Steel hard tail

djames77
djames77 Posts: 164
edited April 2011 in MTB buying advice
Right, as a big bloke I've decided I want to build my own bike specifically to suit me. Trouble is the frame. I'm 6'9 and thing steel is the way to go. Advice needed on where I can get a decent frame in 22" ish with long toptube. Any advise on forks, cranks would be appreciated

Comments

  • allthegearnoidea
    allthegearnoidea Posts: 4,077
    ragley did the blue big in XL, one of the guys that rides with us has one, he's a mere 6ft4 though, but you'll need a 410mm post and will have a fair bit of it out!! :wink:
    not sure what the largest size on-one make, but a cheap steel frame there, little heavier than the others but not a bad frame,
    i know the cotic soul L is a 19/20" frame so will be a bit small! unless you can get a brompton folding bike style seatpost! :D
    there are quite a few steel bike makers out there but cant remember the names, (singletrackworld forum is very steel frame orientated)
    Timmo.
    After all, I am Cornish!
    http://cornwallmtb.kk5.org/
    Cotic Soul, The bike of Legends!:wink: Yes, I Am a bike tart!
    http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... 1#16297481
  • stanescoo
    stanescoo Posts: 18
    hi there,

    after lots of researching, here's a list of steel frames I have checked. not sure which one comes in your size, but you can have a look. i've gone for the charge duster in the end :)

    charge duster
    ragley blue pig
    on one 456
    sanderson breath
    orange p7
    cove handjob
    genesis al(p)titude
    cotic soul
    rock lobster 853
    ns society
    pipedream sirius
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,816
    Pace 29er comes with a 20" farme....any use?

    http://www.pacecycles.com/?page_id=913

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • GHill
    GHill Posts: 2,402
    I think you'll struggle to find something with a long enough top tube. Do you have the budget for a custom frame?

    Are you looking for an XC bike, or more of a long travel play bike?
  • djames77
    djames77 Posts: 164
    budget not really an issue. Don't want to spend above 2 - 3k as it is just a hard tail but would be happy to look at custom. Just not sure who to trust / use? Was hoping to get a off the shelf package.

    A bit more info - I would like 140 - 160 travel forks, very strong brakes, a near bullet proof BB and XT kit front and back.

    Any suggestions about frame and forks / components much welcomed. Will start the build in about 6 weeks. Just waiting for a work stand and a few much needed tools. Meanwhile i will have to continue to the Rockhopper i have but it does feel a bit flimsy for my size!
  • Levi_501
    Levi_501 Posts: 1,105
    Being the long side of six foot as well I have always struggled finding bikes.

    Having said that, I currently ride a 21.5 Trek 8500 off road, and a 21 Orange R8 in tarmac spec. Similar in geometry, and both use 130mm stems and 400mm seat posts.

    If I were you, I would look at these, esp the R8 if you want steel, as they are race oritated bikes whcih have long top tubes.
  • djames77
    djames77 Posts: 164
    has anyone used this guy?

    http://www.curtlo.com/build_bike.html

    seems the XT is cheap given the exchange rate, throw on some decent forks and it might be a good deal?
  • djames77
    djames77 Posts: 164
    Levi_501 wrote:
    Being the long side of six foot as well I have always struggled finding bikes.

    Having said that, I currently ride a 21.5 Trek 8500 off road, and a 21 Orange R8 in tarmac spec. Similar in geometry, and both use 130mm stems and 400mm seat posts.

    If I were you, I would look at these, esp the R8 if you want steel, as they are race oritated bikes whcih have long top tubes.

    Thanks for that, will look into it. Isn't the R8 a road bike though?
  • djames77
    djames77 Posts: 164
    sorry just looked at it and it isn't! :roll:
  • leaflite
    leaflite Posts: 1,651
    http://www.curtisbikes.co.uk/

    They do custom steel frames with your choice of size, head angle etc. A bit pricey though at around £800 for the frame. Although 22 inch isnt listed on the website, im sure if you rang them up they might be able to make one for you.
    GT Hardtail
    The Apollo Project
    Titus FTM Carbon
  • djames77
    djames77 Posts: 164
    leaflite wrote:
    http://www.curtisbikes.co.uk/

    They do custom steel frames with your choice of size, head angle etc. A bit pricey though at around £800 for the frame. Although 22 inch isnt listed on the website, im sure if you rang them up they might be able to make one for you.

    thanks for this, will put a call in to them in the next week or so.
  • John Moore
    John Moore Posts: 580
    Singular Swift fits the bill and it's in XL
    http://www.singularcycles.com/swift.html

    Here's my Medium
    5650120051_f54e4510d7.jpg

    With these bargin forks Rock Shox Recon Gold TK 29er Forks - Solo Air 2011 @ £288.75
    from here and still at the same silly price
    http://www.cyclesportsuk.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=9315&cPath=498_456

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