[macace8]

Looking for a 650b hardtail frame with the following characteristics:

1. 142x12 axle
2. Sub 5lbs
3. Sub $1k frame cost
4. 67-69 degree head angle with 120mm fork

Does such a frame exist?

Jamis Dragon, On-one 45650b, and Soma B-Side are what I'm looking at right now, but none have the 142x12. Also looking at an explosif, but it's pretty heavy. Ti version to expensive. I demoed the LES 27.5, which is an awesome bike, but I can't justify dropping 2k on a hardtail frame.

 

[Molasses]

I am getting an Instigator. I think it is too heavy for your criteria but I'll be happy to weigh it for you when I get it in.


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[mikericci]

What about one of these Chinese carbon frames? There's a thread about them, ~$350. HA is 70dg with a 100mm fork.

 

[trailrider24]

Bird Zero maybe. If you get on well with alu frames.

 

[jeffw-13]

Looks like pretty much all of the 142x12 frames are steel. You might have to compromise on weight or axle

 

[bubba13]

NS Bikes Eccentric is 142x12 and the medium weighs in at 5.3. Geo is set for use with forks in the 130-160 range....

 

[macace8]

The Bird Zero frame looks promising. Only frame I've seen so far that checks all the boxes. Not a huge fan of aluminum hardtail frames, so just like jeffw said looks like I might have to choose. Weight, axle, material, pick 2.

 

[joshboston]

I think a santa cruz chameleon fits the bill.

 

[macace8]

Pretty sure a chameleon is still a 26" bike: Santa Cruz Bicycles Chameleon

I'm looking for 650b specific geo and tire spacing. Otherwise, a chameleon would be ideal.

 

[joshboston]

It's definitely a 26" bike, but it will fit 27.5 easily.

 

[Lamey]

Kona Explosif.

 

[JMac47]

It's definitely a 26" bike, but it will fit 27.5 easily.

Easily? What yr/version are you referring to?

 

[joshboston]

Easily? What yr/version are you referring to?

The current version. Here's a post with some pics. Bear in mind that the pics were taken with the dropouts in the shortest position, so there's even more room available around the bb.

http://forums.mtbr.com/27-5-650b/slack-ht-hardtails-828696.html#post9967694

 

[joshboston]

The Bird Zero frame looks promising. Only frame I've seen so far that checks all the boxes. Not a huge fan of aluminum hardtail frames, so just like jeffw said looks like I might have to choose. Weight, axle, material, pick 2.

The bird zero isn't available in the US. They won't even shop them here. Something to do with insurance.

 

[Lamey]

Also look at the Chromag Aperture, really nice frames.

 

[Molasses]

Evo 2? Not sure about rear droputs

 

[bobbydale]

I know this thread has been dead for a while, but I have been doing some research.
1. The Soma B-Side has removable drop outs - you can get 142x12 drop outs from Paragon Machine works and replace them.
2. The 2014/15 Santa Cruz chameleon is 650b.
Been looking for a hard tail to squeeze some Surly Dirt Wizards into...
http://forums.mtbr.com/all-mountain/list-26-compatible-frames-913921.html

 

[Reachcontrol]

I know this thread has been dead for a while, but I have been doing some research.
1. The Soma B-Side has removable drop outs - you can get 142x12 drop outs from Paragon Machine works and replace them.
2. The 2014/15 Santa Cruz chameleon is 650b.
Been looking for a hard tail to squeeze some Surly Dirt Wizards into...
http://forums.mtbr.com/all-mountain/list-26-compatible-frames-913921.html

Transition TransAm also fits, but is heavy. 6.03 lbs. But 142x12 and right head angle.

Chameleon - yes.

Chromag Samurai 65?

Haven't found much else besides NS Eccentric.

I'll be hunting for more over the next couple days.