mattbryant2 said:
Thanks a lot for the tips. Had a couple more questions...
Was considering the Mountain Cycle Rumble frame. How does this compare to the Santa Cruz Chameleon and other similar bikes? I notice the angles look pretty steep, but the seat post tube goes pretty high so is that going to effect anything?
Was also wondering if anyone has any experience with this frame and how much travel would be appropriate? I was thinking 130 or 140... the two forks I am considering are the Fox Vanilla R 130 ($360) and the Rockshox Pike ($340), but am open to other options, preferably if they would save me a little money...
And what wheelset would you recommend for my budget? Something strong but affordable.
Can't help you on those frames. All I can say about frames, is this:
Get a 15-17 in tall frame (16 in for your height and riding would be ideal).
Make sure it's close or over 5 lbs
Make sure it has mucho reinforcements around the head tube where the fork goes. A good hardtail will have gussets (thick pieces of metal welded on the seam) on top and bottom of the back side of the head tube. Some come with only a gusset on the bottom, that's fine too, but one on top is preferable. Also make sure the front end of the traingle near the head tube is extra big and wraps around the head tube a bit on the welds.
Also get the longest seat post you can find (450mm) after ordering the frame, it will be needed for uphill.
As far as forks go, The Pike is much mroe of a Extreme All Mountain fork than the Fox. It's not a full on 15 drop FR fork, but the Pike can take some serious abuse as long as you keep it at or under 8 ft drops (with a hardtail that is).
IMO, the Pike is the best Hardtail extreme fork available today, second only the the new and expensive Fox 36 ($1000). The Pike has the perfect range in travel along with the perfect damping for every type of riding. The great thing about having a Pike on a FR hardtail is that you can ride it lowered down for XC and uphill, and the second you come to a jump or start descending, you can transform it into a 140mm huckster. The other great thing is that you can fine tune the travel to suit any frame you buy, so you always have the perfect setup. There aren't really any other affordable forks that give sch a wide range in adjustment, and adjustment is what you will need for going up and down mountains.
My Pike has held up fine to me dropping up to 8 ft on it with my hardtail.
IMO, if you want ultimate adjustability just go with the Pike:
95-140mm of travel
Low speed compression adjust
High Speed compression adjust
Rebound Adjust
SPV type setting on the fly adjust
$325 at AEBIKE.COM
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Ask around to find out what the best wheel sets are for your budget. You will probably need to spend $200-$300 for the wheels.
Just make sure to get rims wider than 30mm, but no wider than 38. This will make for a good fit with 2.5 tires (you will need 2.5, 2.35 wont cut it and yo will destroy rims).
I recommend getting some 2.5 super sticky tires with ramped knobs for speed. Any of the Kenda BlueGroove Stick-E or Nevegal Stick-E, or Maxxis HighRoller 2.5 42a Supertacky are your best bet for maximum turning traction AND speed.
Do a search in the porduct review section for disc brakes. Get the best ones you can afford.
Being patient and doing tons of searching and research on the internet will get you the best equipment for the best price.