TIG-welded double butted Reynolds 853 air-hardened steel (legendary for its strength and liveliness) make up the main triangle while externally tapered 4130 chromoly makes up the rear stays. You don’t need cumbersome pivots and shocks when the whole frame has such a resilient ride.
Submitted by
uncaring_owl
a Cross Country Rider
from Boise, ID, USA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2007
Strengths: Awesome value, no logos, great ride (rear end has 'snake stay' seat stays and tuned chainstays, square at bb, round at dropout). Clearly lots of work went into the tubes. 853 main tubes, yum.
Weaknesses: I'm not completely sold on the color, but even with a respray its a hellofadeal.
Bottom Line:
Love it. Decided to get a new frame rather than upgrade the shock on the old old old bike. I don't ride big drop-offs or through fields of baby heads, for the trails round here you don't need rear suspension. Bike shoots forward when you want it to, with big tires (room for at least 2.3's) and stans/low pressure you don't feel the trail too much at all. You get questions about what it is, newbies seem put off by the lack of a name, but it's a good looking 853 ride which goes forward when I pedal, turns where I want it to, puts a big smile on my face, leaves my bank account unmolested, and doesn't beat you up.
Strengths: Frame is well-constructed. Welds are good (pretty unobtrusive), threads were clean, and the frame came straight. Oh, and the colour is sweet!! It looks a lot more expensive than it is.
Weaknesses: None so far.
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for a nice steel hardtail then this is a frame you should require yourself to at least look at. It is very well built from quality materials (853 main tubes!!!).
If you don't like orange (and the orange is nice, mind you, better than it looks in photos), then buy it and respray it in your colour of choice.
Similar Products Used: Cheapo Sears MTB (for trundling around on-road more than off). Lots of road bikes.
Bike Setup: SRAM shifters, derailleurs, cassette and chain. Avid mechanical discs and SD5 levers. Shimano crank and BB. Sette grips, bar and stem. Ritchey Comp seatpost, San Marco Rolls saddle. Velocity VXC wheelset with Panaracer Dart/Smoke tires.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Bruno
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2007
Strengths: Great geometry, unbelievable quality production for the price. ORANGE. Reynolds 853!!!
Weaknesses: Only available on 17.5 or 19.5... No 18.5. Derailleur hanger was bend when i received it.
Bottom Line:
This frame is amazing! It handle like a dream and the confort of the Reynolds 853 is incredible. I have ride some nasty trails with it and it's pretty smooth, even in a rock garden or in some rooty section. It goes where you want to and the geometry is spot-on, even if i now ride a 19.5 (18 on all my kona's). There is alot of clearance even for a 5 foot 10 man like me. For 279$, a cromo Reynolds 853 frame... It's a keeper!
Weaknesses: Top tube is a little on the short side on the 17.5" frame. Could offer a size in between 17.5" and 19.5"
Bottom Line:
This is a great frame for the money. You can't find another 853 frame for even twice this much. The bike was extremly easy to build up. The bottom bracket and head tube were clean and required no chasing or reaming. The bike handles almost perfectly in the corners, and is stable at speed. The front end just has that perfectly planted secure feeling in the turns. I like a quick handling bike, and have never liked a bike with slack steering. With the 80mm fork that I'm using the bike steers very quickly. I'm sure that this frame could be used with a 100 mm fork and still steer precisely. I'm using a thudbuster suspension seatpost so some of the difference between the ride of this frame, and the aluminum Access frame that I scavenged the parts off of to build this bike, are kind of nulified. However in the standing position it's very obvious that the steel frame dampens the jolts from the rocks, and roots much better than the aluminum frame. I split my riding time about half and half between the 853 and my Jamis Dakar Pro, and I really have just as much fun on the hardtail. Of course it doesn't ride as smoothly as the full suspension bike but when you pass groups of guys on their $3000 full suspension bikes with your $230 framed hardtail it puts a smile on your face.
I built this as my new Single Speed ride to replace my tad too small Trek. After the first ride I was hooked. The ride is very plush but not flexy. It climbs like a goat and I am very comfortable on the descents even with the rigid fork. The welds and paint are top notch and the lack of decals allows you to customize it to your tastes. If you are looking for a steel frame at a great price, this is your baby. It is now my new favorite ride!
Similar Products Used: My previous S.S., Trek 820 circa 1994.
Bike Setup: Nashbar 853 frame, Nashbar Steel Fork, Cane Creek S6 Headset, Azonic bar, Kore stem, Oury grips, Avid Ti levers, Avid SL brakes, Richey Comp seat post, Nashbar seatpost clamp, WTB seat, White Industries S.S. Disc hubs laced to Mavic 819 tubeless rims, Panaracer Fire XC Pro Tubeless tires, White industries 17 tooth freewheel, Specialized cranks, Race Face Bash Ring, Nashbar pedals (old and still kickn'), SRAM 8 speed chain and Misc. bits.
Strengths: Quality welds, great paint job, 853 tubing.
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
Sweet frame! Ride is incredible. Climbs like a goat, hits the downhills like a rocket. Smooth and stable, but very reactive. Tight switchbacks are no problem. The steel ride feel like having a slight bit of rear suspension. If you like orange, no reason to not get this bike. Normally priced at $289, got it on sale, way better than many of the mass produced 4130 frames. You won't regret buying this frame.
