You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
I lost a lot of motivation for riding over the past 3 years through various reasons so decided I would buy an inexpensive hardtail frame to transfer all my parts onto to see if this would help me get excited to ride again. I trawled the used adverts on various sites, ended up watching a bunch of Hardtail party videos and one thing that jumped out was how much he loved the Ragley frames.
It turned out that the current (at the time) Big Al frame was sold out but a rumour was that the new one was going to have updated geometry so I decided to hold out to see what it was like. As soon as they were launched I decided to pull the trigger.
I have to say the frame is lovely, especially when you consider its £350! I have a few little bits to work out still, brakes need bedding in and potentially a bleed and the saddle height isn't quite right yet but otherwise I am really pleased with it. Very different from the Last Glen I had previously (For sale in the classifieds!)
ruddy lovely!
These have the geo of the mmmbop? Which is also a very capable HT.
Looks rad.
Silver bits look great. Very nice 👍
pushup
Full Member
These have the geo of the mmmbop? Which is also a very capable HT.Looks rad.
They've just updated the geometry across the whole range so I am not sure if that's still the case.
Nice one. Looks like the Marley 29 has effectively replaced the traditional big Al and this one is the older brother, but more of everything!
Yours looks really good - a nice build that. Be keen to see what it’s like in due course. The ragley bikes are always very good value for money. I know someone with the older big Al which is very nice. For some reason they get less attention than say the nukeproof scouts despite being on a par.
Very nice and good choice on the silver parts.
You've left your key in the door 😯
Very nice...but holy seatpost extension! That's a whopper. 😎
As an owner of a couple of year old BigWig, the new geometry is definitely making me have some naughty thoughts. Absolutely not required, but still . . . that is a nice looking bike
singlespeedstu
Full Member
Grass cut, no weeds in gravel, no moss on slabs and pointing doesn’t need any attention.
It’s a thumbs up from me.
Angle of the first pic is horrendous though
That's lovely. I was tempted recently by the discounted Big Wigs but the geometry wasn't quite what I was after - the new models though would've been much better. I ended up buying a lightly used BFe MAX frame instead for similar money though.
I was always tempted by a Big Al purely by the name...
Very nice…but holy seatpost extension! That’s a whopper. 😎
It's a problem us tall folks have 😎
What's changed on the geo?
I really like my Big Al. A few welds are less than pretty but it seems really well put together for the price (and is a lot of run to ride, which is the most important thing)
They're all a bit longer with shorter seat tubes. I bought an mmmbop in the sale a couple of months ago with the 'old' geometry and I must admit there is nothing wrong with it. Reach is just right for me and even the big long 500mm seat tube on the XL I have, it fits me really well.
That colour looks great!
What’s changed on the geo?
Quite alot I think, slacker HA, steeper SA, longer reach, shorter seat tube and slightly lower BB.
Its alot closer to my previous bike than the older version which is what I was looking for.
Really looking forward to getting out on it but currently recovering from a small injury so it might be a week or so.
That looks mint!
I think the stack had increased in the new one too. I've got the old model and have to use a lot of spacers under the stem and a riser bar to compensate for the lower stack.
Looking at the geo it looks like it will be great on the Dh too.
That's a really cool looking bike.
singlespeedstu
Full Member
Grass cut, no weeds in gravel, no moss on slabs and pointing doesn’t need any attention.
It’s a thumbs up from me.
Could trip the grass edge, bit untidy.
Bike looks great. What size front chainring?
Lovely to see a build. I've had the frame and reduced forks in my basket for a few days..... They look really interesting.
Looks like a beast!
Top marks for fork/frame colour coordination
Ive just built up a 140mm hardtail and Im surprised just how quick and fun it is, my full suss is getting neglected
What’s changed on the geo?
as others have said steeper seat tube, slacker, longer etc. also this big Al is designed around a longer fork - 140/160
That looks really great
Just had a thought - before it gets dirty adding some frame protection wouldn't the worst idea. The paint on mine seems pretty easily marked (and oddly hard to clean)
Is that an xl?
a11y
I was always tempted by a Big Al purely by the name…
You'd be an XL too, right? Opportunity missed, big time.
Looks great! Full enduro hardtail vibes!
mashr Full Member
Angle of the first pic is horrendous though
Odd thing is, the picture is parallel to the wheels, so no idea why the wall looks like such a different angle!
matt_outandabout
Full Member
Very nice…but holy seatpost extension! That’s a whopper. 😎
At 6ft4 there's no getting away from it, some of the excessively short ST's on newer frames accentuate it too, I think this is a 470mm ST, there are some XL's with 440mm, I just can't see the point!
sandwicheater Full Member
Could trip the grass edge, bit untidy.Bike looks great. What size front chainring?
If I remember rightly I think its a 30T oval from Superstar components.
kimbers
Full Member
Looks like a beast!Top marks for fork/frame colour coordination
Ive just built up a 140mm hardtail and Im surprised just how quick and fun it is, my full suss is getting neglected
Colour coordination was completely coincidence as those decals have been on my fork for a few years now.
mashr
Full Member
Just had a thought – before it gets dirty adding some frame protection wouldn’t the worst idea. The paint on mine seems pretty easily marked (and oddly hard to clean)
I have thought about adding some protection, but I am not fussed about damage and not patient enough to fit it.
stevie750
Full Member
Is that an xl?
Yes, at 6ft4 there aren't many other options.
I did see you had started the build on the FB page. I had the 2020 version and loved it, when I saw the release on Ragleys page it looked more of a Yeti Turq colour but the Blue is very very nice.
I take it the geo is 63.5 with a 140mm fork as I ran mine at 160. Love the fact they have kept the 435mm chainstay wheelie and manual tastic. My beer fund might have to take another hit 🙂
stevedoc
Free Member
I did see you had started the build on the FB page. I had the 2020 version and loved it, when I saw the release on Ragleys page it looked more of a Yeti Turq colour but the Blue is very very nice.
I take it the geo is 63.5 with a 140mm fork as I ran mine at 160. Love the fact they have kept the 435mm chainstay wheelie and manual tastic. My beer fund might have to take another hit 🙂
The blue is a lovely colour, in some lights it looks very similar to the yeti colour as that's what my fork decals are but in other lights it looks quite different.
Just checked the geo chart, the 63.5 is based on a 561mm A-C which would be a 150mm fork.
so 63 with a 160 and steeper seat tube. off to check my spares bin for a headset
£18 for a Zs44 zs56 sealed bearing headset from CRC, bargain!
So, the cheap superstar hubs have instigated a new bike.
Cheap (relative) pike ultimates bought...
This frame is up there as an option... Any more thoughts @Bigmantrials after a bit of time with it?
Buy one! The big Al is a brilliant bike for the money, very compliant and playful frame for Aluminium.
cpFull Member
So, the cheap superstar hubs have instigated a new bike.Cheap (relative) pike ultimates bought…
This frame is up there as an option… Any more thoughts @Bigmantrials after a bit of time with it?
I've only had my first ride today, I knackered my back just after building it, feels great from the ride out on local canals, hopefully in the next few weeks I can get it out on some proper trails.