Hardtail frame gurus needed...

easyg
easyg Posts: 266
edited September 2007 in MTB buying advice
I've search the forum for discussions on this but couldn't really find the answers I am looking for. Apologies if I missed a similar thread.

Bought an entry level Mongoose (white, tyax super 2005, hardtail). Upgraded forks to RECONS (85-130mm travel). Now need new brakes, and in my book a new frame. We do all-mountain and trails averaging 20-25 miles, including drops upto 3ft ish (depending how heavy the night before was). Forget brake advice for now, I am interested in frames.

So... help. The budget for the frame could be anything (the wife loves me) but I would like recommendations from £300, then £500 and then upto £1000 if thats okay - just so I know what is available and what the options are.

What are the best frame makes? what are the carbon hardtail frames? Weight reduction is key for me as is build quality obviously not to mention fork accomodation (as above)

Please make as many suggestions as possible as I like to research plenty before buying.

Many thanks in advance,

Gavin.
"If you think straight enough, you can see round corners"

Comments

  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Weight reduction may not be much, if any, if you plan to do drops like that. You need strength and reliability.
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  • easyg
    easyg Posts: 266
    Okay, agreed (heights are really relating to jumps so could be curbed if needs be, and ave. height prob. more like 1.5-2 ft). So any suggestions??
    "If you think straight enough, you can see round corners"
  • clanton
    clanton Posts: 1,289
    If you're looking for a "hardcore hardtail" then Cove Stiffee (aluminium £550approx) Cotic Soul (steel, £440) or the Merlin frames are all worth looking at. Others: On One 453 (really cheap and well liked) Pace, etc
    TBH there are loads out there!
  • easyg
    easyg Posts: 266
    I've just been looking at the Kinesis MaxLight XC2 - thoughts?

    Reviews on CRC's are all 5 out of 5...
    "If you think straight enough, you can see round corners"
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    If you've got a 130mm fork, why not get the XC>120
    "Internet Forums - an amazing world where outright falsehoods become cyber-facts with a few witty key taps and a carefully placed emoticon."
  • Scubar
    Scubar Posts: 453
    Evil Bikes Sovereign Frame from CRC £799 beautiful frame that can take a real beating.
    ___________________________________________________________

    My Marin Hawkhill 2007 - http://www.pinkbike.com/photo/1382583/
  • easyg
    easyg Posts: 266
    Thanks for that mate - hadn't noticed it yet. Does anyone know where you can buy Marin & Trek frames from? it seems one can't go online and find frames like this unless I'm just blind...
    "If you think straight enough, you can see round corners"
  • dirtbiker100
    dirtbiker100 Posts: 1,997
    I'm just looking at the cotic soul - seems lovely for my riding but you can get much lighter.
  • Fluffbomb
    Fluffbomb Posts: 20
    easyg wrote:
    I've just been looking at the Kinesis MaxLight XC2 - thoughts?

    Reviews on CRC's are all 5 out of 5...
    Its a nice light hardtail but don't think its strong enough for repeated 3 foot drops.
    easyg wrote:
    Thanks for that mate - hadn't noticed it yet. Does anyone know where you can buy Marin & Trek frames from? it seems one can't go online and find frames like this unless I'm just blind...
    Apart from the high end models I don't think they sell frames!

    Fluff
  • The Big Cheese
    The Big Cheese Posts: 8,650
    the only frame I am aware that Marin sell is the top of the range Titanium hardtail - VERY expensive but pretty gorgeous though!!! :D

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