Steel hardtail frame

billybodger

I have decided that my old genesis core frame has had enough and its time to get a new one. All the components on it are good and have been uprated to a good spec so i dont really want to ditch them. Problem is which one ? Alot of manufactures have gone away from 26" wheels and as It needs to be a bit of a budget build i want to keep them.So have been looking at On one frames ether the inbread or the 456. I just use it for general trail riding so bit unsure as to which . Any one any idears ? or any other suggestions for a steel hardtail fame?

cooldad

What's wrong with the old one?

cubedean

456 evo 2 is always a good shout, as is the cotic bfe or soul.

billybodger

cooldad wrote:

What's wrong with the old one?

It's an 09 frame and has taken a bit of abuse with a few dents in the tubes plus the usual signs of wear and tear so needs painting to smarten it up. But the real problem is that I've noticed the wheel tracking is out . The rear wheel now sits quite a bit closer to the lefthhand chainstay by about 10 mm !. I've measured everything I can think of and nothing seems to be out apart from the wheel not sitting right.With all this I thought It would be just as cost effective to get a new frame .

Yes had a look at all of them. Quite faceted the soul as I read good things bout them but they don't do a 26" frame any more. Think there bout £100 difference in the price of the bfe an the 456 but don't know if there much difference in them ? Any one know ?

rockmonkeysc

Neither of the On One frames are as good as your Genesis, they're made of pig iron and have none of the ride quality you expect from a steel frame.

BigAl

May I suggest a Charge Duster?

I picked up a (new) frame from EBay a while back for £160. Nice frame, Tange Prestige tubing gives a that lovely pliant steel ride.

Not sure if they're still available and I probably wouldn't go beyond a 100mm fork - you might get away with 120, not sure

Pics in my sig

rockmonkeysc

Duster is a great frame but no longer available. Charge only make 650b+ bikes now.

The Rookie

Cotic soul would be my choice.

Check the rear wheel itself as that could cause the tracking issue and a new frame won't fix that's!

billybodger

Yes tryed another wheel and it just the same !

careca78

Although the 456 Evo 2 may lack some features more refined frames have they are still some of the best cost effective, bang for buck frames out there!

The frames are actually made from 4130 steel which is not that bad considering Aerobatic airplanes are made from the same material. The harshness of the frame is more related to its tubes section and whishbone seatstays that to the material itself.

If your’re just an average guy with a modest budget and your goal is to have an honest trail hardtail, with an honest price, than the 456 Evo 2 can be a good option.

I’ve bought one and have no real complaints so far… yes, she could be more confortable… yes, she could have some refinements… but for the real world, where 1000€ for a hardtail frame can be too much, the 456 is one of the best frames money can buy, especially when you don’t have money to buy something better!

rockmonkeysc

The 456 was the harshest frame I have owned and it's heavy. There's a good reason why it's cheap.
It doesn't matter what material is used if it's not used in a way to take advantage of its best qualities.

billybodger

Yes thanks for the comments . From what ive read you ether love or loath the 456! My original mtb was a Ridgback 902 and then a Specialised both were steel frames. They were made from Reynolds tubing which gave a good ride so it will be interesting to see how things have moved on in steel frame development. But by the looks of it im going to have to buy second hand or splash the cash and spend a bit more. ....Or see if I can get a ride on a 456 evo and see how I like it.

careca78

Bikes can be as personal as anything else, and what works with some may not work with others. It all goes back to your budget, riding style and the bike’s objective.

I don’t think the 456 is badly conceived and/or built. It’s simply overbuilt due to the compromise of being able to use suspension forks from 4in to 6in and having to do it safely. It’s a bit like a blunt knive… it’s not going to make a nice clean cut but it can stab really good.
When you design a more dedicated bike you can optimize certain parameters.

That said, the 456 is a nice all-rounder and if you have the chance to try one I think you will not be disappointed.

Also check NS, DMR, Dialled, Cotic, Stanton, etc. maybe you can find something that suits you better.

rockmonkeysc

Theres no compromise for the option of 4-6" forks. It's designed around a 5" fork and like most frames it will take an inch more or less.

hypster

I've had a couple of On One Inbreds and although they are cheap and cheerful, hardly inspiring. I've also had a Genesis iO (26" rigid SS) which was good and now have a Singular Swift (29er rigid SS) which is brilliant.

I've never ridden one but if I were you I would look out for a second-hand Cotic Soul. Judging by their rep they must be pretty good.