Hardtail frame that can handle 2.2 tyres and 42T chainring (medium)

[zoobear84]

Anyone have any suggestions for a frame that can do a 42T chainring and 2.2 tyres with 11 speed cassette?

I am looking to build a long distance rigid bike that can do bigger tyre clearance should I need it.

[guidodg]

all HT frames will accomodate a 2,2 easily...but a 42T is another matter entirely

you could use a 0mm offset chainring in a boost frame but you would need to experiment

[zoobear84]

9 minutes ago, guidodg said:

all HT frames will accomodate a 2,2 easily...but a 42T is another matter entirely

you could use a 0mm offset chainring in a boost frame but you would need to experiment

That may work, I worry about clearance though.

[guidodg]

you can also get an e-Thirteen 9-46 cassette and use a 38T in front which will open up your choices...for the same gearing

[Jimmy 2.0]

2.2 tires will be an easy fit. 2.35 will be iffy depending on the year model. If you're going for a drop bar build you might want to go down a frame size like I did as where your hands will be on the hoods on a drop bar is about an extra 10 to 15cm more forward than on a flat bar. 

Chainring wise the older frames  that ran 3by get good clearance but you won't get them in boost axel spacing. You can run a 0mm offset but your chainline might be too pushed out and cause chain to drop. 

[Jimmy 2.0]

My build. I normaly run a large frame but after taking measurements from my other bikes i had to go down to a med to frame and even a 50mm stem for the drop bar setup to be comfortable 

[DieselnDust]

You may want to go shopping for a Cannondale F-Si hardtail frame with Ai drivetrain offset. This is in effect a 55mm chainline on a 142mm hub spacing, This opens up possibilities of fitting different offset chainrings and tweaking chain line before the chainring really starts to limit your choices.

Newer 55m CL hardtails have the chainstay to BB junction widened for additional tyre clearance and its here where the chainring sizes start to be limited quite a lot. 

You can mitigate a poor chainline somewhat by running the chain length as long as is possible and sort out the chainslap with a foam rubber bumper on the stay, If you limit the cassette size to 45/46 then you also are not as constrained by the chainline the smaller your cassette bail out gear.

A 2x set up IMO is the best solution on an Ai frame because it has enough clearance due to the drivetrain clearance.