[KevinGT]

I recently built up a new Yeti ASR-5 and absolutely love it. After building it, on a whim, I converted my old, 2006 HT to SS. I'm surprisingly enjoying it. But I love to have bike projects so I'm looking to build up a new one. Obviously, I need to start with the frame so I'm looking for suggestions. Here are some criteria:

- 650b preferred. 29er would be OK.
- SS specific. I don't want to use a chain tensioner.
- QR rear wheel (vs. bolt-on). So no plain horizontal dropouts without tugnuts.
- I care much about the material. I like aluminum but would consider steel or carbon.
- Something at around $500 or cheaper for the frame. Used is fine.
- I will put a suspension fork on it but I don't think that matters when buying the frame. But an included rigid fork would NOT be a benefit.

Suggestions for a frame?

 

[Awshucks]

This is WAY under your frame budget but I got an unbranded g29 SS aluminum frame for 125 from bikeisland.com. the g29 forum on this SS thread had pretty good reviews and you said you liked aluminum...just a thought. However someone on here will def. talk you into steel that's closer to the max of your budget which may be preferred in the long run. Just my 2 cents. Good luck!

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[jcm]

Probably doesn't meet ALL the requirements, but Origin 8 Scout frameset can be picked up cheap, but I don't know if you can get the frame only

 

[HitmenOnlyInc]

Check out On*One On-One Mountain Bikes

Great prices and selection from steel, carbon and aluminum...26, 27.5 and 29. You can pick up a carbon Lurcher for about $600.

 

[stremf]

This is a little bit out of your price range, but maybe you can find a used one:

OS Bikes - Home

Pretty cool bikes. The TT is just a tad too long for me on the medium, but if the geo fits, would make an awesome SS.

 

[cstem]

Under $500 my choice is the Vassago Jabberwocky. Steel, lighter than most of the other contenders in its class (and cheaper too). I have been on mine for almost 1.5 years and am so impressed with this bike,and the customer service.

 

[KevinGT]

Thanks all!

I like the Jabberwocky and that was one of my first choices. But the company seems a bit sketchy. Can you only buy them online from their website? Looks like that had issues a couple of years ago...hopefully they are cleared up.

 

[Blatant]

New owners, now based in AZ. Don't know the owner personally, but have spoken with him and he seems legit. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Vassago.

 

[Loudpawlz]

Chumba HX1 is a good option. Buddy has his set up with 27.5 wheels and a Pike.

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

 

[Click Click Boom]

I would look for a used Gunnar or Verhauen.

 

[vudu]

Soma B side.. Soma B-Side v.2 650b (27.5") MTB Frame

 

[zmiko]

I'm digging the new Karate Monkey MDS, but the Soma B-side color is great in person. I have a Soma Juice and have been very happy with the sliding dropouts (same as the B side). You can put paragon sliders in there too if you ever wanted to go post mount or thru axle

 

[KevinGT]

I'm digging that orange B-side but I can't find the frame geometry on their site anywhere. Am I just missing it?

 

[zmiko]

I'm digging that orange B-side but I can't find the frame geometry on their site anywhere. Am I just missing it?

Go here B-Side v.3 (27.5? / 650b) | SOMA Fabrications

At the top right of the white box there's two tabs, one for info, one for geometry

 

[KevinGT]

got it! Thanks!

That may be the winner. Love the frame, the color, and the chain tension method.

Ironically, I'm right between frame sizes. My Yeti has a 22.5" effective top tube and I'm very comfortable on it. The Soma B-Side small has 22" and the medium has 23". LOL. I'm guessing I go with the small and put a 100mm stem on it. Do the frames tend to run a little big or a little small?

 

[zmiko]

Which Yeti? I'd usually recommend going with the bigger size and running a slightly shorter stem. My Juice is a couple years old and ran quite small, but they're supposed to be much closer to normal now.

 

[KevinGT]

ASR-5. Small size. 22.5" eTT with a 70mm stem.

I'm 5'6" with about a 29" inseam and the ASR-5 fits me perfectly.

While I've got your attention, any recommendation on a relatively inexpensive wheelset? The Soma will not be frequently ridden--I love the Yeti too much to not ride it the majority of the time-- but there are a couple local trails where I prefer SS and will probably ride it a couple times a month. I have the drivetrain, brakes, and maybe even the fork to swap over to a Soma but will need to buy wheels. I don't want an expensive set for a bike that won't be ridden too often.

 

[zmiko]

Ahh, Small B-side will probably work for you then. As for wheels I'd probably go with a Crest wheelset for around $500. I don't have any experience with stuff cheaper than that, and to me good wheels make too big of a difference to skimp on.

 

[KevinGT]

Ahh, Small B-side will probably work for you then. As for wheels I'd probably go with a Crest wheelset for around $500. I don't have any experience with stuff cheaper than that, and to me good wheels make too big of a difference to skimp on.

That's the exact wheelset I have on my Yeti . Love them with the Hope EVO 2 hubs.

 

[Manicmtbr]

Soul Cycles Dillinger? $199 out the door for version 4.1