre it’s comfortable enough for chunky descents. Using a 140mm fork but would be fine at 130.

Any reason why you’re considering the 429 over the 529?

The main reason is that I’m never likely to be wanting to run it with anything longer than a 130mm fork so it makes sense to me to go with the 429.

Annoyingly, they seemed to have the 429 in stock in my size yesterday, I went to order one this morning and they’re all gone for now.

I don’t know if it’s just me who’s super fussy about geometry

Lolz, I think anyone who has been on the forum for a while will confirm you are at the upper end of the fussy scale 🙂

Love my Stanton Switch9er. I built it light as I broke my leg, frame arrived the week I got out of hospital, so put 140mm forks and Fortus 26 wheels on rather than going full blown HT enduro to use as a recovery bike but 3 year on I haven’t felt the need to get a longer fork.

Really depends what you’re going to use it for –

For XC, my Shand Bahookie is superb – there’s a good value one on ebay at the moment with it’s original rigid forks – I fitted some 130mm Fox 34’s on mine and it’s excellent…..

For something more gnarly, I recently sold my Stif Squatch as I don’t do anything “nasty” these days, but it was an excellent bike and the frame is really well made…..there’s a few of those kicking about on ebay too…..

In all cases, I’d be looking for lightly used s/h – prices seem to have lummeted so there’s some bargains out there!

Production Privee updated their geometry finally.

Only about 5 years too late for me. Which is a shame, because they’re lovely things and the geo looks pretty decent now. Value is looking pretty good on their website too, but I suppose that doesn’t include import duties.

I’ve since move through ‘nice steel hardtail’ to ‘nice Ti hardtail’ but that’s a different thread topic.

I’ve got a steel Pace and really rate it. Great bike, very versatile.