Frame Dilemma

Mountaincoffee

Hi,

I currently run a Trek Jack with a 451 Pike,
Avid Juicy 7s
Sun Rims MTX on DMR Revolver Hubs
Sram X-9
Single chain ring up front on Truvativ Husslefelts with a 38 tooth chain ring
RaceFace Evolve Bars on a 24 50mm Seven Stem


Basically, I am doing a lot of trial centre riding at the moment, Llandegla, Salisbury, Llangollen etc. The bike wasn't initially designed with this kind of riding in mind so I was wondering what do you recommend I change to cater more for this varied riding.

I did have a Marzocchi DJ1 2003 on it but changed this to a Pike for versatility, I was considering a short travel full sus frame, Specialised Stuntjumper FSR or the old SX Trial or the like, but
A) I am a student trying to save pennies
Is it necessary for a full frame change

Anyone had a similar dilemma, As you can imagine cycling up hill on a 38 tooth chainring on an 11 - 32 rear mech is difficult, especially on 2.4" High Rollers.

Thanks very much for any advice.

nitro124

If you want to be able to ride up hills at ease you should consider either changing your hubs on your bike to cater a cassette. this way you have more gears to work with. go to chainreactioncycles.com they have everything that you will need at a good cheap price that is hard to find anywhere else. It also has free delivery and as I'm a student myself, I know that is a big help in saving money

Mountaincoffee

I have 9 speed at the back, X-9, and I considered going dual ring up front but...I dont know, I've never been convinced by it, prefer the simplicity of just the rear mech.

I considered changing frame at the Jack is an aggressive Jump/Street bike that I learn down hill on. I think I could upgrade to a full sus, but I'm not sure, I dont like the look of cross country hard tails with a much more horizontal top tube.

nitro124

what is your budget?

Mountaincoffee

it depends really, I am wanting to keep it as low as possible, but, dependant on your opinions, I may spend more. I was just looking at an Orange 5, I also considered a Yeti 575, that style of F/S.

So I'll say around £600.00, I'd probably transfer components over as opposed to a whole new bike.

nitro124

If you want a yeti 757, you can get the yeti 575 2007 carbon frame for £630, and tbh, I think that is an expensive investment. Have you ever looked into a Viper Fugitif Carbon 2007 Full Suspension Frame? This frame is similar to the Yeti 575 2007 frame, but at a much lower price of £595. But if you want something cheaper but is a fantastic frames, you could also look at Da Bomb Castle Bravo 2009, or Da Bomb Da Pukka Radium RL Air 5.4" 2009. these frames in my opinion look miles better than the yeti frame. they are more stylish. these are £560 each. But if you want a cheaper option than that, Scott G-Zero FX Frameset is £500, which gives you £130 saving off a yeti 575 frame, which leaves you some cash to buy other parts.

Mountaincoffee

The Scott looks cracking, I am still trying to decide if my Jack is or isn't the right tool, the descents, its perfect, quick handling, and forces me to be smooth, its just the climbs. I may get a smaller front chain ring, maybe 32 tooth, and see how I go.

I am very undecided.

Thanks for all the suggestions