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I’ve got a new pair of 26” wheels, so I’m having a look to see what suitable frames are available. A search on the forum brings up Cotic Soul, Dialled Prince Albert, Charge Duster, Pipedream Scion etc. The Duster is available for around £150, the Soul for £500, with the others somewhere in-between.
What would these be like in comparison to an early 90’s Saracen – would they a bit more laid back with less weight on my wrists/hands? I’m a beginner, so I’m looking for something ‘safe’ which will let me get down all sorts of Scottish trails without drama. Would any of these 26ers be a good choice, or are they better suited to other types of riding?
Duster is a great buy just now... Though the rear tyre clearance is a bit small, otherwise fab. PA and Soul also certainly bang on for what you describe, I don't know the Scion.
Thanks. I was thinking that the Duster would allow me to spend a bit more on a fork than if I bought the Soul - not sure if that's a wise use of money. It's really difficult deciding on a bike without having some experience.
On-one Inbred or 456 seems an obvious option, loads of tyre clearance and pretty versatile. Would get down lots of things. Very different ride to a 90's saracen, but similar weight probably! Great value though...
456c
They'll all be very different from riding a 1990s Saracen - the geometry is quite different, working the front forks quite hard in comparison.
The Soul is worth every penny.
The saddle on the Saracen is much higher than the bars, and the bars are over the front axle. The bike also has rigid forks and canti brakes.
I seem to be turning up lots of pics of the Soul which show miles of exposed seat post, so wondered if it would be a similar riding position.
there are bargains about. I picked up a mint 2012 orange ST4 for £300 not long ago.
The Soul has quite a sloping top tube, so seatpost protudes more. but geometry is good and saddle not much higher than bars...
Are you building the bike from scratch or swapping over your bits from the Saracen? When you "got new wheels" I could read it as you've just bought them for your existing bike.
The Duster is good value and will ride more like your Saracen, the others are more progressive and all a similar weight.
Soul has good stand over so not necessarily.
You looking new or SH?
I have one of these
http://thebikesmith.co/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=312&gclid=CPCFvYqdhr8CFQb3wgodhxEAvA
You can run singlespeed, hub geared, geared. Superb bike and a very tough paintjob too. Takes 120mm forks too.
What do you mean by more progressive when comparing the Soul etc to the Duster?
The wheels were on another bike but weren’t ideal for that application. They should be fine for a mountain bike – they’re Stans Podium MMX rims with XT hubs, and built by Harry Rowland.
I’d be looking at buying the frame, forks (maybe a discounted one from CRC) and a groupset (maybe Deore or SLX from Merlin) and pick up some finishing kit – I have saddle and pedals.
Perhaps it’s daft to start from a pair of wheels – unless these this sort of bike is worth it…
Soul and Prince Albert you already have, add BFe from Cotic - same geo as Soul a little sturdier and cheaper too.
Bike build have been been started from more ridiculous parts, that's for sure! Decent wheels so why not?
By progressive I mean more laid back- so relaxed angles which slow down steering but improve control at speed and in technical stuff. Which may take some getting used to after your current bike.
The Duster will feel more lively.
Okay, thanks. Maybe the Duster isn't right for me. I bought the Saracen new when all MTBs were like that, but I've never really been a mountain biker, so it's been in the attic for the past 15+ years. I've ridden it a couple of times recently, but can't say I enjoyed the experience other than on smoother trails. I found steeper and rougher downhills to be terrifying.
If you are interested I have got a medium black soul with forks, headset and seatpost for sale.
Looking for around £350 if you are interested, live in Nottinghamshire if you want a look. Email in profile.
Thanks. I'm 6' so might need a large, but I'll send you an email...
Hi Munchiechops - sorry, don't seem able to contact you. Are you able to send me an email or PM?