Modern hardtails?

I'm looking to get a modern steel disc only hardtail and I've realised I've not got much of a clue about most of the modern brands. As a result I'm confused about what to buy.

I'm not looking at spending a lot so aiming around the £150 mark which puts me into 2nd hand territory or a new On-One which I don't fancy to be a bit snobby and honest. I was watching a Charge Duster on Ebay which looked like a nice frame but I'm not even sure if it is. I know their saddles are good
and a lot of people have their single speed city bikes.

I know Cotic are good but they creep above my price range on Ebay, ditto Dialled. Felt frames seem quite common but are they any good, the price says no. I feel myself looking at the 853 Rock Lobsters but thats a bit of a cop out as I will be replacing a aluminium Rock Lobster with it but they seem good value for an 853.

Help!!

So what is decent?

Charge, Genesis, Saracen Kili..

All worth a look

Merlin were knocking out cheap Lobster frames a while ago, dunno if there are any left

But steel frames generally tend to be more expensive a they're only done in small batches and are now quite a niche market

Nothing wrong with OnOne & Ragley type frames, just not quite as high a quality finish as you'd get with more expensive stuff

But once it's covered in mud....

Andy B":z1qffu4b said:

Charge, Genesis, Saracen Kili..

All worth a look

Merlin were knocking out cheap Lobster frames a while ago, dunno if there are any left

But steel frames generally tend to be more expensive a they're only done in small batches and are now quite a niche market

Nothing wrong with OnOne & Ragley type frames, just not quite as high a quality finish as you'd get with more expensive stuff

But once it's covered in mud....

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I just spotted a Saracen Kili Flyer on Ebay that looks like good value. My worry with the On-Ones and the Charge frames is the weight they seem to be. Or is it just that outside 853 etc modern frames are just heavier to deal with taller forks etc. All the Lobsters have gone which is a shame as they were knocking them out for £170 for the last few.

I think I need to be realistic and up my budget to around the £200 mark. Being a shortarse means if I buy new there is a chance of a bargain as the small ones tend to be left over, but it also means there are fewer 2nd hand.

Modern frames are beefed up to take longer forks, but the newest frames have to pass tougher safety standards, which also puts the weight up

When I first bought a modern hardtail, I fell into the same trap as you.

I thought if I spent more and went for quality tubing, I would get a better bike. I bought a Charge Duster, nice Prestige frame... and hated it. Using a particular tubeset is no guarantee of good design, fit or geometry.

Sold it, bought an On-One. Never looked back. Ignore the inner snob, they're great bikes for the money. Don't assume cheaper=crapper!

Test rides are where its at though, go borrow some mates bikes.

I had one of the Prestige framed Charge Dusters for a while and really liked it.
Really nice feel to the frame, and nice and springy.
I couldn't comment on it's weight though, as it was covered in mid range kit

You should easily be able to get a s/h Dialled Prince Albert frame for that sort of money (Reynolds 853, 725 or 520 tubing), Genesis Altitude 853 too but finish isn't great on either in my experience, but hey my PA looks tatt deliberately & I love it

Taz, since you want a DeKerf but cant afford it On-Ones do have DeKerf like rear triangles, they also ride well and they're not heavy really, least ways not such that us mortals would be able to discern

Hmm what size you after? Top tube etc?

kaiser":2p8bfbre said:

Hmm what size you after? Top tube etc?

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Short in every direction. I'm about 30" inside leg so generally a 16" frame is good for me but I can't have too long a top tube as I have back problems.