Which frame for XC?

[medoramas]

What about Marin? Indian Fire Trail for example... I picked mine up here for almost nothing, loooooovely frame and very light.

 

[raymondluxuryyacht]

Orange evo? Or for something more retro and even lighter an E2 or E3?

 

[highlandsflyer]

So many cheap frames tinfoil hardtail frames around, Giant XTCs are decent and high spec ones can go for buttons, even as full bikes.

Personally I would opt for an XC orientated full suspension bike.

 

[gerryattrick]

Why not try something a bit different from the usual suspects and look for a British-made Merlin Malt frame. They always come very highly rated in bike magazine tests, beating many of the top-named bikes. You can pick up a used one very cheaply and afford to spec it up a bit.

 

[jujupunk]

Too many choices, I really like the orange E3 and the merlin... found a few on ebay that strike my fancy

Is 853 steel known for its lightness, if I was to pick one frame for trail riding and XC would you go for Alloy or Steel. I've been looking for a Saracen Kili 853 for a while now could this be made in to a light frame?

 

[oldave]

"...Saracen Kili 853 for a while now could this be made in to a light frame?"

The FRAME is quite light - how heavy the bike depends on what you hang on it! With mid to high bits mine with rigids is I'm sure slightly heavier than say a top end hard tail XTC! Or the lightest mtb I have ever had - a Fuji Mt Fuji SL.

But then my bikes are always heavier than equivalent (or even identical) models weighed by others....

Steel or alu IMO down to individual preferences (and indeed prejudices!). And of course use. And dare I say it, weight and style of rider.

 

[MisterGrizzly]

Find yourself a nice

pace frame...

Amazing to look at, amazing to ride

Was amazed it hadn't been mentioned yet!

 

[speedplay]

I quite like the older mongoose stuff...

 

[rocky ridge]

i have three zaskars and also have a marin rocky ridge easton elite its a 19" and weighs 1900 grames
it handling is great every bit as good as my zaskar race and lighter too
i would highly highly recomend an easton framed marin rocky ridge or indian fire trail

 

[coomber]

Why not try something a bit different from the usual suspects and look for a British-made Merlin Malt frame. They always come very highly rated in bike magazine tests, beating many of the top-named bikes. You can pick up a used one very cheaply and afford to spec it up a bit.

These are Taiwanese made and shipped in to Merlin on their spec as far as I know. Happy to be proved wrong though.

Nice frames nonetheless.