[nmcculloch]

I am looking at taking the plunge into 29'er bikes. Considering BuzzBomb and KM. I want the flexibility to go SS or use my Speedhub. I am concerned about tire clearance in the rear, which frame is better? I would like to be able to use the 29x2.3 tires as they become available, maybe even 2.5 tires if that ever happens. Any advice? Does anyone else make a frame which will accomodate both SS and Speedhub? and switching between the two? I know the KM in 4130 is heavy but I have not found a R853 steel frame with sliding dropouts. I have a R853 road frame which I truely enjoy, but don't know if it may be a little weak for offroad use.
Anyone in the Austin, TX area willing to let me test ride either of these frame?? I would greatly appriciate the opprotunity.

 

[RobW]

Ya know, Van Dessel has a new set of dropouts for the Buzz that has provisions for a der. This frame is already set up for the Rohloff, and with the addition of the newer dropouts, is as versatile as the KM. I guess it depends on which model of the hub you own. With the KM, I think (Nate will set me straight if I'm wrong) you're gonna need the bolt on model, whereas with the Buzz you can use the quick release model (you will need a shifter box). Unless you have your heart set on steel, the Buzz would be the way just because of the Rohloff provisions IMHO.

 

[wooglin]

Voodoo Dambala is 853 and has sliding dropouts. With the D/Os all the way back you can probably fit a 2.3 or better in there but if you have to move them forward then definitely not.

This is a Moto 2.1

with the D/Os here:

 

[funboarder1971]

Or if you enjoy carrying around about 2lbs of cable stops, rack mounts and other braze ons.... Van Dessel is the KING!

I'm thinking about taking a dremel and removing most of them!!!

Ya know, Van Dessel has a new set of dropouts for the Buzz that has provisions for a der. This frame is already set up for the Rohloff, and with the addition of the newer dropouts, is as versatile as the KM. I guess it depends on which model of the hub you own. With the KM, I think (Nate will set me straight if I'm wrong) you're gonna need the bolt on model, whereas with the Buzz you can use the quick release model (you will need a shifter box). Unless you have your heart set on steel, the Buzz would be the way just because of the Rohloff provisions IMHO.

 

[Walt]

Forget the 2.5" tires

I hate to be a killjoy, but it's not going to happen unless you want the world's longest chainstays. I find that a lot of 29er frames don't even have what I would call sufficient clearance for a solid 2.1" - I like to have at least 3/8 of an inch on each side for mud clearance. If you want the feel of a 29er with really big tires, just get a 26" bike and put 3" downhill tires on it - you'll have an effective wheel diameter over 28", which is nice and big. And you can build the frame with a much more reasonable geometry. Remember: with 2.5" tires, you're basically talking about a 30er, not a 29er!

Another side note - the 853 is more than strong enough for mountain bikes. It's not just the material itself, but how much of it you use and where that determines the strength of the frame. ANY high end heat treated steel will produce a lively, lightweight, and strong ride if decently constructed. S3, Foco, Platinum, 853, etc are all very close to the same thing and most builders only have a preference for one or another because of price, availability, or familiarity with the product line (for example, I'm a Truetemper fella). Reynolds has done a great job marketing 853 as "the" steel to have, but it's not really any better or worse than other good steel products from other manufacturers.

-Walt

 

[ncj01]

Voodoo Dambala :

Here's the BB dropout just for comparison to the Voodoo. I was previously unaware that VD was offereing a replacement sliding dropout such that you can run a derailer if you want...this makes it as versatle as the Monkey, and somewhat better in that you can run disc and/or SS without having to have bolt on rear axle and pain in the *ss taking the wheel on and off. That being said, I will always have a soft spot for my Orange KM.

Now that BB dropout:

Monkey dropout, just for good measure: