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Currently riding a SS rigid old version Scandal Mk2 - which I like a lot, but tyre clearance and head angle are limiting.
What I'm looking for is a frame that has all following:
Simple to SS - either EBB or sliding drop outs
Rigid or front sus compatible
Clearance for at least 2.4" 29er tyres
Approx 68-69 degree head angle (think Scandal Mk2 is 72, so just want slacker than that)
Stack a bit higher than a 12 year old XC bike...
And preferable light as a scandal mk2 as well.
Not asking too much - In a perfect world it'd be a Ti Singular, but that's way out of my reach.
Not sure what fits the bill - Can't seem to find anything in the mainstream that might be easily available. 2nd hand or cheaper new is all the budget covers.
There must be something obvious I'm missing?
Any suggestions much appreciated!
Cheers
Trek Superfly ss frame, if you can find one secondhand?
Got a Zealous Division Mk2 here if that works for you? Takes interchangeable horizontal/QR/bolt thru dropouts.
Size Lrg Silver.
Currently a built bike but could split.
http://zealousbikeco.com/?page_id=678
Been pondering this one myself for a good while as a Scandal v2 rider (albeit geared).... closer i could get was Sonder Frontier but that's not SS so sorry 🤷 Be interesting to see other suggestions
Stanton sherpa
The old Santa Cruz highball Al is my rigid singlespeed. Dropouts are rock solid. Can’t recall the head angle. Clears a decent size rear tyre, not certain I’d be stuffing a full fat winter tyre in there but I confess I haven’t really pushed it.
Doesn't have the sliding dropouts but a Trek Roscoe/X-Caliber would fit the bill. Identical frames so you could run it with the 120mm fork and 29er wheels if you want. I just bought a Roscoe 6 frame for £100. Very pleased with myself 😁
Highballs only fit a 2.25 tyre. Two 2.3s have rubbed on mine 🙁
The Onza Payoff is designed to take an Ebb. Fits all the other requirements, you'd have to find one used though.
Kona Unit comes as a single speed, don't think it'll take a fork over 100mm though. Their may be other Kona frames with the adjustable dropouts though.
Surly Karate Monkey or Krampus would fit your needs
Niner Air 9 seems to fit your requirements. It’s also available in multiple materials to suit your budget.
Chameleon?
Sliding dropouts (with dedicated single speed vairiants available as well as the standard plus and 29er sets).
Slack ish 67 degree head angle.
Lots of tyre clearance (I can easily get a 29 x 2.6 in with the drop outs pushed back a little).
Not sure how the stack or weight compare but I don’t think it’s particularly heave or low. Price might be a bit high from new though.
I think you need to define your budget OP. 2nd hand or cheaper new? What is cheaper new? A cheap new hardtail frame is different for different people.
A Chameleon 2nd hand frame isn't what I would call cheap. You can buy a new Stanton or Cotic frame for the price they're advertised for on Pinkbike.
Thank all - some great suggestions in there that I wasn't aware of.
Gives me plenty to look out for second hand - Niner Air 9 would be perfect.
sillyoldman - will drop you a PM
Thanks all
One more suggestion - Genesis High Latitude. Fit a -2 degree angleset, 120mm fork and you get a 66/67 degree head angle, takes 2.4 tyres easy. Short stem, wide bars and dropper all help make it a capable trail bike. Some versions can be run SS. I bought one to try out a 29er but its a really fun bike so have kept it. Steel so weighs 2.5kg for frame but can be built light. Cheap at about £120 sh. Not super long and low but I like that for all round riding.
Current chameleon would definitely be on my list as well, good point.
Reeksy, interesting- is that in the al model? I’m sure I’ve had a 2.4 ardent in there, which isn’t small. Probably on quite a narrow rim compared to these days though.
There's still a few new Singular Puffin frames and forks available at Wheelsports. 399 euros frame 99 euros forks.
70 degree head, EBB. My brain is telling me the mk2 took 29+ so loads of clearance I think provided you stump for the 170/135 hubs. I think Novatec do some cheapish. 100mm EBB so fat cranks too. Usually some kicking around in the sale.
There's a Chameleon frame in the classifieds that I'm selling, ridden once though so price reflects that, as well as that they are impossible to find new.
Will take a look at geometry, suspect a little on the large side for me.
Cheers
What about a Stooge?
Stooge is on the list - but I'd want the option to also run a suspension fork in future. Which would mean only a MK1 or Mk2 stooge, both only have 1 1/8th headtubes which really limits fork options these days.
Would prefer to avoid replacing drop-out options - chameleon dropouts are £75quid!
Assume though that it's unlikely to ever find an EBB on a light weight frame?
The Chameleon dropouts are all adjustable so you don't need the 142mm SS specific dropouts, but depends on whether you have a dedicated single speed wheel or whether you just run your existing boost wheel with a SS convertor kit. You can then just tension the chain and have an empty mech hanger
That's good to know about the chameleon drop outs - would be perfect. Unfortunately can't stretch to the carbon frame on the classifieds, but will be keeping an eye out. cheers
Would take a while to be built but you could probably go Marino - I’m sure I’ve seen they do sliding dropouts on some of the frames they’ve built. You get to pick your geometry and tyre clearance that way.
Pick the Reynolds 725 tubing and it shouldn’t be too heavy I wouldn’t have thought (won’t be carbon or alloy light as steel thought). Probably cheaper than a lot of the other frames mentioned like the Chameleon.
You do need to be prepared to wait a while for it though - I’d say about 5 months realistically.
Look for a mk3 Stooge, that will take a tapered fork and can do front suspension too. You may be limited to a max 2.3 rear tyre if going 29 tho...
How tall are you?
I have a little used 2013 Whyte 929 frame in medium that would tick all the boxes... Approx 68deg HA, adjustable dropouts, BIG tyre clearances (2.3” fits in with tonnes of room spare).
mboy - have sent you a PM. Sounds interesting. Cheers