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Been searching through old threads for this, but still would appreciate any ideas.
So I want to build up 27.5" singlespeed. Do not want 29, as I'm 5'8" do not find it that 'playfull'/'fun'/'whatever you want to call it' (I'm still on 26" FS and happy with it).
Longish frame (for me), eTT ~600, reach ~430, but with short seattube (<18", this is usually an issue as mostly they come with longer). I'm thinking 120-130 of travel in front (not sure if I'm brave enough for rigid - maybe I would try it though, if such frame exists that can take both of these).
Bird Zero TR size S or even M looks good, but is expensive. The closest I've found, is this on CRC (Brand-X HT-01, size 17.5"): http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/si/en/brand-x-ht-01-27-5-hardtail-frame/rp-prod130452
Any other options that would come close? I'm open to any ideas, steel is fine.
Kona Explosif?
Looks ok, will check for frame only options (quick search shows only full bike is available).
Any other suggestions?
Pace RC127
Orange p7 or Crush fit the bill. Not SS specific though.
Thx, all good options size-wise, but not really on a budget. Will try to find a used one for one of these.
Not really bothered about being SS specific, I'm fine with tensioner.
New mk2 stantons have swappable dropouts I think... long switchback or a slackline?
The Surly Instigator, though billed as 26 plus, will take 650b wheels. The 17" frame has an ett and reach about where you want them, but the geometry is based around a 140mm fork.
[url= http://surlybikes.com/bikes/instigator_2point0 ]looky[/url]
Can be picked up as a frame only for about £450.
Swift?
(ignoring most of OPs original spec).
Not really bothered about being SS specific, I'm fine with tensioner.
Hmmm, tensioners are only ever a stopgap/bodge, at least in my experience. They tend to disintegrate at annoying times.
Depends how beefy you want to go, the TransAM 27.5 is pretty much that, large is 445 reach with 18" seat tube. Medium is 417 reach with a 16". Very clean single speed system too, easy tensioning but with a normal 12x142 rear that can be dropped out and re-fitted without messing up the tension.
Sunset will do you the Explosif frame only.
They quoted me 595 notes, which as a bit steep for me (Young family).
If I had 600 quid to spend, I might well have gone for it. Geometry looks excellent.
Transition Trans Am also a good shout, but a pretty tough frame.
Hmmm, tensioners are only ever a stopgap/bodge, at least in my experience. They tend to disintegrate at annoying times.
Now you got me thinking again 🙂
ST on TransAM in 18" is a tad too long, looks nice though.
Seems there is no budget option (other than that brand-x). Thx everyone for great ideas, will update when I decide which way to go.
An update.
I kind of gave up on budget option - just cannot find anything nearby. Although this one: http://www.on-one.co.uk/c/q/bikes/mountain-bikes/deedar looks ok, but not sure if it can get SS dropouts - waiting for answer from On-One.
Other than that, have explosif & transam on short list, both are about the same price (also instigator is about the same). There are other options in UK, but prefer dealing local due to potential warranty stuff etc.
Transition has 2 year warranty, whereas Kona has lifetime (of owner). No major differences in geo. I guess being CrMo repairs are quite possible, so warranty is not a deal breaker.
Anyone wants to chip-in with first-hand experiences?
Only that Transition stand behind their products, in the four years we have been selling them only had a few issues, and not one cracked trail frame.
I'm currently building a 275 full suspension singlespeed prototype. see [url= http://www.starlingcycles.com/the-future/ ]Starling Cyles[/url].
I hoping to offer some more prototypes to customers in the new year. If you can wait, this will be unbeatable. Custom geometry to suit your build and requirements.
Hmmm, tensioners are only ever a stopgap/bodge, at least in my experience. They tend to disintegrate at annoying times.
To counter that, I've never had one fail. but do usually use the jockey wheel type rather than the plastic roller ones.
@phut
How does it pedal? On ss, you standup a lot and mash. Wouldn't having pivot around bb bob quite a lot?
Modern shocks solve a lot of the problem, I had an RP23 on my first prototype, and unless riding purely downhill, I always had the ProPedal full on.
But it's only short travel, 90mm, so it behaves like a hardtail other than a little bit more grip and a bit of cush on big hits.
It was the most fun bike ever...