SS MTB Racing Frame

Depends obviously on what you're looking to spend and if you're really trying to go light. Tough to beat the sub 3# carbon frames if you're trying to build a real, dedicated race bike. I have 2 Lynskey Ti SS frames, a Ridgeline and a Pro29. The Pro29 is a stiff racing machine but I've bikepacked on it as well so it's pretty darn multipurpose. That frame is a smidge over 4#. I'm actually selling it since I've decided I don't need 2 Ti frames. (2012 Lynskey medium Pro29 SL - Buy and Sell and Review Mountain Bikes and Accessories)
Another great Ti frame are the Vassago Optimus Ti's...built in PHX, they are solid, well build machines that will serve you well for years.

Check out the Pivot Les 29. Short stays, new school geo that works and a great tensioning system.

Love the Les 29 as well as the Hard Eddie I am currently riding.

Good suggestions! Looking for fairly light but tough I guess. Any opinions on Spot Brand?


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diSSent ALC Singlespeed 29er Frame - PSYCLESTORE

North American made, delivered to your door for about $500. Can't be beat. Very popular SS race frame...

I love my Niner One9 RDO with the passion of a thousand fiery suns, but they had an issue w/ the BB shell insert and I don't think new frames will be available until June sometime. If you can wait until then I highly recommend one. (Caveat, I've only had 2 SS frames, both were Niners, and I loved them. My other HT is a Santa Cruz Highball which I only ride for ultra-endurance stuff now).

Had 4 Niner hardtails & loved the handling, then I rode a Banshee Paradox. 4 Niner frames for sale

Salsa El Mariachi Ti. I normally ride a steel El Mar, but borrowed my buddies' Ti bike for the Whiskey 50 this past weekend. Loved the lighter weight for racing. Seems like a great balance between weight and durability.

I was looking at the El Mar Ti!!! Seems like a nice frameset


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Carver ti420

CAT1 said:

I was looking at the El Mar Ti!!! Seems like a nice frameset

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It's very nice, I have one and it's rock solid, VERY stiff for a Ti bike but not jarring like some Al frames. It's much stiffer than the steel version. My XL frame came in at 4.5 lbs.

Liking my Raijin...

SPP

Iamrockandroll13 said:

It's very nice, I have one and it's rock solid, VERY stiff for a Ti bike but not jarring like some Al frames. It's much stiffer than the steel version. My XL frame came in at 4.5 lbs.

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How heavy is your total rig? I'm gonna be using my build or mainly endurance SS and few XC races mixed in. I need something that's fairly light but can take a beating on the rocks!

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Mine is 22 lbs but I didn't try to get it light. I have a Brooks Saddle and other heavy things, like a suspension fork. the only Carbon on it is the Thomson All Mountain carbon bar and the brake levers. You could easily build one rigid under 18 lbs.

Like I said, I road my buddies Ti El Mar and really liked it. It gave me the bug replace my stell El Mar and build up a lighter SS race bike.

So I have been looking for a light-ish, durable frame as well. Starting looking at the El Mar Ti, and have also been looking at Vassago. In fact, I talked to the Vassago owner after I finished the Whiskey 50 and the bikes look real nice.

Here is what I am gathering so far:

Steel El Mariachi (L) 5.99 pounds (actual weight of mine)
Vassage Verhauen (M - comparable size to Salsa L) 4.6 pounds (claimed) $999
Ti El Mariachi (L) 4.27 pounds (claimed) $2200
Vassago Optimus Ti (M) 3.9 pounds (claimed) $1900

Both the steel and the Ti Vassago and looking good to me.

I really like the looks/specs of the Pivot LES. Pretty trick tensioner as well.

I'm rocking a Pro29 SL this year as my race rig. It's built up with Arch rims on CK hubs, XT brakes, Haven seatpost, Spec saddle and flat bar, thomson stem, SLX cranks, Fox CTD fork. I think it tips the scales at ~24lbs with pedals and bottle cage. Heavier than I'd like, but bullet proof I hope.