Looking for a small hardtail frame for 26" wheels

Kai in the Borders
Kai in the Borders Posts: 66
edited August 2014 in MTB general
I'm finding it difficult to find a decent hardtail frame for my son. Not a complete bike as we're transferring components over.

It needs to be relatively small - 14" or 14.5" and ideally aluminium as steel will be too heavy.

He is a pretty good rider and does a mix of different stuff including relatively technical trails and longer days out with me.

He'd like a Santa Cruz Chameleon, but they're thin on the ground and pretty expensive.

Any suggestions of what to consider and where I can get it?

Comments

  • felix.london
    felix.london Posts: 4,067
    Maybe a 4X frame like a Nukeproof Snap? I have one and reckon it would make a decent all round bike for a kid. Got mine new for about £250 I think but you should be able to pick up a good used one for £150-£175 I should think

    prod87989_IMGSET?wid=500&hei=500
    "Why have that extra tooth if you're not using it?" - Brian Lopes

    Votec V.SX Enduro 'Alpine Thug' 2012/2013 build

    Trek Session 8
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Some of the jump style frames make good XC Bikes for smaller people, Scott Voltage or GT Chucker for example, we have a Voltage frame that has done good service for both my daughters.
    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.
  • welshkev
    welshkev Posts: 9,690
    you can pick up a cove stiffee for £80-£100 if you can find one

    just found this, any good?

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Banshee-Mythi ... 27e8d0434c
  • lancew
    lancew Posts: 680
    Take a look at the planet X website clearance section.

    You can get some pretty cheap small framed On-One bikes there.

    http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FROOVDO126 ... al-dropout

    This would be perfect but not due in until December. They do tend to float around ebay though.
    Specialized Allez Sport 2013
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    And I thought the OP said no steel?
    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.
  • Kai in the Borders
    Kai in the Borders Posts: 66
    welshkev wrote:
    you can pick up a cove stiffee for £80-£100 if you can find one

    just found this, any good?

    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Banshee-Mythi ... 27e8d0434c
    That looks interesting. Thanks. I'll do a bit of research. Although I'm not interested in the fork.

    Yup, alu, not steel please. Otherwise I'd be looking at an XS (14") Cotic Bfe or Soul.

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