FS frames

[Parrot of Doom]

I really shouldn't ask this as I have bills to pay - including a tax bill today

Presently I have a Specialized Rockhopper frame (2002 vintage) which has been excellent, however some of the trails I ride are a bit too technical for it. A very large dent on the frame is testament to this fact

So, what full suspension frames would people recommend? I was thinking around the £700-£800 mark for the frame. XC only, I can transfer my components to it, Marzocchi MX Comp forks, Mavic rims and hubs, XT gears, BB7 brakes. I'd buy a new crank and front derailleur to go with the new frame.

I'd be looking for simplicity (no sets of 20 awkward bearings to press in or out), longevity, lightness, and just something nice to ride. I'm 5'11" and currently around 16.5 stone in weight.

Edited by Parrot of Doom on Thursday 31st July 12:26

[neil_bolton]

Ahem, if you didn't mind second hand, I have a certain something you may be interested in (the Meta)...

Email me if you're interested...

[snotrag]

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant_trance_fra...

One of those would be ideal, they ride superbly, 4 inch travel.

Or look out for a 2nd hand Stumpy FSR - quite commonly available.

[Chris71]

If it has to be full suss I'd be tempted to go second hand. If you're doing enthusiastic trail riding then £700 is still asking a bit much for a decent [new] full susser.

[mk1fan]

Merlin have the Commencal Meta 4 frame for £500 at the mo, large only iirc though. Normally, only £700 though. The Meta 4.2 came out on top of August's MBR £1500 short travel FS group test.

[littleandy0410]

http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s1p...

Save yourself the hassle - go for a full bike!

http://paulscycles.co.uk/

[SystemParanoia]

[Parrot of Doom]

littleandy0410 said:

http://paulscycles.co.uk/products.php?plid=m1b4s1p...

Save yourself the hassle - go for a full bike!

http://paulscycles.co.uk/

Nah, I'd be better off upgrading the frame I think. For one, I enjoy upgrading, and I'd have a better bike at the end of the day

The Giant frame looks good. I'm not sure about second hand, you can never tell how its been treated.

[936ADL]

What about an Orange 5?

Slightly over budget, but well worth the extra.

Here's mine!

[SystemParanoia]

do they make MTB's with single rear swing arms ?

[936ADL]

seems that way.....

[WildCards]

My Meta 4 has been superb and despite their being a few more bearing to replace than others, it's taken me an hour this afternoon to thange the small ones and I didn't have any special tools.

[SystemParanoia]

guess not

nice bike tho

Edited by SystemParanoia on Thursday 31st July 20:12

[Parrot of Doom]

oooo very nice. 0% finance at some places helps too. I really shouldn't

[atom111]

The Orange Five is excellent go on you know you want too

[Parrot of Doom]

Oh I want to..........

[mat205125]

On a safety note, I'd not like to ride a bike if it had a "big dent" in the frame. Dents take all the strength out of tubes.

[Chris71]

atom111 said:

The Orange Five is excellent go on you know you want too

I second that, but surely you won't get one for £700? Mines a few years old now, but it was virtually bottom of the range at £1,600.

[anniesdad]

SystemParanoia said:

Yeah, cool but the Stinky's a freeride bike, not what The Parrot is after I would suspect?

Maybe I could be tempted into selling you my medium Blur LT frame Tom?

[Parrot of Doom]

How much?