Looking for a frame

[chris_the_wrench]

Reaching out for some help....

I sold my mtb the fall before covid with plans to get a new bike that spring.

HAHAHA!

So last year I rode my gravel and road bikes exclusively, and I have my old utility/fishing bike(karate monkey parts bin bike). Im trying to track down a new frame this winter though, and we all know thats still almost impossible.

29" Hardtail XL XC Racey Geometry, 120 travel fork max.
Something like a Specialized Chisel, Giant XTC, Scott Scale.

Id prefer new but would consider a new'ish used model. I'd strongly prefer a frame, but would consider a Shimano equipped bike or I'd consider a sram equipped bike and sell the parts.

So if anyone has seen or heard a whisper of a rumor about something that meets my wishes please let me know.

Thanks
-Chris

 

[cantunamunch]

(I post the following with the best will and kindest intentions possible)

 

[chris_the_wrench]

The nearest thing Ive found is Litespeed has a Pinhoti frame in stock. Ive owned probably 6 or 7 Litespeeds since 1993 and I really love them, but that bike seems to be abit more of a 'trails' bike vc XC bike. But I REALLY like the durability of titanium.

 

[scott43]

New or used? Price limited?

 

[chris_the_wrench]

New or used? Price limited?

d prefer new but would consider a new'ish used model. I

Trying to keep the frame down around $1500’ish…

 

[scott43]

I was noodling around for a while looking at MTB frames, same thing, 29er with XC geo but more modern slack-ish. Like 68 HTA and 75 STA. The frames do seem to be a bit price prohibitive in some ways. Trek and Spec frames are nearly the cost of a similar complete bike. I can guess why this is, but the reality is they aren't as cheap as they should be. I scoured overseas retailers who do sell frames to see what was available. It's really not that easy to find them. There are some far East places with reasonable quality, but not name brand. Ultimately, I was intent on a steel semi-custom mfg. It's possible to get these for around $1200-$1500. I was originally trying to find an aluminum name brand but not so easy. Many are simply out of stock. Norco has frames but again, out of stock. Kona sometimes you can find a frame. I really wish there were a source for Giant frames. There is a place call bikeParts.com that seems to have frames from either pull-aparts or warranty replacements. I've found some gems there from time to time.

Frames | Bikeparts.Com

bikeparts.com

 

[Tom K.]

Trying to keep the frame down around $1500’ish…

Well, if "around" covers ~$2,750 I'd heartily recommend this, which includes a frame and fork:

2022 Nitrous Ti Frame + FOX Factory 34/130 Fit 4 Fork

Nitrous What a price! The ONLY 2022 in stock are Smalls. You are probably wondering what is the difference between 2022 and 2023? Well, the only change that really matters is the rear brake mount, the other tweaks are marginal.. These 2022 models were designed around the 'flat mount' style...

turnerbikes.com

DT knows how to make bikes, and he REALLY stands behind them.

Disclaimer: I was once a Turner team guy, but that was a long time ago, in a place far, far away...

Chisel seems like good bang for the buck, but ya gotta find one.

 

[cantunamunch]

I'd heartily recommend this, which includes a frame and fork:

2022 Nitrous Ti Frame + FOX Factory 34/130 Fit 4 Fork

Nitrous What a price! The ONLY 2022 in stock are Smalls. You are probably wondering what is the difference between 2022 and 2023? Well, the only change that really matters is the rear brake mount, the other tweaks are marginal.. These 2022 models were designed around the 'flat mount' style...

turnerbikes.com

Well sh*t.

That's a sneakily big bike, in both a rider size and a uphill/dowhill capability way.

Pretty sure that's the first thing I've seen where I could ride a small and be happy.

 

[scott43]

https://www.bike24.com/p2295557.html

Ritchey Ultra frameset. In stock in large. $1k.

 

[Tom K.]

That's a sneakily big bike, in both a rider size and a uphill/dowhill capability way.

Which I find hilarious, because when I was helping develop the Czar, one of our arguments was that I wanted the bike "bigger", but DT was still in the "small bike for handling" camp.

As owner of the company, he won, but time has proven me right.

Dammit!

 

[Tom K.]

https://www.bike24.com/p2295557.html

Ritchey Ultra frameset. In stock in large. $1k.

Killer idea.

Modern day successor to the vaunted P21!

 

[scott43]

Killer idea.

Modern day successor to the vaunted P21!

68/74, 73mm threaded bb, 42/51 headset..I'd do that no problem. As a matter of fact....

 

[scott43]

You can also get a Kona Honzo ST steel frame for $699..but it's fairly slack..like 66 HTA. And a bit heavy...

Honzo

Perhaps it’s a purist’s dream, or maybe it’s the fact that they’re just so darn fun, but the Honzos have some serious staying power. They are the basis of many a dream build, the yang to the yin of a bigger bike, and they are the heart and soul of Kona. We offer a variety of Honzos from the...

www.konaworld.com

 

[scott43]

Another thought..I liked this bike, it's alu, lightish, nice geo in my opinion and cheap enough..you can toss or resell whatever components you don't want and rebuild the frame. I'm concerned about the quality of Canyon stuff but this thing may be alright..

Grand Canyon 6

A modern mountain bike with best-in-class components, the Grand Canyon 6 delivers on everything you need for off-road exploration. Level up your trail riding at an unbeatable value with the bike’s agile geometry and progressive design.

www.canyon.com

 

[chris_the_wrench]

Well, if "around" covers ~$2,750 I'd heartily recommend this, which includes a frame and fork:

I'm seeing $3195 for frame and fork.

Disclaimer: I was once a Turner team guy, but that was a long time ago, in a place far, far away...

I once worked at the place that painted Turner bikes... also a long time ago! He wasn't doing any ti back then, from what I recall. Lots of full suspension aluminum. and flames, I never cared for flames...

Ritchey Ultra frameset. In stock in large. $1k.

That frame was on my short list but I couldn't find one in stock. They've got XL's in stock too!!! You ever dealt with that online retailer? Thomas Frischknecht was an idol of mine as a junior racer back in the 90's. That maybe the frame!

Specialized rep said they are totally sold out of Chisel(bikes/frames) for the year, so that one is off the list.

 

[cantunamunch]

You ever dealt with that online retailer? Thomas Frischknecht was an idol of mine as a junior racer back in the 90's. That maybe the frame!

I have, plenty. Bike24.com are awesome - and much better about shipping to the US than some other German sellers I shan't name here.

 

[scott43]

I've never used bike24 but my co-worker has regularly and has said good things. For $1k frame in this bike environment, it'd be worth it to me.

 

[scott43]

I'm seeing $3195 for frame and fork.

I once worked at the place that painted Turner bikes... also a long time ago! He wasn't doing any ti back then, from what I recall. Lots of full suspension aluminum. and flames, I never cared for flames...

That frame was on my short list but I couldn't find one in stock. They've got XL's in stock too!!! You ever dealt with that online retailer? Thomas Frischknecht was an idol of mine as a junior racer back in the 90's. That maybe the frame!

Specialized rep said they are totally sold out of Chisel(bikes/frames) for the year, so that one is off the list.

They actually have an Ultra Team..in Frischknecht colours!!

https://www.bike24.com/p2389191.html

 

[Tom K.]

I'm seeing $3195 for frame and fork.

$445 off with code HITTHETRAIL21

It pops up on the home page, not the one I linked.

Weird to see a bike on sale at the moment, huh?!

 

[cantunamunch]

$445 off with code HITTHETRAIL21

It pops up on the home page, not the one I linked.

Weird to see a bike on sale at the moment, huh?!

*covers eyes, stuffs fingers in ears* lalalalalaa