help building a sl xc/trail

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    • #270955

      Ok guys, my beloved camber (120mm f/r) needs replacing. my goal is to build an awesome lightweight xc/trail bike. I need help finding a suitable frame, i have a brand new 2020 fox factory 34 sc that id like to use upfront, i also have a very new set of Duke racing 28/25.6 mm id carbon rims laced up on carbon ti hubs so a boost frame is a must. rear travel should be 120mm (my old bones need a little more cush than a 100 gives). so far i’ve found (1)INTENSE SNIPER TR,  Pros; 120 f/r, light,  meets most of my requirements. Cons: ht angle 66.5 seems really slack, no internal cable routing for remote lockout, reviews are mixed frame has a really soft and flexible rear triangle that some find annoying. (2) 2020 TREK TOP FUEL pros: its a trek! it has internal cable routing its got great geo, Cons: 115 rear travel (ok) weight frameset appears to be significantly heavier than the sniper or Orbea oiz. (3) 2020 ORBEA OIZ, (my favorite so far) pros; super light, stiff i’line cable routing meets all my requirements. Cons: ht angle is a little steep at 68, orbea does not sell a frame only so i have to buy a complete bike and sell all the takeoffs.

      Have i missed any light weight frames with modern geo? all comments and suggestions are appreciated.

       

    • #270958
    • #271014

      Sounds like you’re trying to put together a Down-Country Bike—short travel, light weight, progressive geo.  Check out BikeMag.com—The 10 Best Down-Country Bikes.  My three favorites are.

      2020 Trek Fuel EX

      2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy

      2019 Ibis Ripley

      I like these three because they all have progessive geometry without being too slack.   I think that a 67-66 degree head angle and a 75-76 seat angle as being just right for trail bikes even very short travel ones.  I wouldn’t buy any bike that didn’t have at least a 67 degre head angle and a 75 degree seat angle.  The other thing I like about these bikes is that they all have clearance for 29×2.6 tires.

      • #271229

        Let me add the Specialized Stumpjumper ST (Short Travel) to my list above.

    • #271041

      Also check out PinkBike.com—Video: 2020 Santa Cruz Tallboy VS Trek Fuel EX – Cage Match.

    • #271051

      What about the Fezzari that Matt reviewed. I think they sell frames.

    • #271080

      The Niner Jet 9 RDO should be on your short list.

       

      It’s an insanely capable bike that pedals uphill and comes back down with ease.

    • #271251

      You can order from here if you are doing DIY. They have Trek Fuel / Tall Bay as well.

      FULL SUSPENSION FRAMES

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