A 35mm tube, 0.9mm at the ends and 0.6mm in the middle. Compared to the 28.6mm top tube on the standard inbred it's 50g heavier, but about 40% stiffer and 60% stronger in frontal impact.
Summer Season is the best feeling hardtail I've ridden. The slack head angle is awesome for going down. It offers amazing control and is very encouraging for you to push the limits in your cornering, tech. sections, whipping it out, and drops. Just remember the fundamentals of riding as you push your limits or things can get messy fast!
My 456 is not set up to climb yet I can still keep up with those 29ers with there more upright frames.
I purchased the frame from a local dealer building the rest piece by piece. Not the most cost effective, but in the long run it made for a sexy, aggressive all mountain set up.
I put this bike together after selling my DH and DJ bike so that I could have a great all around bike that could handle some technical descents, climb well, and still have fun off jumps or just XC stuff.
Overall: This bike will remain one of my favorite bikes and I'm sure it will last quite a long time.
Favorite Trail: TIme Warp to Catwalk to toothpick to Alice to... Ashland
Bike Setup: 456 Summer Season, RS PIKE 454 U-turn (95-140mm), Code 5 brakes, X-9 drivetrain, CB candy pedals, Arrow racing rims and tires
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Submitted by
BillyMAc
Date Reviewed: May 15, 2012
Strengths: Price, build quality, fun factor, strength, too many to list really
Weaknesses: On the heavy side but is to be expected with a steel all mtn frame especially when set up with downhill parts
Bottom Line:
This bike is amazing. I had been riding full suspension bikes since probably 2005 and thought it was the way to go. I had all types of issues relating to the suspension. By that I mean I could never get things set up just right. Something always felt off. I purchased a new Giant Trance X1 in 2011 and used most of the leftover parts from my old Gary Fisher Cake 2Dlx to build up a 456. My intention was to have a fun bike for the small local trails I ride at lunch and after work and for riding around town and then use my "real" bike for longer more intense rides on weekends, etc. Well, my Giant had some issues and had to go to the shop so I took my 456 on a few bigger rides and I haven't been back on the Giant since. I added some Maxxis Ardent 2.4's running about 30PSI and this bike is more fun than anything I've ever ridden. I've ridden quite a few hard tails but they were always in the XC and XC race category. This bike with a 130mm fork and fat tires is just a pleasure to ride. It climbs wonderfully compared to my FS bikes and descends almost as fast. It may not be as fast as some of my friends FS bikes on the Downhills but it feels twice as fast and I'm always the one with the biggest smile at the bottom. This bike is just fun. The handling is very precise ans snappy and the stability at speed is great. There is a learning curve for going fast downhill on a hard tail but once you figure it out you become a better rider. I have taken huge steps forward in my riding with this bike. I think for me there was always something lost in translation between the trail, the suspension, and me on FS bikes. I felt like I was missing one of my senses or something. I think I just wasn't getting that direct feedback from the trail like I am now with the 456. I thought the solution was to get a newer, better, more expensive FS bike. Boy was I wrong. I'm probably going to sell the giant and use the $$ to build some new wheels for the on-one to shed a little weight and stiffen everything up. I also plan to switch to tubeless with the new wheel set to enable that low PSI that makes all the difference on this bike. New 140mm or 150mm fork may be in the future as well. The only bike that could pull me away form this 456 would be a 29er 456. On-one, are you listening????
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Submitted by
SCV
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX United States
Date Reviewed: December 11, 2011
Strengths: Strong, good geometry with a 125mm fork, well-made for the price. Buy this frame if you like technical riding, stable geometery, and a bike that can take more abuse than the average hardtail.
