Replacement frame for Giant XTC SX

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Hi all,

New here, and I need some advice if possible. Way back in August, I somehow punctured the frame of my 2006 Giant XTC SX. I don't know how it happened, but I think a piece of stone/flint got wedged between the chain rings and the frame and then just punctured the frame as it got pushed as I turned the cranks. I didn't see it happen, just looked down after crossing a stream on a trail and saw the glinting metal exposed. Got me home alright though - about 10 miles or so!

Anyway, it's been back to Giant, they have said the bike isn't rideable and they won't replace the frame under warranty. Whilst I can see their point about it not being a defect (although I am a little dubious - no one I've spoken to has ever heard of anything similar happening), I'm ticked off that they didn't just replace it. It was in good condition, clearly wasn't malicious damage etc etc, and they could have had a very happy customer. But they didn't.

So I've gone through insurance and finally I can get a replacement frame. Obvious choice is a 2008 Giant XTC frame, which is £295 (the amount the insurance company are giving me) but I'd like to try and get something better. I've had a good look around this week and am very tempted by kinesis frames.

I was put onto them by a mate - sadly his was stolen Thursday before last so I can't try it out! I like the look and sound of the Kinesis Maxlight XCpro2 but I'm concerned about the strength of the frame. I ride trails, just for fun, and also in woods etc. This frequently includes things like the sets of steps you tend to get in forests for walkers, and obviously this puts strain on the bike, especially the back end I would imagine. I've not been mountain biking that long, so there is also a reasonable chance I'll come off. I've had two very minor falls in the last year. I'm also quite heavy, at about 5' 10" and 15 odd stone, especially since I haven't had a bike for 10 weeks now. Even when I'm fit, I'm heavy though.

I've decided I can't afford a good full sus frame with the money I have (up to about £400 -£450) and so want a strong, light hard tail. It needs to accept all the components of my Giant. Most salient part is the fork, which is the standard Manitou Splice Super 70 -100mm adjustable.

Will the Kinesis Maxlight XCpro2 be strong enough? Are their better options in this price range?

Sorry for the essay, I just really want to get my bike back!

Cheers,
Steve

The Spiderman

I have a Giant XTC SX,too.Its a pretty good frame by any standards.

The extra compliance of a carbon stayed rear,would be nice to have.The Pro 2 has quite racy geometry,ie,stretched tob tube,so think carefully about the type of riding you are going to do.

Other than that,I doubt that most alumnium frames are going to be that much better or lghter,than the XTC.

When swappping,frames you need to consider,the cost of changing things like front mech,seatpost ,and seat clamp and headset,if you go for something other than another XTC,as these are likely to be different sizes.Also consider that the Giant has a low stack height and internal headset,which means your fork's steeerer might not be long enough,or that you might need to lose some spacers from beneath the stem ,if you go for something different.

I did see the Kona Kula Primo,for sale at £300 in Evans recenlty which is a very nice frame.

I'd also look at a Merlin or Rock Lobster on www.merlincyles.co.uk

You could probably get a good deal on one of their frame and fork packages,for your budget.They did have deal on a Malt 4 with a Reba fork for around your budget,or the Tig team with Reba race for £400.

(I have the Reba on my XTC,and its a big improvement on the Splice,and I managed to sell the old forks for £50 on ebay)

http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=category&categoryId=77

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Hi,
Thanks for your comments. I'm slightly concerned about the geometry but everything I've heard is that the bike is very comfortable to ride.
Let's hope so!
I'm aware that additional costs are possible, but the insurance company are paying £90 towards this. The LBS think this should cover most things. Why would the front mech need to be swapped though?

I think you're right about the fork, an upgrade here will be next on my list of things to buy for the bike. I think I can get some milage on the speed and rolling resistance front by changing the tyres too.
I also agree that the XTC SX is a pretty good bike, but dealing with Giant has left a bad taste if you know what I mean.

Cheers,
Steve

The Spiderman

Front mech-depends on whether its one with a specific fit collar which is sized to the seat tube or one with spacers/bands to make it a universal fit.

If its the latter,you should be OK,if not front mechs can be had for £20.

If you still have the standard wire beaded Nevegal/Blue Groove combo on the XTC,different tyres will make a world of difference.

I have Schwalbe Nobby Nics on mine for winter,and switch the rear to a Schwalbe Racing Ralph for the summer.

This with the forks were,the most worthwhile upgrades I've made,to my bike.Noticebaly faster rolling,and much quicker to spin up and generally made the bike feel more agile.

The bike was about 1/2 pound lighter too.

I think something like Conti SPeed Kings would also be worth a go,if you want a bit more speed.

Will be interested to see how you get on with the XC Pro 2.Looks a nice frame and gets good reviews.Looks nicest in the silver or white,I reckon.