top end alu 29er hardtail frame

[Palaeodom]

What are the scotts called?

[JCA12]

Look for the scott scale 29er. Its their racing type frame. The 2013. And 2014 top alloy frame is the scale 940. Not sure of the weight of the frame. Don't go for the aspect frames. They are not as light as the scales.

[jcmeyerSS]

the niner is very racey

[cruiser]

Giant xtc 29er 0, power frame.

[arendoog]

Giant xtc 29er 0, power frame.

+1

[Palaeodom]

How much does the giant set you back?

[arendoog]

Don,t know .Whole bike is around R15000 with X9 Parts.I reckon close to R6000.for a brand new frame

[nickc]

Cannondale alu is the way to go. Their 29er geometry is dialed in and what many people don't realize they were the first mainstream bike manufacturer to start making alu bikes so have years of experiece with it.

 

Have owned both Giant and Cannondale alu MTBs and you cannot compare the ride quality.

 

Currently own a Cannondale Carbon 29er and have not been able to break it - they build them tough.

[arendoog]

Santacruz highball alu frame is also on my drooling list

[arendoog]

Santacruz highball alu frame is also on my drooling list

http://www.santacruzbicycles.com/en/highball-alloy

[Palaeodom]

Which is the cannondale hardtail frame? Is there anywhere in joburg I can have a look at them?

[Palaeodom]

Don,t know .Whole bike is around R15000 with X9 Parts.I reckon close to R6000.for a brand new frame

 

R6000 is pretty reasonable for a top quality frame. I'd be happy to base a build on that

[Palaeodom]

Reckon I'm leaning towards the niner air9.

 

http://www.bicycleplayground.com/product/niner-air-9-frame-2331.htm?variations=10451,10455

[Christie]

Carbon is stronger than Alu. Strength is the wrong reason to buy Alu.

Right reasons would be:

Alu is an excellent frame material, for less money.

It does not rust like steel, if you ride SabieX.

On a mtb, there are shocks and fat tyres that give ride comfort, lots of vertical flex is not needed from the frame.

You dont mind an extra 100 grams or so mass on the frame compared to carbon.

 

I would prefer a boutiqe brand more than mainstream brands like Giant, Trek or Cannondale, if it was me. Their alu bikes are sold as entry level machines, there are lots of them around. I ride an Ellsworth, too bad they dont make an alu hardtail.

 

Ti was the ligtest material before carbon technology took over. It offers very little advantage over moden hydroformed alu, though, on a mtb with a suspension fork and fat tyres. There are some very nice custom builders in Ti, and it has a "look here, titanium frame, cost a fortune" effect that carbon does not quite match imo.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Christie

[Raab]

Try and find a Yeti Big Top

[Kranky]

Niner or Tallboy get my vote. Ridden neither but this is the hub, since when does one need experience to be an expert

 

Carbon is stronger than Alu. Strength is the wrong reason to buy Alu.

 

Maybe when being ridden but I'm willing to back my alu frame over a carbon frame in a dropping on a rock or seat/ bike stand clamp pressure contest.

 

I'm not into aesthetics and a bit of a hazard so my alu is full of scratches and dents. Basically it suits my personality. I don't want to have to treat my bike like a vase every time I handle it. Plus, if I really wanted to be lighter, I'm sure I could save that weight by having one less beer or boerie over the weekend.

Edited December 20, 2013 by Nick.