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I would like a slack head angled but possibly steepish seat angled FS frame that will take my Wotans at the front but doesnt have loads of travel at the back (no more than 140) and is light enough to be ridden up hills and on long all day rides.
I currently have a Spesh Enduro but TBH its a little too well built for most of my riding. It is fantastic for the DH days but they only happen a few times a year so no need for such a big frame.
I have considered a Orange blood but they cost too much at the moment. I like the prophet and there are some ebay bargains to be had for full builds that I can strip down. I would like it to have a normal easy to get hold of shock size.
Im not asking for much.
PS. Im a little worried I may be turning into hora or ton with my frame swapping!
trek remedy? might be tricky to find frame only though
What about a Cotic Hemlock?
I do like the look of the new remedys.
Never really thought about the hemlock.
What about an Orange 5? Not far off your requirements by the sound of it.
Forgot to add that it would be nice to have the option of a bolt through rear end.
I had a short blast on my mates 5 AM last night and it was really good. The problem is I dont want to get the same bike as him.
Sounds a bit daft I know but hey.
In addition to my Enduro,
[img] http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yt08vq&outx=600&quality=70 [/img]
Ive got one of these
[img] http://images.fotopic.net/?iid=yt08vr&outx=600&quality=70 [/img]
Maxel rear end, dont know if you can buy frame only
Tracey
Theres got to be a Commencal that would fit the bill. Meta something or other.
Get a Prophet - they're great bikes & bargain priced as well.
I thought about the meta 5.5 but they dont normally have 160mm forks on them. The new ones can have the drop outs swapped to maxles tho I think.
Anybody ran 160mm forks on a 5.5?
Tracey I remembered you had that how does it compare to the enduro? Lighter more fun longer/shorter? And any other comparisons welcome.
BTW I dont mind searching ebay for S/H frames thats where my Enduros came from.
Lighter than the Enduro, great bike for the Peaks and trail centres, pedals up hill better. Will probably only use the Enduro on downhill days and the Alps.
Demoed a Pitch at the same time as the Marin but didnt like it
Tracey
yeah but its a marin
Just been looking at the Hemlock and it looks really good. 120 rear with my big forks up front would slacken it up nicely and when I do need to go up hills drop the forks and have 120x120.
Lapierre something or other - purely because they look so nice.
What about a Heckler?
You can occasionally pick up pitch frames for £350 ish on fleabay.
Or maybe a Trance of some sort?
The Heckler is a definite contender I like the simplicity and the new ones look really nice.
Any others?
There must be some.
Ventana El Ciclon 5.5.
Slack head, steep seat... Nicolai Helius CC is 5 inches at the back. You can also adjust upwards from about 3.5".
Ignore my Helius remark - those Wotans are much bigger than I thought they were!
What about a Knolly Endorphin, ridinghigh have one in their sale. You do need to get the right size with them though, as ST found out.
Looks a bit over complicated.
What are planning to do, ride it or reverse engineer it?
Commencal 666?
666 has more travel than I probably need.
richc I obviously want to ride the bike but I dont want anything that has too much to go wrong. Changing the bearings on my Enduro made me realise that loads of linkages arnt necessarily the way to go.
Just found this thread again, fair enough. However its worth noting that Knollys are made and designed in BC which is a very similar climate to over here, so the bearings are suitable sealed, and as they QC is apparently spot on (unlike Specialized) so the shonky alignment which kills bearing on Specialized shouldn't be a problem.
If you get to the point of seriously considering one, if you email Noel at Knolly, he can answer pretty much any question you have, and gets back to you stupidly fast.
Real downside with them seems to be getting a test ride, as there are like rocking horse shit.
Orange 5 with the maxle rear end?
I_Ache, I would just chip in with the warning that most shorter travel bikes are not designed to take longer travel forks. Although it might work perfectly for you, the head and its welding to the tubes may not take the forces generated by a 160mm fork being used "enthusiastically". Firstly, you don't want it collapsing, and secondly you probably don't want the manufacturer refusing a warrenty claim if you do bu**er it
Cpt M thats really why Im asking. I dont want to go out and buy something like a meta based on reve reviews of it with a pike then snap the head tube off it or have it ride really poorly.
I would like something like the Orange Blood that is designed for 160mm forks but has a 125mm rear end. Although the blood is a little too expensive I really dont want to spend more than a grand on a frame.
Re the 5 with a Maxle is that an 09 frame option or can it be done to older frames?
Have a good look at the Chumba XCL, sounds like it would be ideal.
I also happen to know there will be a new distributor soon (no it it's not Brant!) ;0
si you posted a pic of a nice looking bike in the new bikes post last week.
will that be this one?
[img] 
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Thats it. Looks pretty tidy. Is that the XCL?
The builds on their site only have 140mm forks. Would they be able to handle 160mm forks?
Yep, that is the XCL.
The bike will handle 160mm quite well. Have a look on MTBR, they have a Chumba section with some good stuff on there.
If you need any more info just mail me.
Just the price mate. So I know if I can put it on the shortlist or not.
Im looking on mtbr now.
I expect the price to be around £1100 for the frame. Build kits also available.
you need a Sinister Gruitr. adjustable travel between 4.5" - 6.5", rated for forks up to 180mm. standard rear axle is QR but if you ring Sinister and ask nicely Frank and Bruce will probably sort something out for you...
At the top end but looks like it could be a definite contender.
Slack head, steep seat = Helius FR. Adjustable travel at rear from 4 - 6" and perfect for Wotans. Mine built up (down?) to a 28lb bike and is much less bulky than the Enduro I had before it. And my frame happens to be in the classifieds...
That looks nice corroded and I would probably go for it but I dont have the cash at the moment. How much was it new?
How about an SC Blur LT, the old model? I think they could take 160mm - the BLT2 definitely can. Now the new model is well out there are a few places with the old frames for less than £1000.
[IMG] 
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is that the new 5 spot?
£1650 new, with the ano. Not the best time to sell it, so you might be in luck in a couple of months!
Might as well get an Iron Horse and save £700 odd quid, rather than get the turner.
But I wouldnt have a name to pay for then would I?
I can make you some stickers for £700 if that would help 😉
That would be smashing thanks.
What about my Foes FXR 2.1? It's exactly what you're looking! I'm thinking about selling the frame only
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/possibly-for-sale-foes-fxr-21-top-spec
Mail me at: matthew.sims@williamsf1.com
I saw that a while back and thought it looked nice. unfortunately I dont have the cash yet and your about 4" shorter than me so it will be a bi small.
But How does it ride anyway and how much travel does it have?
5 inch rear travel. Rides very well, climbs surprisingly well too and really stable downhill, actually why the hell do I want to sell it?
Not sure it would be too small but you'd need to throw a leg over it (oo-er)
http://www.balfa.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=173
One of these, now all service and warranty is done in the UK and prices have been brought into line with, Santa Cruze etc. And you don't see too many of them about.
Cruz.......
Very nice but a bit pricy.