NC

Hi. For that kind of money you can build up a top end steel hardtail. 120 mm travel is adequate and if you are really into comfort then add a Cane Creek Thudbuster seat post. https://canecreek.com/product/thudbuster-st-2/

Anyone got suggestions for baggies that don't creep down on the climbs?

Have you looked at a Rekon 2.6? It's in the same weight class.

Have had zip problems on a Leatt Water bag. Leatt do not offer any warranties on zips so I took it to the local tailor. New zip, problem solved.

I was able to fit Apex levers to SRAM MTB calipers. They worked great.

Fair comment

Agreed, you can actually buy the whole bike for the same money as the frames being quoted here.

You need to add the casing into the equation. Maybe the better option is buy in bulk and sell them at cost to your friends. R100 for a cable+casing seems to me to be excessive.

Do both together.

I also have an STF and checked the weights with Rapide. Both very similar.

I also have an STF and checked with Rapide. Both are very similar in weight.

Been riding a last gen Cotic Soul since it was released. It has a 72° sta, a 667 top tube, 35mm stem, a lay-back seat post, and the seat is still more to the back. It's the most intuitive bike I have ever ridden. Love it!