Sonder Frontier own...
 

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Sonder Frontier owners, to the forum

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Posts: 1862
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I’m about to get a Sonder Frontier and will be singlespeeding it to start. Anyone else do this, and will a non-boost crank with a 32t ring have enough clearance or do I need boost?


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 1:10 pm
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Soon to be Frontier owner, arrives in a week or so. S/S can get in the sea though, that’s for the commute bike! 🙂


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 1:28 pm
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To OP I'm possibly selling mine if you are after a large (I'm 5'10")?


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 1:51 pm
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Sorry clink, paid for mine this morning 🙂


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 2:13 pm
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No worries. You won’t regret it great all-rounders for the money.


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 2:38 pm
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I'm thinking of getting a Frontier for bike packing in 2022 and am confused by the Alpkit website. It says the bike is a 29ner (which I want) on the main web page for all the build variations, but if you click "buy now" the only wheel option is 27.5? Can anyone throw any light on this?


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 3:14 pm
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Details?


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 3:14 pm
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@miky2341 - Doesn't matter which Frontier build you choose (Shimano or SRAM, sus or rigid forks) as far as I can see, they all say "29ner Bike" but only seem to offer 27.5.


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 3:38 pm
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Give Alpkit/Sonder a call and ask about wheel size. They are very helpful.


 
Posted : 02/01/2022 7:38 pm
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@dove1 - Thanks, going to give them a call when the hols are over, but saw this thread and just wondered if anyone on STW knew the answer.


 
Posted : 03/01/2022 5:01 pm
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Pure guess work but I would imagine the 29/27.5 thing is just a stock issue, with more people wanting 29?


 
Posted : 03/01/2022 7:51 pm
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Oh and alpkit are very helpful, love my Camino and my brother had a transmitter. Both excellently put together, wouldn’t buy from them again (I like the look of the evol)


 
Posted : 03/01/2022 7:52 pm
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Pure guess work but I would imagine the 29/27.5 thing is just a stock issue, with more people wanting 29?

Agree with this. The Frontier is designed around 27.5+/29 wheels so it is probably just a stock issue.


 
Posted : 03/01/2022 7:58 pm
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@dove1 - Re Frontier 29ner availability, I had this reply to my enquiry to Alpkit .....

Thanks for getting in touch, 
We do still supply this as a 29er - just pop a note on the order or let us know once it's placed and i can swap the wheels over for you. Apologies for the confusion, looks to be some work needed on the website. I'll report this back.
All the best,


 
Posted : 07/01/2022 2:05 pm
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Oh and alpkit are very helpful, love my Camino and my brother had a transmitter. Both excellently put together, wouldn’t buy from them again (I like the look of the evol)

Wouldn't?


 
Posted : 07/01/2022 4:03 pm
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@gazzab1955 - They are very helpful at Sonder/Alpkit and will basically build whatever you want.
When I bought my Broken Road I think the only 'standard' items on it were the saddle, seat post and stem!


 
Posted : 07/01/2022 4:09 pm
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I have had a Frontier for one year - and it has proven to be one of the best purchases I have made during the pandemic while working from home.
I bought the rigid fork/frame option and built up with parts from an older bike - and with 29er wheels. Non-boost XT crankset - chainline is fine. XT 11 speed with 11 to 46 cassette.
The one thing I purchased for the build was a dropper post.
I originally built this to replace my commuter/shopper bike - but I am actually using it more than I originally intended for trail/singletrack riding. I have found it to be a really fun bike to ride, whether popping down to the shops or riding singletrack. It is way more capable on trails/singletrack than I had expected.
As it was originally intended for commuting I put SKS full mud guards on it. But as it turns out, the Frontier has become a great alternative to my main full suss bike when it is really wet (as I tend to stay away from my usual enduro/off-piste trails in these conditions to give them a rest). Also, because I am working from home now, it has been ideal for a quick spins during the day without getting clarty. I didn't expect the mudguards to last long with so much trail riding but so far so good.
I have recently put 60mm rise handlebars on - as I thought the front height was a bit low for my preference. This has given me a more comfortable riding position - but, to me, also feels better
when riding trails too.
So, that has been my experience so far.


 
Posted : 08/01/2022 5:09 pm
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My frame was delivered yesterday along with a pair of wheels from the Superstar sale. Probably going to take a bit of time to put together (some new parts some old) but looks good so far.
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Posted : 08/01/2022 5:18 pm
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Sorry @dove1, auto correct changed would to wouldn’t, not very helpful 😂

I’m a Sonder fan, really well designed bikes and good customer service. Their website sometimes has a “lag” button n being updated but they are great in the phone and happy to deal with any queries or questions.

Having tried several cx / adventure / gravel bikes the Camino is the first that’s actually delivered on what I expected. The transmitter is an awesome hardtail and I’d buy one if I was in the market. No reason to think the frontier won’t be anything but great.


 
Posted : 08/01/2022 9:22 pm
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I ran a non-boost Race Face crank on the one I had with a 1x11 rear and no problem.


 
Posted : 10/01/2022 9:42 am
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Thinking of going for a Frontier as my do it all hardtail to pair with my 100mm Sids. I don't ride anythng gnarly nowadays so looking for a xc-ish bike that can do the odd red run at Llandegla/Whinlatter and do my wdaily work commute. Any more experiences/reviews/pictures?


 
Posted : 29/04/2023 10:02 am
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It’s not bling, or particularly modern geo (better for that?) but it’s a very versatile all rounder. Still got one. Used for xc, bike packing and did a week touring in Brittany last summer. Currently rigid, but 100mm Rebas were spot on (couldn’t afford SIDS).


 
Posted : 29/04/2023 11:32 am
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I ran a Frontier with a 1x11 with a non-Boost chainset.

I’m ordering an Evol with 27.5 wheels because I already have some 29er wheels but need a set of 27.5 - they’ve sorted this for no additional cost.

Sonder/Alpkit are hugely accommodating, will do everything they can to get you they bike you want.


 
Posted : 29/04/2023 5:42 pm
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I bought a Frontier frame and built it up rigid using parts from my spares stash and a couple of new bargain buys.
It's a cracking bike. I used it mainly for commuting and the odd trail ride and had no problems at all.
Unfortunately I have knackered my shoulder so it's currently hanging in the garage getting dusty.

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Posted : 29/04/2023 7:16 pm

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