Carbon Hartail Mtb Frame

[Santa C]

Hey Hubbers,

 

This might open a can of worms for debates...but what's the lightest, best geometry and value for money carbon hardtail mtb frame out there?

[samson99]

the one you can afford.

[Santa C]

Thanks Samson99, will take that into consideratoin...

[_Daemon_]

Why carbon? Personally I would go for a alu frame and then use the money that's saved on better wheels, fork, groupset etc. and not worry about falling over against a rock with the plastic frame.

 

And then the best for what? Racing, trial riding, etc?

For example fro racing I would look at

http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=ON%20ONE%20SCANDAL%2029ER

 

or

 

GT zaskar, or Giant XTC

 

For trail riding I would look at something like

 

http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/freeride-hardtail/on-one/456/PRD_414075_1544crx.aspx

 

this is also super cool

http://www.transitionbikes.com/Bank.cfm

Then 26" wheels, 29er? etc.

 

 

[Marius]

The Giants are indeed the best value for money. Super Light Carbon flames at a fraction of the cost of more popular brands.

[zeepee]

I'm no expert on hardtails, but while I waited for my frame (soft tail) i had a loan bike from Trek. Was a carbon hardtail 9.9 and i must say i was blown away with that frame. Climbed like a demon and was rock solid on the descents.

Not sure what they go for but I was really impressed with it

[vanniri]

Best value for money can only go to Giant or Merida.

 

2 points:

 

If you gonna spent money (all carbon is expensive), buy something you really want (it might be a Giant or Merida).

 

Rather look at after sale service on carbon frames than bang for buck when buying. Carbon has been known to sometimes fail

 

[Santa C]

Thanks guys for your comments!!! I hace a Dual sus at the moment, and have different spares so want to put a light weight HT together for XC short course racing.

[Overlord]

I have a 21'' Alu frame that weighs in at 1260grams. 90% of Carbon frames in that size is heavier. Carbon is not always lighter. 

[Tieffels]

Agree with 1t and daemon, you pay a premium for carbon that is unnecessary and over rated. I'd be willing to bet that for a fixed budget a cheaper alu frame with better wheels etc will feel better that same price carbon bike with cheaper components. My Epic partner has carbon bike heavier than cheaper/same priced alu bikes...<?: prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />

[Rapunzel]

I bought an XTC2 (2nd hand bargain I couldn't miss out on) but frame was too big - swapped it with a raleigh RM7 frame 2 inches smaller and I'm sure the giant alu frame was lighter than the RM7 which has a carbon rear triangle. Not easy finding listings on frame weights :-(

[steven l]

check out the the tomac type x

strong fast and light

[Mr Haste]

A seriously quick hardtail: Merida flx 5000 or GT zaskar. Giant

[Santa C]

Thanks like the look of the merida flx 5000

[bak2basiks]

I personally would not buy a carbon frame, but i don't think its overrated....its "natural" stiffness is a big plus and (what I consider the best attribute) they smooth out the vibrations. Carbon hardtail frames ride very, very smooth.....