Hardtail frame selection

hello_yoshi
hello_yoshi Posts: 39
edited December 2007 in MTB buying advice
I am looking at buying a new frame and rebuilding my bike. I have the Rockshox 351 80-130mm fork and although I know it is nowhere near the best of the best it is nontheless a very solid performer and I am reluctant to change it. The problem then is I need a frame that will be comfortable at 80mm and at 130mm. Does such a frame exist? I usually ride at 120mm on my current frame so would like the new frame to be most comfortable at the setting.

I have been looking at:

Specialized M5
Trek 8900
GT Avalanche Pro or Zaskar
Giant XTC
Kinesis Maxlite XC120 (perfect for what I want but not available where I live)

Are any of these suitable or can anyone offer any other solutions?
Cheers!

Comments

  • papasmurf.
    papasmurf. Posts: 2,382
    if it was 100mm I'd suggest the on one 456...not sure how that would work on 80mm unless you never used it.

    can you not order in the Maxlite
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  • lost-time
    lost-time Posts: 549
    On-one Inbred 456? (100- 150mm)

    http://www.on-one.co.uk/index.php?modul ... sition=3:3
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    You can't ususally try a frame for size so you take a sizing risk whenever you buy a frameset over a complete bike. So once you've decided to take that risk, you can mail-order the frame. Chain Reaction do XC>120s, that's where I got mine. They offer free delivery with it and as long as you return it in resellable condition, you can exchange it or have your money back.

    See XC>120 link for piccie.
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  • hello_yoshi
    hello_yoshi Posts: 39
    I would like the Maxlight but there are no stockists here. I am lucky enough to live in Thailand but the MTB scene here is still in its teething stage and so there are not many choices available. If I mail order I get stung for customs and excise charges!!!! So it looks like the XC120 is out as is the 456!
  • hello_yoshi
    hello_yoshi Posts: 39
    Another just caught my eye, still not sure if it is suitable though, the Scott Scale 40. Any thoughts??
  • Splasher
    Splasher Posts: 1,528
    Scale is a race bike, not a general purpose ride.
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  • ratty2k
    ratty2k Posts: 3,872
    Always had my old 456 on a 125mm setting (old Fox TALAS) found it very good at thaat setting, and never changed it. Often thought about going up to 150mm with it but my riding style just never warrented such long travel.
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  • z000m
    z000m Posts: 544
    hello_yoshi wrote:
    Another just caught my eye, still not sure if it is suitable though, the Scott Scale 40. Any thoughts??

    i have one, its light and fast on the trails, not really suited for jumps and stuff though.
    New Build

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