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Frame in good condition and put a modern build on it?
Considering hardtail options to migrate some bits onto.
Or are they outdated geometry now?
If they worked in 2010, presumably they still work now? Geometry feels spot on for what it's designed for. Only difficulty might be getting non-tapered forks, 26" rims and it won't take a decent dropper post. They're not light, but very tough and a great all rounder.
I already have some X-Fusion Vengeance that can be dropped to 160/150mm and a decent set of 26" wheels, with rear QR. That's why I'm considering it
150mm is quite long for that frame. I have U-turn Pikes 95-140mm, and drop them for long climbs. You might find at 150mm it wanders a bit on the climbs, but it'll be good on the downs! I guess the price is probably not much more than £120 (seems the going rate) to see how you like it. Not sure what other older steel bikes could take forks that long. Perhaps a BFe or Evil Sovereign? I don't think either is particularly better than the Alpine.
I had 140mm U-turn pikes on mine (thats currently for sale 😉 ) and always felt that it would be nicer with a bit more travel.
I can't imagine climbing being much worse, it doesn't wonder around too much at 140mm, and I never bothered dropping it down to 90mm for climbs.
god yeah, in a shot...they're bloody great frames...
DB State 120-160mm on their website
Or are they outdated geometry now?
they're not bang up to date with looong top tube. but they're hardly a 90s race machine.
I'd have one, i test rode one a few years back and liked it. my mate bought one, still has it but doesn't ride these days.
Long top tubes don't suit me, as I have long legs/short torso. Hence people saying Capra's are short, but mine fits me perfectly
Yeh, damn right. Well good frames. For general riding in the UK I'd go with about 120mm forks. If you're sticking long forks on it, you'll need strong wheels and dual ply tyres to really make the most of it. Mine was an absolute blast in the Alps with 150mm Marzocchis.
Short travel was best for UK stuff
Did the job as a stand in downhill bike though
Definitely, absolutely loved mine until some scrote took it. Was such a fun frame to ride.
David - I didn't know they did the Alpine in a 39er version. What's the seat-tube 40"? My Alpine is a shit load smaller than my car, and my car's much bigger than yours.
More seriously my Alpine is great... ran it with 130mm of travel and found it to be a pretty good all-rounder (unlike some other bikes I have owned such as my Charge Blender which point blank refused to climb), even though I am the best part of 6 ft and have a 16" frame. (It is currently in pieces having ceased to be my go to bike a year or so back and awaiting parts to become more of a fun bike.)
I wouldn't buy one but only because I already have one which I still enjoy riding. U-turn Lyriks ftw.
I was riding my Mk1 today and it's still a lot of fun.
Did I read somewhere that, with the move to the US, Mike is selling all his stock? Might be some bargains out there?
Well someone just bought mine 😉 great bikes, I hope I don't regret it too much. But the Surly instigator that's replaced it is great too.
I'm running 180mm 'zocchi 66's on mine... 😯
Did you get it then?
It's my main bike and has been for six years. Mostly I run u-turn lyriks but I have put 180mm Domains on for uplift and it's been great.