Weaknesses: Limited choice of colors. Don't buy it if your're overly concerned with the weight of your rig, 'cause it's a bit heavy compared to other hardtails. Also, if you prefer bikes with a 71°+ head angle, don't bother with this frame.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic bike for my purposes. It tracks in a predictable, stable manner up, down, and all around, and exhibits good vibration damping characteristics. The ability to accept a 2.5" tire is a bonus as well. The whole package weighs in at ~32 lbs., but I feel more comfortable taking it on a 40+ mile ride at the Rocky Hill Ranch, or on a loop or two at City Park than any of the lighter bikes I've owned, full suspension included. The head tube and BB shell required virtually no facing in preparation for the build. When I break it, I'll gladly order another one. Cheers to everyone at On-One, and thank you!
Similar Products Used: Cove Handjob, Bontrager Privateer
Bike Setup: '08 456 frame, Fox 32 Vanilla 125R fork set to 125MM, King ISO hubs/WTB Laserdisc, King BB, King HS, Thomson stem and seatpost, LX crankset, X9 trigger shifters, WTB Weirwolf LT 2.5"s, Time Aliums, etc..
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Submitted by
Guyechka
a Weekend Warrior
from colorado
Date Reviewed: October 5, 2011
Strengths: Everything is a strength. It's just about perfect.
Weaknesses: None at all!
Bottom Line:
This is my go to bike. I though it was a little strange at first with 140mm up front and nothing in the rear, but it works. It climbs exceptionally well and descends just as well. It's still fairly light considering it's a steel frame meant to take abuse. Plus, those seat stays are just pretty as can be.
Strengths: Summer Season: Best handling hard tail I have ever ridden. You can pedal it up as well as any trail bike then bomb down faster then any other hard tail made.
Weaknesses: A little heavy , non replaceable hanger
Bottom Line:
By one, this is longest running bike in my stable. Be prepared to have this bike in your stable for a long time. Ive tried to ride another bike and just can't find a happier medium then the Summer Season.
Submitted by
Tjay
a Cross Country Rider
from N. Cal, USA
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2011
Strengths: Small bump compliance
Great Geometry
Nice color and logo's
Weaknesses: Weight for 14" Small frame = 5.00 lbs
Bottom Line:
I have a XC carbon HT and use to have Scott Genius (FS): When I ride my Carbon HT, I know I'm riding a hardtail. On my Scott, the bike doesn't have a small bump compliance for a full suspension bike. My On-One 456 steel on the other hand, I forget that I'm riding a hardtail but it reminds me when I hit those drops of bigger bumps. It is still a HT.
I can't believe how smooth this bike is, it's amazing!
Similar Products Used: None yet. This is my first HT frame with this kind of geometry.
Bike Setup: Too many to mention but It has $3200 USD worth of weight weenie parts... 23.5 lbs with 150mm Fork and 4" Gravity Dropper
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Submitted by
plantme777
a Weekend Warrior
from Pfafftown, NC USA
Date Reviewed: April 22, 2011
Strengths: Value, Steel compliance, GREAT handling and strength
Weaknesses: The top tube cable/brakeline guides are full round, so you have to bleed hydraulic lines to run them through their routing.
Bottom Line:
GREAT Bike, especially for the $...which matters very much to me. It is all it's cracked up to be, for sure. However I still think I prefer some rear suspension. This bike can handle anything you ask it to, and is happiest at speed. Fantastic geometry with the full six inches of travel in the front, but as I ran the forks down in the 120mm-100mm range I did not think it was as magical. Climbs well. A wonderful all around bike. I am 200 lbs and 5'11" with a longer torso than legs...18" with a 70mm stem is right on for me and the bike has taken MUCH abuse with aplomb. Happy owner.
Strengths: This is for the 456 CARBON. It's Light. Dialled go fast ride hard big mountain geometry. Cheap.
Weaknesses: Perhaps a tad long in the top tube. Finish is pretty crap. Got sent wrong dropout mounting bolts (but they fixed me up so all good).
Bottom Line:
First hardtail in years makes me question my need for a dual sus. Ridiculous awesome geography - possibly best handling bike I've owned (many DH / AM bikes). Carbon is incredible at absorbing vibration making it a comfortable yet stiff ride (a contradiction I know). Only the low budget clear coat finish detract which is why it gets 4 chillis. If you are an aggressive rider possibly from a DH background and want a hardtail - this is THE bike. If you're an XC rider then this isn't the bike. Think of it as an all mountain 6 inch travel frame ......without the six inches.
