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Help choosing a new 29'er HT frame....

1227 Views 17 Replies 11 Participants Last post by rr, Dec 12, 2008

darkmother

Discussion Starter · Dec 11, 2008

Hey guys,

I've been reading some of your posts over the last couple of weeks, researching my next bike build. I'd love some input to make sure I make the best choice.

I'm looking to build a hardtail, for mostly XC type trail riding. I want the capability to run gears, although sliding dropouts or an EBB would be ok, should I ever want to run it SS. I'd like to spend no more than 600 USD on the frame, less would be better. I'd be happy with a good quality steel or aluminum frame. My plan is to build it with a rigid fork first, then think about a suspension fork if I feel the need later on.

The most important aspect of the frame to me is fit. I have trouble with most off the rack bike frames, as I find the top tube and front center to be too short for my height and wieght distribution. I had a custom road/CX frame built to my spec for this reason. I'm 6'3" tall with a long torso, and I weigh around 200lb. I notice there are alot of taller riders on this forum, and it seems like there are many 29er bikes out there that would fit me well, which is refreshing.

I'm not 100% sure about fit on 29" MTBs, I'm currently looking at frames with effective TT lengths that are over 25". Does that sound reasonable?

Anyway, sorry for the rambling post. Any comments or suggestions are welcome.

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madcap

· #2 · Dec 11, 2008

There's not much for frames in the $600 range with the options you want. You could look into a Redline Flight MonoCog frame that has sliding dropouts, or you could do a Vassago Jabberwocky with horizontal dropouts and the ability to run Vassago's gear plug kit to use a derailleur.
The scandium Niner One9 is on sale at speedgoat.com right now for $600 instead of the usual $800. It comes with EBB. Not sure if it can be run with gears.

The Flight MonoCog is sort of short on the top tube, the Vassago a touch longer, and the Niner a touch longer still. You'd want the XL in all of them.

Nater

· #3 · Dec 11, 2008

Soul Cycles Dillinger and Misfit diSSent are under $600. Not sure about geometry for you though.

mtnbiker72

· #4 · Dec 11, 2008

Motobecane has a new frame out with sliding drop-outs for sale at Bike Island for $175. The 21" has a 25.1" ETT

That would leave plenty of $$$ for parts

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Ryan G.

· #5 · Dec 11, 2008

Missfit.

http://www.psyclestore.com/

MMcG

· #6 · Dec 11, 2008

Have a look see at the KHS Solo One SE - steel, sliders and can be purchased complete or as a frame only methinks.

Mike Brown

· #7 · Dec 11, 2008

Soma.

madcap

· #8 · Dec 11, 2008

mtnbiker72 said:
Motobecane has a new frame out with sliding drop-outs for sale at Bike Island for $175. The 21" has a 25.1" ETT

That would leave plenty of $$$ for parts

And I've seen one of these new Motobecane frames before it was built up and I will say that it is a good value. The welds and finish are pretty good and the build went together easily. It's not the lightest but it was under 5lbs. I prefer steel for rigid riding but if you're going for a good build on the cheap that might be the way to go.

canyonrat

· #9 · Dec 11, 2008

Watch the geometry numbers.

Sounds like you have "tall guy short legs" syndrome like me. I am around your size and usually squarely between large and x-large sizes on stock frames. Watch out for standover height issues if you get a frame with a 25" effective top tube. The same body attributes that drove you to get a custom 'cross bike could very easily apply.

I have been riding "large" size frames from Salsa and Niner Bikes...the typical large 29er seems to have a top tube around 24.5". One new stock frame not far out of your range is the Chumba HX2...if I was not already waiting on a custom build, I would pick one up.

So...the larges are a little on the small side for me, not bad for riding comfort but could use another cm or so on the top tube for trail riding while keeping the seatube/standover constant. Opinions seem to vary on the importance of standover, but if you intend to do any actual mountain biking (which involves unexpected dabs and off-camber sudden dismounts unless you never try to clear any trail obstacles) then the more clearance the merrier. 1" or so is not enough for me. (BTW, my Salsa is an old El Mariachi with the dropped top tube they don't make anymore, so I get extra clearance.) I like a more nimble feeling bike so being in-between I opt for the smaller frame. Take your time, and if you add $200 to your frame budget you will have WAY more options.

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darkmother

Discussion Starter · #10 · Dec 12, 2008

Thanks for the input everyone, much appreciated. Lots of great frames out there....I really like the Soul Dillenger and the Niner EMD. The Niner looks to have a bit more standover in the largest size, so I'm leaning that way.

Anyone own, or ride one of these two frames? Any comments?

FoShizzle

· #11 · Dec 12, 2008 (Edited)

Easy, On One Inbred. Best hardtail ever...seriously...and EASILY meets your pricepoint and requirements, and then some

EBBs and sliders suck, On One has done it right...I live in the US and place orders regularly as I am addicted to their stuff so let me know if you want me to get you one and will cover shipping implicitly. I have 2 of their frames, have owned a third and loved them all. Have owned Ninerbikes, Ventana, Phil Wood, and Surly and prefer On One for sure.

canyonrat

· #12 · Dec 12, 2008

I rode a Niner One 9 for a couple seasons, they make solid frames. I test-rode an EMD in an XL when I was shopping recently, it was a nice bike, and great for the frame price. I think it is a good choice for a geared-only frame.

Niner has tweaked their geometry for 2009 to accommodate newer suspension forks with greater offset, and also changed their rigid forks a bit. So make sure that you understand whether you are buying an 08 or an 09, and what the implications are for fork choices and handling. This thread I had on the Niner forum awhile back has more detail on fork geo for 09s.
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=463078

Ryder1

· #13 · Dec 12, 2008

XL (21") On-One Inbred 29er has a 25.2" ett and keeps the standover reasonable by having a short headtube. Finding a distributor might be tough, but there should be some used ones out there.

FoShizzle

· #14 · Dec 12, 2008

Ryder1 said:
XL (21") On-One Inbred 29er has a 25.2" ett and keeps the standover reasonable by having a short headtube. Finding a distributor might be tough, but there should be some used ones out there.

If you live in the US, feel free to pester me for On One purchases. I would even cover your shipping in most cases.

darkmother

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 12, 2008

The On One Inbred and Scandal are both nice looking. Looks like they are out of stock though. I'm in Canada as well-I'm not sure how shipping would work out. I know I've seen some of their bikes at local races so someone is bringing them here.

madcap

· #16 · Dec 12, 2008

On-One was distributed by BTI in the US until a short time ago, not sure what their status is now.

FoShizzle

· #17 · Dec 12, 2008

madcap said:
On-One was distributed by BTI in the US until a short time ago, not sure what their status is now.

indeed...not available at BTI, but is is available through FoTI

j/k...though let me know as i am placing an order for more stuff soon so if you want to piggyback on my dollar for shipping not a problem with me

rr

· #18 · Dec 12, 2008

FoShizzle said:
indeed...not available at BTI, but is is available through FoTI j/k...though let me know as i am placing an order for more stuff soon so if you want to piggyback on my dollar for shipping not a problem with me

Fo I hear OnePointFive over on the Turner forum was looking for some On-One stuff

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