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Hay,
I was wondering if anybody had any suggestions for a Slack AM 650B hardtail frame. Looking for something to fit a 150MM fork and a 15MM rear through axle.
Im looking to swap some of the gear out of my Zesty and onto something I can casually race on (and for the bike to still be fun).
Any suggestions or photos of what youve got is welcome.
Cheers.
Stanton switchback...but pretty sure it's a 12mm rear your after 🙂
Orange Crush? The latest one was set up to have the geometry of the 5.
Ragley Marley? I have my eyes on one but would prefer a steel frame (for the same price)
I'm very tempted by a Commencal Meta HT at the moment.
Cheap and cheerful little frame, geo looks low and slack enough with nice short chain stays.
Anyone had any experience?
> http://shop.birdmtb.com/
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+1
Agreed, the guys behind Bird are really genuine and professional.
They are riders themselves and when I organised a demo ride at Swinley they couldn't be more helpful.
I'm very tempted by a Commencal Meta HT at the moment.Cheap and cheerful little frame, geo looks low and slack enough with nice short chain stays.
Anyone had any experience?
Also interested in this, there is also a steel version of the frame.
Dartmoor Hornet also looks like the business for very good money.
I'm also interested in the Meta HT to replace my ageing GT Aggressor, it would be a great bike for the Pentlands Hills
Dartmoor Hornet!
Here's me with mine about 10 mins before I crashed and dislocated my shoulder!
Most fun bike I have ever had, makes me attack like never before, shame it doesn't make wet rock non-slippy!
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In true "recommend your own ride" style: [url= http://www.chromagbikes.com/frames/samurai65 ]Chromag Samurai65[/url]
🙂
Dartmoor Hornet 2014....now has a 12mm thru-axle, tapered head tube and RRP is less than £200.
Although in the spirit of recommending what you own....i'd go for an On-One-45650b, standard QR rear though i'm afraid.
Dartmoor Hornet 2014 certainly looks like a lot of frame for the money, Is there any way of running standard 10x135 in the rear?
Be interesting to know how harsh they are at the back being ally.
The older model takes a standard QR rear but i dont think 650b compatibility came in until this years model.
I run mine 12mm as have ss switch wheels so just had to get adapters.
I prefer the hornet to the previous steel frame, but that was a jump specific frame so probably why. I prefer the Hornet now to my fs bike, its just nippy and responsive, not too much feedback from the back end but enough to know whats going on.
I run it with 26" wheels and 140mm fork as thats what I had to transfer over, one of my riding buddies got the same frame but new pikes, so be interesting to compare.
Frame is very nice, geo is slack and low. I love it.
Any pics sazter?
Is that the 2014 frame?
Don't judge! Need to get a black gear cable as the one on it is orange (It was in my toolbox) and too short. Since this pic I have upgraded the gears to zee and a ringmaster and it currently has the reverb off my fs as that is awaiting repair. 🙂
Yes 2014 frame
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Photo below is the original build, bars were too narrow, seat was wrong colour... 😉
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Size small?
Yes small (well med as they make med and lrg) scandal42, but I am a 5' 6" Female, so I ride a 16 inch frame anyway! 😀 My mate Johnny got the large version, if he ever builds it up we can compare!!
I have the 26" META HT and I dig it.
The colours are bright beyond belief. That could be good or bad depending on your outlook.
Does anybody know if the large Hornet (18) is long enough to be used by someone that's 6 foot 3? I don't mind putting a long seatpost in it, but I don't want to be smacking my knees?
Giant: [url= http://dartmoor-bikes.com/sites/default/files/geometry-spec/geo_dartmoor_MTB_2014_new_14.pdf ]Dartmoor Geo sheet[/url] according to this the TT is 596
Cheers. Might go measure how far away my knees are 😀
lol, I thought you might measure your existing bike... measure your knees if it helps! 😉
Switchback has 12x142, takes a long fork, looks brilliant, and has a longet TT than the Slackline
http://www.stantonbikes.com/content/switchback-50-deposit-secure-your-frame
Right, I'm about to push the go button on a large one of these:
http://www.commencal-store.co.uk/PBSCProduct.asp?ItmID=12501887
Before I do is there anything worth considering at a similar price? I think the 19in sized Dartmoor is going to look like a farm gate in comparison without the seat tower so that's out.
Any thoughts?
James, did you get one of tho commencal frames? I'm in the same boat, looking for a replacement frame for my Mmmbop and considering the Bird, Orange Crush, Saracen Zen etc but the Meta looks good value, ( if a bit loud colour wise )....
mmm that Chromag looks tasty.
Relevant group test in the new MBUK
That is a good looking bike.
Wonder if the older Shan frames will take 650B wheels with a different hanger.
Andy, yes I did go for the Commencal in the end, so far I've been seriously impressed with it especial considering the price of thing!
I built it up using some leftovers from my old hardtail (LEV, 1x10, Burgtec bars etc), a bargain set of Revs and splashed out on some LB carbon AM/Pro 2 evos wheels - all in it sits at 27lbs
The frame is stupidly bright in the fluro matte yellow so tied to go for all black kit. Cable routing is really tidy for external with it all tucked nicely away in the concave section under the top tube.
Ride-wise it's great, probably the most capable, confidence inspiring hardtail I've ridden. You do have to muscle it around a bit to get the most out of it but it's quick.
Low bb, long front end and a slack HA the thing hauls on the downs and the light wheels help on the ups though it's never going to be an xc race machine. Running 2.35 Hans Dampfs it grips like the proverbial to a blanket and is super predicable with it (strangely I've never been impressed by HDs on my Enduro) I'll probably swap them out for something smaller and faster rolling after the winter.
As inaccurate as Strava can be, it says the Meta is quicker (up and down) than my old 456c and surprisingly quicker than my Enduro on some downs too.
Overall, yes - I'd thoroughly recommend one if you can live with the colour, if you're ever over towards Malvern/Forest of Dean you're welcome to throw let over it.
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I LIKE!
That Shan and Commencal do look nice!
James
How does it climb in comparison to the 456C? Also is it noticeably less comfy on longer rides?
It's a frame I was interested in and coincidentally the 456c is what I ride now (and love)
In all honesty I don't really find it any better or worse in terms of climbing, GPS says it's quicker... but I tend to slog to the top, not a natural climber!
I'm about 6ft tall, the 456c was an 18, the Meta large comes out at about a 19 - for me its more comfortable than the 456c for longer rides. Lower bb means the saddle doesn't feel as stupidly high in comparison to where the bars are I guess...
It was the meta or Shan choice for me as well. Went for the Shan ( mostly, it has to be said for the gulf colour scheme)
Haven't been disappointed, its probably the most inspiring and confident HT frames I've ever ridden. Fit them with some fast fat tyres and they just fly, and while its never going to be a ground covering XC bike, its very very comfy for all day rides. I think Productuon Privee have got another 650 frame on the way as well as the Shan (if their tease shots on their FB are anything to go by)
Mines got lyriks, moving bits are XTR, stopping bits are hope, going round bits are conti X- Trail on mavic 819 weighs 29lbs. It's a frame with some heaft