Bike Setup: 36 Talas, zero stack headset. 1x9 drive train with mrp mini g guide. Mostly SRAM everything and a KS adjustable post.
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Submitted by
aceospades1250
a Cross Country Rider
from Aliso Viejo, CA
Date Reviewed: February 1, 2011
Strengths: Burly, slack, Very fun geometry, ISCG tabs, can take 160mm forks, cool raw finish, well built
Weaknesses: Heavy, not the best climber
Bottom Line:
I had lots of choices of frames to choose from when I decided to transfer the parts from my aging FS to an all-mountain hardtail. The Summer Season just sorta fell into my hands but it turned out to be the best fit for me and the kind of riding I like to do. Its an excellent frame, really burly, fun geometry, well built, and a pretty nice raw finish. The head angle with a 160mm fork is something ridiculous like 64 degrees, so it doesn't climb as well as most other hardtails, but it makes up for it in downhill performance. Also a little heavy but that's expected in a steel frame. I definitely recommend it if you are looking for a do-it-all hardtail with the emphasis on the downhills, but not if you are looking to build a pure XC machine
Bike Setup: xt groupset,hopes tech4 brakes,fox talas 120-150mm,ztr flow on hopes pro 2 hubs & dt swiss revelation spokes, thomson seat post & fizik gobi xm krium, controltech 80mm stem & low riser bars.panaracer rampage 2.35f & 2.1r tires.
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Submitted by
akaktm
a Weekend Warrior
from Valencia, CA
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2010
Strengths: This is for the Van Nic Ti 456: Well made, nice craftsmanship vs. price relationship. Fast shipping and relatively good response from On-One.
Weaknesses: Ti Version has odd geometry that compromises handling and fun as well as makes it a harsh ride for a Ti bike.
Bottom Line:
I recently purchased a Van Nic Ti 456. It's a well made frame, although not quite as nice as my mate's Lynskey, but the price is very fair for the quality. Unfortunately, the geometry and ride quality aren't as favorable as the Lynskey version. The older model Ti 456 seemed to ride more smoothly and forgivingly due to the masterful tube work of the Lynskey folks. The new Van Nic seems stiffer and more harsh.
It's also worth noting that the new Van Nic Ti 456 is very, very slacked out. Mine measured around a 65.7 degree head angle with a 140 fork (no sag) and has a longer than expected top tube. This makes for a very long wheelbase and slow handling bike--albeit very stable. To compensate somewhat, I spent some coin to add a Cane Creek Angleset to decrease the head angle by 1 degree and put on a custom 130 Fox fork. This helped, but it still has a head angle of around 66.5 degrees. That's more slacked out than either of my AM bikes with 150 forks.
In summary, the Van Nic model is well made, but has rather odd geometry. If I had it to do over, I'd not purchase this frame. I have written On One asking for suggestions. I'd like to either have the Lynskey version or have them suggest another option. I'd like to see this frame with a 0.5" shorter top tube and an effective head angle around 68.5 degrees. It's be much livelier and more fun for most situations (in my opinion).
Similar Products Used: On One 456 (Lynskey version)
Bike Setup: 18" Van Nic Ti 456, SRAM X9, I9 AM wheels, Formula brakes, Schwalbe tires, Fox forks.
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Submitted by
Spikington2
a Weekend Warrior
from Fishers, Indiana, United States
Date Reviewed: October 14, 2010
Strengths: For the price you really cant find a better cromoly steel frame. I bought the summer season version which runs a more slacked head tube angle. I can take turns much sharper and feel more confident in my riding skills on this bike. The bike climbs great and rides downhill just as smooth. I don't worry about endo'ing as much anymore.
Weaknesses: Not really a weakness but I kind of wish the bike came in a few normal colors. I own the orange one and when I say orange, I mean this things neon bright orange. Its growing on me, just something to note.
