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Big Al here, but Marley and Mmmbop also available.
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/ragley-big-al-hardtail-frame-aqua-white-2023
And Trig for just over £300
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/ragley-trig-hardtail-frame-white-glitter-2023
Almost tempted to try a Marley at those prices!
Someone buy all the medium frames quickly please.
I'd still need brakes, rear wheel, cassette and shifter, headset, bars and grips. That'll soon add up and not seem quite the bargain.
Ah fgs, been tempted by the Marley 290 at £270 for the last week, especially as I had some CRC vouchers for my birthday last weekend. Used them up this avo on some other bits on offer instead, without realising those frames had dropped further to crazy ridiculous prices! 😩
Someone buy all the medium frames quickly please.
Can’t help with that, but I have removed one large Marley 290 frame…
Great PSA @lucashmucas
I looked at a Marley frame in June when they were released , im now thinking bothball the full sus over winter and just grab one and build up for the winter slop season
I looked at a Marley frame in June when they were released , im now thinking bothball the full sus over winter and just grab one and build up for the winter slop season
That’s exactly my thoughts. Even though this winter isn’t going to be much wetter than summer has been. 🤣
Big al here. I spotted the price drop yesterday and it became a no brainer
Cheap headset too
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/nukeproof-neutron-zs44-zs56-headset
And BB
https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/p/shimano-bb52-68-73mm-bottom-bracket
Hmm. I've a 6 year old BigWig that I'm running SS. Great bike, but could be lighter, and it's pretty tatty now ... how does the Big Al feel to ride?
@hardtailonly I can't comment on the new Big Al as I have the previous model which is basically the new Marley, although that can take a longer dropper I believe. What I can tell you is that it's a brilliant frame. It's lots and lots of fun and almost as compliant as a Bird Forge (made from 853 steel). There is only a tiny difference between the two of them and I think I may just prefer the Big Al because the head angle is slightly steeper so feels a little more direct and involving most of the time. I think the angles on the Marley would be closer to your Big Wig than the Big Al.
If you haven't already seen it I strongly recommend watching hardtail party's review of the Big Al on YouTube.
I've been considering swapping my bigwig out for a Marley before when it was £270, but resisted.
I couldn't resist for £170+postage though. Should be around 1.5lbs lighter.
I am slightly concerned that this is a sign that Marley are in trouble though?
There's big discounts on everything at the moment on CRC/wiggle. I think they've likely overstocked and struggling to shift it as people aren't spending money like they used to. I also wonder if wiggle/crc is also struggling to shift stock as a lot of people have been put off by their new website and moved elsewhere.
Does anyone know if there's a way to fit the headset if I don't have a headset press?
Does anyone know if there’s a way to fit the headset if I don’t have a headset press?
A block of wood and a hammer, gently tap in making sure it's straight
I used to use a vice to press cups in, that was external cups though never tried it with internal/ZS types.
The temptation is building. The headset linked above might seal it.
Might just be a drawn out build, but I've a set of Pike Ultimates sitting there and they'd go nicely on a Big Al...
This thread is bothering me.
Bothering my wallet I mean.
Three times today ive clicked out with a full basket and walked away from the browser . My 2021 big al was brilliant ... i need a pc free weekend and hope they sell out .
Three times today ive clicked out with a full basket and walked away from the browser . My 2021 big al was brilliant … i need a pc free weekend and hope they sell out
Why fight it?
It’s a really good deal.
Im not a fan of the Marley colours the al in blue would be ace but with i ran my old al with 160mm forks so 64 o headangle . The new Al would be 62 0 and thats way to headtube snappingly slack
Rated for 140-160 so I'd imagine it'll be fine. My Pikes are currently 160mm, I do have a 150mm airshaft kicking about.
That's kind of put a kybosh om me selling my barely used Ragley Trig frame ! .. I want more than that second hand with only 100 miles on it ! .. great value though
how does the Big Al feel to ride
I built one up a few weeks ago and I'm enjoying it. I'm only running it with 130mm Bomber Z2's so it's a bit steeper and the bottom bracket feels a bit too low using some spare 175mm cranks. It's still slack enough to be confidence inspiring on steep stuff and seems to climb better than expected on techy stuff. There's no noticeable flex at all and my bum was feeling it after 10 miles on a canal tow path. My other current mtb is a Bird Aether 9 in ML and this in large is noticeably longer in wheel base.
Does anyone know if there’s a way to fit the headset if I don’t have a headset press?
Few swift whacks with a wooden mallet, that's how I fitted mine 🙂 works fine.
I don’t have a 29” hardtail.
Technically I don’t ‘need’ one
I wonder if I’ll be able to get this one past the committee seeing as I don’t actually physically have room for any more bikes
Hmmmmmmmmm…
@binners, can you get one that’s the same colour as one of your other ones?
Any Trig owners? Thoughts?
Not just the frames - 40-50% off full bikes too: https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/b/ragley?categoryNames=Bikes&sortBy=priceAsc
Trying to talk myself out of buying a couple of Marleys reduced from £1400 to £700 to stash away for my kid's next bikes. Small size range 160-170cm and they're currently 153cm and 148cm and growing fast...
