videojetman
Retrobike Rider
- Feedback
- View
i'd go for a pace for a more exclusive bike.
Aluminium framed bikes
- Thread starter richmog08
- Start date
- Feedback
- View
Anything with Easton Program Taperwall tubing is a good starting place. I always thought Spesh M2 frames were rather too stiff. Most people would agree that alu gives a stiffer ride but the more expensive the tubeset the more compliant the ride.
warpedboy2
Retrobike Rider
videojetman":z72u9z5k said:
+1 on the pace.
Alu is not inherently stiffer, however its poor fatigue characteristics means that frames are built stiff as any flex will cause them to crack.
Any frame with a longish seatpost will feel less rough to ride.
However, my fave bike is an Alu Kona Cindercone (1999) with P2 rigid forks and singlesspeed. It's an unloved frame and you can pick them up cheap.
Any frame with a longish seatpost will feel less rough to ride.
However, my fave bike is an Alu Kona Cindercone (1999) with P2 rigid forks and singlesspeed. It's an unloved frame and you can pick them up cheap.
You could always look for an early (90>93) Muddy Fox Alu, probably very reasonable to buy and very exclusive, I've only ever seen 1 in the flesh and it;s in my garage, had it from new and it still rides well, check for any sign of cracking at the steerer tube.
Matthew
Matthew
- Feedback
- View
X2 for a Orange. Elite, E2 or E3 are very nice, reasonably rare and not mega expensive. 
I did up a 1999 Stumpjumper M2 for somebody and I didn't like that at all, it felt completely dead and quite slow compared to my other bikes. But that was the first aluminium hardtail I had ridden at that stage, as I hadn't built up my Orange E4 yet. The E4 is a different kettle of fish altogether, very fast and lively, but with a great solidity and poise - very confidence-inspiring. I don't know why they should be so different, maybe it's that Easton Elite was the top aluminium tubeset, maybe the lighter spec suits me, maybe the geometry.
At least as far as the E4 is concerned, I don't understand the reputation for a harsh ride. I once rode 20 miles on the E4, got home and went to the shops on my daughter's Lava Dome and I was immediately struck by how the rear of the Lava Dome was bucking up and down, it was like getting out of a Jaguar and into a Ford Transit. The myth says it should be the other way round, but the E4 is as comfortable as you could wish.
I would agree that if you want an earlier aluminium bike, an Orange E3 must be a good bet. Not the same tubeset - despite the Elite and E2, E3 names, the E4 was the first Orange to use Easton tubes - but the E3 is reputed to be a very good, very light frame.
At least as far as the E4 is concerned, I don't understand the reputation for a harsh ride. I once rode 20 miles on the E4, got home and went to the shops on my daughter's Lava Dome and I was immediately struck by how the rear of the Lava Dome was bucking up and down, it was like getting out of a Jaguar and into a Ford Transit. The myth says it should be the other way round, but the E4 is as comfortable as you could wish.
I would agree that if you want an earlier aluminium bike, an Orange E3 must be a good bet. Not the same tubeset - despite the Elite and E2, E3 names, the E4 was the first Orange to use Easton tubes - but the E3 is reputed to be a very good, very light frame.
development_cycle
Gold Trader
- Feedback
- View
brocklanders023":1xn1iice said:X2 for a Orange.
That could be a misleading recommendation
Personally for me one that many have not mentioned is Marin. I had a 1994 Indian Fire Trail and I have to say it rode fantastically, served me for over 14 years and then sold on here to be refurbished by another member which has probably given it at least another 10 years of life from now. I'm not sure but I think there was a lower model that shared the same frame so could be worth looking into if you want a frame based build with your own choice of bits. Not expensive either second hand. As for cracks, never suffered at all, but maybe watch the later ones with the cnc rear end.
