Grad present to myself - which Chromag?

In my search for frames I also came across some Euro options, namely the 2Souls Quarterhorse 29er, Production Privee Shan 26er and Stanton Slackline 26er - all sweet and about the same price as the Chromags or less after being imported. Choices, choices…

If you're not dead-set on a chromag and are partial to a bargain, why not just get a cheap used hardtail frame in good condition from the buy'n'sell and spend the extra cash on making it your own?

I did this in November with a Kona Steely and the bike is a ton of fun.

You can argue about wheel size all day but don't get distracted from your course! If you've been lusting after the Cromag then make it happen. There are a bunch of sweet steel hardtails around but they aren't the bike you've been dreaming of, the Cromag is! If you get something else you'll always wonder if it's as good.

P.S. I love my 26 inch Evil Sovereign. It's not the fastest bike by any means but for razzing around the trails it's toooo much fun!

You can argue about wheel size all day but don't get distracted from your course! If you've been lusting after the Cromag then make it happen. There are a bunch of sweet steel hardtails around but they aren't the bike you've been dreaming of, the Cromag is! If you get something else you'll always wonder if it's as good.

P.S. I love my 26 inch Evil Sovereign. It's not the fastest bike by any means but for razzing around the trails it's toooo much fun!

I've not heard the term 'razzing' for a while :lol: Reminds me of skidding competitions and building jumps out of pallets.

26 vs. 29 will always be a personal preference. They excel at different things and everyone has different priorities / things about biking that is fun to them.
I would get a Surface probably, or at least one of their models with a 31.6mm seat post so I could run any dropper. Hopefully new models will all be 31.6mm

The dj debate reminds me of this: You can hammer a nail into a wall for putting up a framed photograph with a 5pound hammer as well.

Surface or Samurai 65

Surface or Samurai 65

^ This.

If I had the budget back in 2007 I would have gone the Samurai route.

Go check out Airborne bikes web page for 29 er ht 2 models one has better parts build,it looks similar to the Ghost from M.E.C 26 dj wingman best prices for new bike ,you just may have to order ,they are new company from from U.S.
Nobody can touch there price on dh bike it looks like a Transition tr 450 ,and my personal favorite the Hobgoblin a 29 4 inch travel bike complete for 1700 $.

I see handjobs on pinkbike for $400.

I see handjobs on pinkbike for $400.

you can get them on craigslist for $50

you can get them on craigslist for $50

But what's the point if you can't get a good Stiffee?

Just spat coffee. :)

But seriously the coves are $400. Sure they're 27.2 seatpost, 1 1/8 steer tube and not exactly slack by modern standards but still looks like a sweet steel frame to replace an aluminum 26" hardtail.

cough

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1227510/

cough

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1227510/

Kona poster, must be owned by a kid.

Go for the Kamui. Not a tank, burly enough for a guy that's 6'1".

I've been watching the 26" v. 29" debate but I'm pretty sure 29" are still gay. At least, that's what NSMB told me ;)