That's like BOGOF really.
I do have a 29” hardtail. And technically I don’t ‘need’ another. But I’ve ordered a Big Al anyway.
When did crc bring in 20 quid postage for bulky items?
I think it was when they launched the new website. Still very cheap overall though for the ragley frames
That’s kind of put a kybosh om me selling my barely used Ragley Trig frame ! .. I want more than that second hand with only 100 miles on it ! .. great value though
Thanking the stars I managed to sell my full bike as I was about to split it due to low offers!
Any Trig owners? Thoughts?
They are really good fun and very well built/finished. Seemed quite low at the front but that could just have been me not getting on with drops, hence the sale. Much more down the MTB route than a roadie. There's a decent thread on here about them if you search.
Can the Trig take a double chainset and front mech? It's not clear on the Ragley site but I'm suspecting now (I have emailed Ragley).
Nice PSA, thanks. Slipped and bought a Marley.
Can the Trig take a double chainset and front mech? It’s not clear on the Ragley site but I’m suspecting now (I have emailed Ragley).
Can't remember tbh but it has routing for a dropper so I'm sure you could make it work?
Just a word of caution when upgrading frames, I've just noticed the large Marley has a head tube 30mm longer than the large bigwig. A bit hit and miss whether my steerer will be long enough (I haven't cut it), so will have to wait and see...
Years since I posted on here but I bought myself a Big Al frame with a heavily reduced Revelation fork so really keen to see how folks build these up and what they think of them. The Hardtail Party review was enough to convince me it was time to see what modern geo is all about. Will be transferring bits from my 2016 salsa El mariachi.
I built a Piglet during the corona times after my Explosif got stolen and it's probably the best bike I've ever had. I've currently got two different frames in my basket that I can't quite justify, but they're so cheap I also can't not.
The idea of building a steel 29er appeals greatly. Like my Scandal, but more Pigletty?
large Marley has a head tube 30mm longer than the large bigwig. A bit hit and miss whether my steerer will be long enough (I haven’t cut it), so will have to wait and see…
The Marley is internal headset cups whereas the big wig is external. The real world difference will be 10mm at most, probably less.
The Marley is internal headset cups whereas the big wig is external. The real world difference will be 10mm at most, probably less.
Thanks, yeah I checked the cups and the lower one on the bigwig is external so should have about about 10-15mm to play with. Should be fine, but thought I'd make others aware in case they have short steerers!
There's some serious discounts in the HT market!
CRC Ragley Vs Whyte 8/900 series.
Any thoughts on the viability of building up a small Marley 275 or Mmbop with 26" wheels for an 11 year old? I think the reach of 420 seems ok, just worried the BB will be a bit low.
170 quid seems a bargain for a decent frame, I don't want to invest in a tired old full suss at this age.
I bought the Big Al at full RRP in the summer. Running it with 150 36s and its an utter joy. Light, playful and very happy on the steep stuff.
@submarined - depends on what crank length you'd be using?
I think that with 150mm cranks it would be ok?
@submarined, sounds like you're where I am. Currently hovering over the buy button on Marley 275 full builds at £700 for my kids. Eldest (almost 11, 154cm) won't be tall enough for even a small Ragley for ~6 months and even longer for my youngest, but I'm still tempted to buy now and stash away. Unsure how much longer deals like these are going to be around if the bike market returns to any sort of normality.
I see reach as 415mm on the small Marley 275 full-build - I suspect they're 2022 frames rather than 2023 frame-onlys, unless CRC/Wiggle have they're desciptors wrong (although they seem to match Ragley's own website). That compares to 396mm reach on the Vitus Mucleus 26s mine have been riding since they were 140cm tall, so sounds ideal sizing.
I expected I'd buy used FS frames to build up as their next bikes, but a new decent hardtail is very appealing. If full suss then Winstanleys have small Marin Rift Zone 29s reduced to £1200. It's a bit jump in price compared to a well-specced Ragley HT though.
@tuboflard - not cinch compatible, and sorry I should have specified, 12 speed.
Wow. Those complete bikes are a steal - they were great value at full price.
The Vitus Sentier hardtails are particularly good value too, if you don't mind the outdated (short) geometry.
Dunno if they'd work well for taller kids?
Hmmm, I have a set of 27.5 Lyriks sat in the shed doing nothing.
Wonder if an Mmmbop would handle 180mm forks....
Well I couldnt put myself off any longer .. logged out at check out 4 times yesterday and twice this morning . It made sense to buy and run a Big Al over the winter slop and save a load of messing . If it rides as awell as the 2020 im happy
Well I couldnt put myself off any longer .. logged out at check out 4 times yesterday and twice this morning . It made sense to buy and run a Big Al over the winter slop and save a load of messing . If it rides as awell as the 2020 im happy
Good man, you know it makes sense.
Really tempted with the Marley 29'er.
I already have most things to build it up - just missing some forks and tyres........
Anyone at 5'11 run a medium mmmbop? I've long legs and usually run a large on my bikes, but the medium looks so much better with the seat stays in line with the top tube
That was inevitable: I caved.
