Due to some cack handed maintenance I might be in the market for a new trail bike or frame. Thinking 29er, 150mm travel-ish and extra large.
I quite like the look of the Santa Cruz Hightower that Stif have for around £3.5k but what else is out there? Bit out of the loop as my current bike is getting on a bit but I didn't feel the need to change it. BPW trip and no desire to spend more on it might force my hand though?
Already looked at Paul's but they have very limited XL stock. Also searched through Bike Tart.
If you are interested in uses I’ll be selling a carbon Vitus Escarpe XL (straight top tube newer geo) 29/Mullet 140mm frame, possibly coil forks and and wheels and bits. Cheers Chris
if you dont mind an older ex demo https://startfitness.co.uk/products/santa-cruz-hightower-c-s-29-full-suspension-mtb-2018-orange
It's alot less than Santa Cruz money, Bird still have some XL AM9 frames for a few hundred £.
Have you seen my brand new ripmo in the for sale section? I think would struggle to beat it for value
Please tell us about your catastrophic spannering.
I've a Large Bird AM9 frame in the garage I'd let go for postage and (a decent) contribution in a charity pot! Not XL but they run large for their sizing. PM (if that works in the new site) if it's of interest! (Or if it doesn't post, below!)
I’ve got an Orbea Rallon M-team XL that needs a new home. She’s a little tatty and ratty but DT Swiss wheels, fox kashima, SRAM XO and I’m looking to move it on CHEAP.
DM me if you want some more info
Please tell us about your catastrophic spannering.
Not that catastrophic but I think the frame had a bb thread defect when I got it which meant it never sat correctly. Set it up in a rush due to impending weekender and then ignored it for years. Pretty sure it wasn't crossed threads as the thread line was fine but always felt really tight. Tried recently to get it looked at but no one seems interested and my bone headed attempts have gone downhill. Tool costs a minimum of £80 and I might make it worse so have decided to cut my losses as I was planning to change it in the next few years anyway.
Thanks for the second hand offers but think I'll probably look new as I've had my money's worth out of this one.
I'll certainly check out the Bird frames so thanks for that.
In contrast to all the posters trying to sell your their old bikes, I'll just say that the Hightower is fantastic and would be well worth considering.
In contrast to all the posters trying to sell your their old bikes, I'll just say that the Hightower is fantastic and would be well worth considering.
Just get one of these.
Threads together and doesn’t need the BB threads. Unless you really just want a new frame in which case crack on.
Brink have the s build hightower in XL for £3.5k
https://brink.uk/products/santa-cruz-hightower-3-c-2024?variant=45979202650396
I've a project sitting there I've totally lost interest in. All done except routing the brake hoses, dropper hose and drivetrain cabling.
But its top build-The nukeproof XL 275 from the CRC sale,fox factory,pro5,T4V4 on vented,GX groupset. All parts are new
I started but cant find the energy to finish.
XL30 gives 30% off XL frames from Bird so you can get the AM9 for just over £300, you can get a decent 2nd hand shock for around £100.
Cheers all, plenty to look at, especially that bb fix which could save me a few quid. I reckon it's easily fixable if you have the correct tools but I'm running out of enthusiasm for repairing it.
Just get one of these.
Threads together and doesn’t need the BB threads. Unless you really just want a new frame in which case crack on.
Much appreciated mate. Now ordered as it's cheaper than a tool and gives me more chance to decide what I want next. Having just bought a new frame I probably should avoid any more bike purchases for a while!
