Need a cheap new frame

[Matt London]

After 13 years of service the frame of my rigid Kona Lava Dome has given up. It was never ridden that hard so I was surprised that the downtube just cracked right through the middle. It's only been used for commuting for the last 2 years and just went pop on the way home from work.

Anyway I would like to get a new frame to put all the old bits on. I just don't know where to start. The only additional requirement is that it need to be able to attach a rack for panniers, just like the Kona.

Does anyone here have any reccomendations for something costing up to £200?

[Beyond Rational]

First thought was On-One, but they seem to be going through a silly stock/increased price phase.

Assuming the Kona is steel(?), I think you're going to miss that, so maybe eBay and buy another.

[nammynake]

I can't suggest a particular frame but Chain Reaction have a frame sale on at the moment with some silly prices.

[the_engineer]

Yep, as above, CRC seem to be listing some good deals on frames right now and delivery is usually very quick.

[Matt London]

I have had a look at CRC and cant see anything suitable in my size.
I mailed On-One about their Summer Season steel hardtail to see if it would take the rigid forks from the Lava Dome.

[Beyond Rational]

I think an On-One Inbred would be the better match, the Summer Season suits longer travel forks and therefore won't feel right with short rigid forks.

Shame On-One are out of stock, but they are quite easy to get second hand.

[Matt London]

Beyond Rational said:

I think an On-One Inbred would be the better match, the Summer Season suits longer travel forks and therefore won't feel right with short rigid forks.

Shame On-One are out of stock, but they are quite easy to get second hand.

Thanks for that. I will have a look for a second hand one.

I have had an email back from Kona telling me that the frame had a 10yr warranty but they would pass my details onto their EU and UK people to see if they 'can cut me some sort of deal' so fingers crossed.

On another note, I am lucky that it went when I was pulling away from lights and not the descent with speed bumps just beforehand. There was what I thought was just a clunky gear change and then the bike went soft. Took me a minute to find the huge crack because I was looking for a failure in the welds.

[Matt London]

[Fluffsri]

I would go on one as I did in the summer, I bought an Inbred and its a lovely ride.