Two half-price Marley 275 full bikes ordered - BOGOF! Won't be needed for 6 months or so until mini-a11ys are a bit taller, but good to have them lined up. Cranks will be swapped for something shorter, brakes will be switched for something non-SRAM, but other than that the spec is ideal.
Thanks for the PSA @lucasshmucas
Any Trig owners? Thoughts?
I bought a Trig of Oli on here a couple of months ago and have been blown away by it. On the flats of Cambridge it's faster than the mtb but brings things alive as the terrain is not exactly challenging. Took it to the Lakes and had an amazing time on trails including gravel stuff and the Red route at Grizedale and back roads. The geometry is brilliant. It's remarkably comfortable and whilst it's slower going down the more techy stuff it's still fun as you later guide it down the best line. Also did the original 100km gravel ride here (Tour of the Cornfields) and it was comfortable and behaved impecably. I thought it would be good but it's exceeded my expectations.
Got a trig on last PSA, ace bike! I found the drops uncomfortable and no fun so stuck some proper bars on it and then mounted some old style cowhorns inboard if I wanted aero and a change of position, works well.
Blue Pig incoming... I should know better than to look at PSA threads!
Thanks OP!
@a11y I think we're on the same place! 10.5 year old here, with an mx24 that's starting to look pretty minute.
Marley 275 would seem a great fit for next bike, especially if fitted with 26 stuff. Got most of the bits I need here.
Can't bring myself to spend full suss money on his next option, especially when he's not into super tech and will grow out of it pretty fast
@Kramer good point about the cranks! Ta. Just need to find an option that isn't crazy money and would be 11sp compatible.
First world simplicity
Orders frame pays postage on frame
Orders Headset.. chuck it in the same box as frame ? No CRC pays postage to Evri wonders why companies make a loss . Now contemplates a set of 650b+ wheels for the Al maybe a set of Spengal wheels and it was looking like a cheap build at first.
Hmmm, Marley 29 or Big Al?
What's the pros & cons of each?
Guessing Marley is more of a trail bike & the Al an Enduro sled?
Already have an Enduro Full Suss, so would suspect that the Marley might be better?
Anyone run the Marley 29 with 150mm forks?
My old al is the same as this years marley and I ran mine with 160mm forks . It was brilliant I only swapped it out for a Tallboy frame to easy the ass poundage, but to be fair I have missed the easy of a hardtail just wipe it down and lock it away, no messing with cleaning linakages or shock servicing every 6 weeks in the winder slop .
White Big Al frame ordered, to replace a er, red Big Al frame. The new one, with its slacker head angle and generally more enduro geo is going to run a 160mm fork rather than the 140mm on the old one. I've enjoyed riding the old one, hopefully I won't regret changing!
My Big Al arrived this morning. Built it up this afternoon with parts from a P7. Just waiting for a longer dropper to arrive. Why do I keep opening this thread every time I see it. Are they sold out yet?
Mines out for delivery today 🙂 and just in time for slop season. @ tomtomthepiperson that looks fun .
The yellow Marley frame looks ace, bought to replace my big wig. Looking forward to building it up (with 160mm forks 😜)
Beginning to wish I'd gone for blue now I've seen tomtom's photo, it looks good 👍
Beginning to wish I’d gone for blue now I’ve seen tomtom’s photo, it looks good
It's lovely in the flesh! This pic doesn't really do it justice
Why do I keep opening this thread every time I see it. Are they sold out yet?
not yet
Can i suggest that you also don't look here, as they would go together nicely
https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/psa-dt-xm1700-wheels-crc/
Sorry for the slight hijack on this thread but came across it as I keep getting drawn to the Ragley Mmmbop on wiggle as I’m looking to replace my 2016 crush frame and £170 for the Ragley seems too good to pass up!!
built up a Marley last month for my gf and she loves it and while I love the Orange bikes (had a 5 and have a crush and alpine evo) and would love a 2023 crush frame I just don’t seen how it’s going to be 3-4x better than the Ragley (based on cost)
any thoughts/suggestions before I hit the buy button in the Ragley?!
any thoughts/suggestions before I hit the buy button in the Ragley?!
Why haven't you bought it already?!
I decided to save money in the future and bought a Marley for my son's next bike. I spent ages trying to decide on small (420mm reach) or medium (440mm) but went for the medium. He's 12 and 148cm, currently rides a small Vitus Nucleas with a reach of 380mm. His full suspension is a medium Orange Four with a reach of 438mm which he is comfortable on, rode the Swiss Jura over 5 days and it fits him well. According to the sizing chart the medium will suit riders from 170-180cm. We'll build it for him next year I reckon and it should see him through until he finishes school.
The Marley looks identical to the older (2021?) Big Al which my wife has, tubing shapes, dropouts, brake casting etc, nice looking frames and even at full RRP they're a bargain.
I keep looking but have with held so far.
Mainly fancy a frame to build up N+1 winter bike but, it has to accommodate my spare 27.5" 40mm wide rims with 2.8" tyres as I really don't want to buy yet another set of wheels.
Does anybody know if the 29" frames pretty much all accept plus wheels?