[BrianU]

Anyone have or seen one of these first hand? They look like really nice frames on their website. Not set up for disc, but with no intention of using disc on my singlespeed, I like the cleaner looks of a frame without the disc mount.

Brian

 

[usr666]

I liked the frames they did a long time ago, esp the track frame they used to have, no intergrated headset, no alum... steel and traditional, sorry to see it change so much. The SS frame doesn't have disc mounts but at least it's steel (but OS tubing blah).

 

[Manicmtbr]

I have one. The ride of the bike is good compared to my TET. It really needs a short fork though, like an older SID or Judy or maybe a rigid fork. If you want a 100MM fork, forget this frame. Fort does a great job with frame finishes - - - the powdercoat is really tough and the decals hold up. The tubing is butted steel, but not lightweight like say, Columbus Zona or Reynolds 853. I also think it rides a bit harsher than a frame built with those tubesets, but maybe I am spoiled. I think the frame is a tick over 4 pounds in a 17 inch size.

Now you should know I am very biased on this . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The SS frames are on sale now and Gregg is real easy to work with. He also has a few in the clearance section too. Information is on www.fortframes.com.

 

[BrianU]

Thanks for the info.

I have one. The ride of the bike is good compared to my TET. It really needs a short fork though, like an older SID or Judy or maybe a rigid fork. If you want a 100MM fork, forget this frame. Fort does a great job with frame finishes - - - the powdercoat is really tough and the decals hold up. The tubing is butted steel, but not lightweight like say, Columbus Zona or Reynolds 853. I also think it rides a bit harsher than a frame built with those tubesets, but maybe I am spoiled. I think the frame is a tick over 4 pounds in a 17 inch size.

Now you should know I am very biased on this . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The SS frames are on sale now and Gregg is real easy to work with. He also has a few in the clearance section too. Information is on www.fortframes.com.

The frames do look nice on the website and they look like they are about the same in weight to Surly, On-Ones and other butted steel frames under $500. Considering the price, they seem like a great deal. The situation you mention about requiring a relatively short travel fork can be a problem. If you are saying that 80mm is too long, I'll have to look elsewhere. I am currently riding an older Eno'ed Zaskar frame and about the most travel I can get away with on my Duke U-turn is 70mm. I am buying my friend's Talas and figured that it would be a good excuse to buy a dedicated SS frame to go with it. I definately want something that will handle somewhere between 80 and 100mm. Seems odd that anyone would manufacture a frame that is not set up for at least an 80mm fork these days. Even finding a 80mm fork is getting less and less common. Maybe I'll give them a call just to see exactly how much travel the frame is spec'ed for.

Brian