Bottom Line:
If your looking for a great cheap steel frame and dont mind the intense colors then this is the frame for you.
Bike Setup: 10' On-One 456 Summer season(orange)
-10' Marzacchi 44 rlo forks
-Cane Creek s-3 headset
-Shimano LX FC-M582 crankset
-10' Sram PC-951 9SP chain
-Easton EA50 dh riser bar
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Submitted by
zarf1
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2010
Strengths: Weight, Geometry
Weaknesses: None - it's ace
Bottom Line:
This review is for the 18 inch Ti 456. I got this on ebay following a recommendation from good friend bams (above) from South Australia. A cheap frame came up on e-bay and when he e-mailed I had onehour to bid. Two weeks later the frame arrived. I was a little worried about the size as I am 6 foot and it was an eighteen inch frame. A set back seat post and slightly longer stem (100 mm) has sorted the bike fit though. The bike is so much fun. It zips along tackling downs and technical hills with the same buzz. I love it so much I have not used any of my other bikes since. While it may not be the quickest for cross country racing - it's just so much fun! I have had some ITB pain - probably have not got the set up quite right (or have just been riding so much) - still when I go to the garage no other bike in there cuts it (I have all thos listed above). Bottom line - this bike is ace - the reviews are right on the money. join the queue to get hold of one.
Similar Products Used: Giant XTC, Specializd epic and Stumpjumper
Bike Setup: Shimano XT group set, Mavic Rims, Chris King Humbs, Thomson Seat Post, Syntace stem.
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Submitted by
jscusmcvet
a Weekend Warrior
from North Caroliina
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2010
Strengths: lighter than I thought it would be, well built, descends as advertised
Weaknesses: none
Bottom Line:
this was the first bike I built up myself. Been riding since 2000, riding a full suspension GT since 2004. Got tired of the pivot maintenance and routine breakage. Wanted to build one bike to do it all that was dependable and capable. After much reading, decided on an "all mountain hardtail". Found the frame and fork on ebay. The build described above totalled at less than $1000, by buying leftover 2008 and 2009 parts on Price point.
It has been quite an experience transitioning back to a hardtail. Totally different riding style required. I think it is making me a better rider.
The slack head angle took some getting used to, but performs absolutely flawlessly on downhills and in rough sections. the frame is stiff without being too harsh. Very happy with component selection so far. This bike has turned out to be a real jack of all trades and since I am a master of none, we seem to be a perfect fit.
Similar Products Used: none, used to ride GT full suspension
Bike Setup: This is the Summer Season 456 frame. Sram x9 all around, with grip shifters (I'll never finger a trigger again), Avid bb7 brakes, Truativ Stylo AM 2.2 crankset, Rockshox Recon air fork, race face 1.5" riser bar, truative aka 60mm stem
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Submitted by
bams962
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2009
Strengths: Handling, ride quality, ability to take abuse, weight (lack of!), it might sound pathetic, but it's also very easy to keep clean (no paint to scratch!).
Weaknesses: None yet
Bottom Line:
This review is for the Ti 456.
I'm 5'6" and have the 16" frame.
Left my review a while until I'd had a chance to really ride the bike. It still continues to amaze! It actually feels like there is a couple of inches of travel - or at least somewhere between my Kona and the Commencal Meta4. Regularly ride with guys with 5" travel bikes. Even on rocky tracks it still seems to keep them honest. Yes, it's still a hardtail, but once you learn to ride the forks the rear end just seems to follow through regardless of the terrain (no pinch flats yet!). I was of the opinion that the ideal "all round" mtb would be a 5" travel bike. This has changed my mind. It does it all (especially technical riding) and should last forever - with no pivot or shock rebuilds! Just seems to be getting better with each ride.
It's not super cheap, but excellent value for what it delivers, and should continue to deliver.
Great service from On-One - just keep an eye out for their specials (I just missed out on getting a set of FREE Revelations thrown in for the same price, but my order had already been shipped to Oz).
