[[email protected]]

Hi guys.

After many years of happily riding a Manitou FS frame on many rides and races, it's time to get a new frame. The frame is actually a tad to small for me, and is starting to really give me back trouble. I should have switched out years ago when I could have just gotten a bigger one, but I was stubborn.

Now I've finally decided to upgrade, and am not sure where to start. If some people could pitch out a few makes/models that might serve the purpose, I'd really appreciate it. I'm looking for a light and nimble FS frame that climbs well. The Manitou only has 3.5" of semi-active travel, so I don't need much to be happy.

I've been riding the current bike happily for so long now that I'm completely out of the loop as to which current framesets are the kings of XC/FS raceable frames.

I've got great components already to round out the bike, so the frame is all I need really.

plz help.

-Steve

 

[Pedalfaraway]

You get more replys if you are a little more specific.

Look around and find a few bikes that you like. Read the reviews about them on this site. Test ride as much as you can. Off road if possible. Everyones riding style is different, so bikes that will work for them are different as well. Personally I ride a 04 Stumpjumper and love it. I race XC, and ride alot in varying trails. It is at least one you should consider. Is this a race only bike, or will it get trail dutys as well? What is your price range. It will be easier to help you if you give some more info.

 

[[email protected]]

thanks for the reply.

I'm looking in the 1k range for the frame, give or take. It'll be my one mountain bike, so it'll do trail duty most of the time with a race every month or two. Race distances vary from 20-80 miles, and I like FS to help fight off fatigue on longer races. Nimble, efficient, and light is what I'm hoping for.

I do plan on doing some test riding this coming weekend, but I don't want to go into a shop uninformed, so I'm trying to work ahead a little.

thanks!

 

[Cary]

1K for the frame, so we assume you are taking the rest of the components from your old bike. This is simple. Get a Turner Burner for $950 from Larry at mtnhighcyclery, Supergo, or 123bikes. You will not find a better frame at this pricepoint.

 

[[email protected]]

Get a Turner Burner for $950

Just checked out that frame. Looks pretty cool. Frame weight is about 5.8 lbs. My current frame is about 5.9, so it's comprable in that regard. I'm curious if this is pretty much what to expect for a good XC/FS frame weight.

I'll definitely put the Burner on my test ride list.

-s

 

[Flying Wombat]

At about 1K for the frame you wont be into the superlight genre, but the Burner would prove to be super durable and the suspension action would be better than most other FS frames out there. One note, the burner would need for you to get some clamp on canti studs, (I dont know that Turner still makes them).
If you have a 3" travel fork that also might not work with the burner making the head tube too steep (Burner designed around a 4" fork)
The burner is an amazing deal, If I had the money right now I would scoop one up in an instant.

 

[DWW]

At about 1K for the frame you wont be into the superlight genre, but the Burner would prove to be super durable and the suspension action would be better than most other FS frames out there. One note, the burner would need for you to get some clamp on canti studs, (I dont know that Turner still makes them).
If you have a 3" travel fork that also might not work with the burner making the head tube too steep (Burner designed around a 4" fork)
The burner is an amazing deal, If I had the money right now I would scoop one up in an instant.

You're right Mr. Wombat, the canti's are no longer available on the Burner. A good light weight disc kit would do fine and with the prices you'll see at www.123bikes.com you can get wheels and brakes for about the same cost as just the brakes alone.

D.

 

[fantom1]

I'd check out a Racer-X or Hammerhead 100x depending on which one fits you best. (Same basic frame, just some slight differences)

 

[Cary]

I'd check out a Racer-X or Hammerhead 100x depending on which one fits you best. (Same basic frame, just some slight differences)

You have a source where you can get these for $1k new?!!! Please do tell, I would love to pick one up for that price.

 

[fantom1]

I only read the initial post, missed the 1K area in his next post, but I have seen the frame for 1300.

 

[older guy]

My local shops have the '03 Specialized Epic Comps in framesets only for $999. These are the full suspension XC racing bikes of Specialized. Some love the pedal-as-a-hardtail brain shock of the Epics, others don't. They're worth a try.

Look at the entry level Trek Fuel 70, another fine xc fully racing steed msrp at $950 for a whole bike. At this price it will have heavy parts for racing, but the frame plus shock will weigh less than 6 lbs. Strip all the parts and sell them and you have maybe a $700 frameset which is practically similar to what George W is riding.

Turner Burners are awesome at that price.
_____
older guy

 

[DLine]

Another vote for the Burner. 3 months on mine, and man - great bike.