I've got myself a hardtail, but after a few years away from full suss i'd like to get another. I ride in the peaks and enjoy the downs much more than the ups, but do them in equal amounts. Current bike has 140mm tapered forks which i'd like to keep, and i'd like to get a dropper at some point. So my requirements would look a little like this:
Tapered head tube
Suitable for forks between 140mm and 160mm
Dropper compatible
ISCG mounts for 1x10
Bolt through rear end
between 4" and 5" travel
Now I know there are loads of frames that'll fit the above, but im looking for recommendations and suggestions I might not have thought about. Current on the list are Saracen Ariel/Orange 5/Transition Covert/Nukeproof Mega.
buuuump
Well there is a huge amount of choice. I'm currently riding and thoroughly enjoying my Transition Covert, which in 2014 will be available in all three wheel sizes and carbon in 26" form. Its a great do-it-all fun bike that will flatter you. Alternatively a Cotic Rocket which part of me wishes i'd gone for and seems very similar to the Covert in concept. I think you're spoiled for choice and there doesn't seem to be a wrong choice - even between wheel sizes. Good luck.
Trek Remedy? Transition Bandit?
Yeti 575 was on my list.
Had an Orange Five 2010 and a Saracen Ariel 142 2013. Both with 140 forks.
I found the Five an awesome bike; confidence inspiring, forgiving when you go too far, planted and a hoot to ride. I had the RP23 tuned which made it feel very plush with the coil (150-120) forks I was using.
The Ariel is also single pivot but felt very different. I found myself in a much more upright position. It has a 68 degree head angle which made it feel a bit more snappy on the trail...I think. There was just something about that bike that made me want to pop it off everything in sight. I thought it would be better with a 160 fork that I could drop to 130 for climbs but sold it in the end. For me even the large 19" felt a little cramped, the frames come up small.
Really want a transition bandit and with the 650b only option for this year, I'm waiting for this year's sale of the older 26 frame.
They're also keeping the Bandit 29er next year, but that's no help if you want a 26er, but the Bandit doesn't fit the OP's requirements.
