looking for HT frame suggestions

I'm building up a new HT here in the next few weeks and I already have all my parts here or on order. I'm planning on keeping it pretty light since I'll be using it for long rides/epics, etc and I just like lightweight hardtails. I'll also be using it (mostly) for trailriding, some w/ bigger drops and gaps, dirtjumping, maybe a little park riding. I want the seat-tube to be 13-15" and the top tube to be right around 22.5 w/ about a 16.5 chainstay.

I'd buy an Endless Lifetime, but I only have the equivelant of about 600 CDN to spend (retail) so my choices are limited. I'd prefer steel, but AL is ok in some cases. I like the 243 a bunch, but it is heavy, same goes for the morphine. I think Planet X's are terrible. Balfa won't do an EP with us.

Here is how it will be built up:
Z1 FR SL (5" air) w/ QR20 lowers (frankenfork)
26/26 Singletracks or D3.1s on King ISO hubs
2.5f/2.35r Highroller ST's
RF NS DH crankset 22/34 w/ sig BB
standard King headset
Diablo stem w/ Easton Carbon DH bar
6" Hayes Mag
Thomson post w/ WTB Speed V and Salsa clamp
XTR Derailleurs front and rear w/ XT shifters and 9.0 cassette
Ruffians

Help me out!

I HIGHLEY recomend looking into a On-One Gimp. Best HT frame I have ever ridden!!

i would say .243 frame buuuuuuuuuuuut ur looking for a light HT and the average .243 HT is prolly about 38-40 pounds sooooooooooo look at some norcos i guess maybe.

Originally posted by WBC
**I'm building up a new HT here in the next few weeks and I already have all my parts here or on order.

Here is how it will be built up:
Z1 FR SL (5" air) w/ QR20 lowers (frankenfork)
26/26 Singletracks or D3.1s on King ISO hubs
2.5f/2.35r Highroller ST's
RF NS DH crankset 22/34 w/ sig BB
standard King headset
Diablo stem w/ Easton Carbon DH bar
6" Hayes Mag
Thomson post w/ WTB Speed V and Salsa clamp
XTR Derailleurs front and rear w/ XT shifters and 9.0 cassette
Ruffians

Help me out! **

Coincindence… we're on pretty much the same program.

I've got all the same parts as you - a Z1FR SL, exact same RF cranks [HTML_REMOVED] BB as you, 6" Hayes, Eastern bar, plus a few other bits [HTML_REMOVED] pieces I've managed to pick up here [HTML_REMOVED] there for cheap… all sitting at home to build up a HT.

I just bought a frame on the weekend off NSMB buy and sell - a nice RM Flow, brand spanking new. Guy was selling it for $C280. I think they're probably aroud 750 retail, so I reckon it was a pretty good deal.

Can't wait to build her up.

Good luck with yours, whatever you get.

I would highly recommend a Cove Stiffee.
www.covebikeshop.com

SIZE - 15.5"
HEAD ANGLE - 70.0
SEAT ANGLE - 71
TOPTUBE LENGTH - 22.50"
CHAINSTAY LENGTH - 16.6"
HEADTUBE LENGTH - 4.50"

http://www.covebikeshop.com/article.php?itm=32

And I would also recommend 8" rotor on your brakes rather than 6".

Later,

thedude

I have a le-toy. Not greatest condition. But im flexible on price. Sweet frame.

-Nate

Team Scirocco invites you… a 17" seattube isn't too bad, I dont run my 19 with less than 1.5 inches seatpost extension anyways… and I'm 5'10".

give some thought to a Azonic EVOII…

im totaly happy with mine….

http://www.azonicusa.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=30[HTML_REMOVED]products_id=97

and of course heres a shot of mine built up…

mind u mines a 16.5" frame…

http://idriders.com/riders/ian/IFO_ht1.jpg

I would also reccomend a cove stiffee

Cut down on the bling factor (dual king) and get a minuteman.

evil:)

.243. Even the lightest HT for abuse is only 5.5lbs….YOU WILL NOT FEEL TWO POUNDS OF DEAD WEIGHT. Rotational weight is a different story(wheels, spokes, tires, tubes)

I would get a .243, the peace of mind is AWESOME. Price, and not to mention geometry and DURABILITY!!!!!!!!

I rode my Brodie Hardass frame, 18", hard for nearly 2 years. A year of that was with a 7" DC fork. I had the HT off everything in Whistler, and rode there 20 plus days both seasons. Not a crack, not a flex, I've been super impressed. Tire clearance for 2.7" rear tire, short chain stays, brick shit house head tube, 7000 series aluminum and well gusseted. There is nothing I didn't like about this HT. They're fairly light, but unfortunately same sorta price as .243, camleon, Minute Man and other more "exotic" HT frames.

PAT paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat, Check out the stiffee FR for sure. Best riding hardtail frame i ever did ride (3 years).