What is the best hardtail frame out there?

davebee

I am looking for a new hardtail frame for when funds allow.
I have been considering:
Specialised S-works
Kona Kula Primo
Klein Attitude


What are peoples thoughts?

or should I save up and buy a full susser? (I have never ridden full sus)

jaz

Also consider the hardtail I bought if your spending that sort of money, I have the Salsa Bandito full Scandium hardtail, allthough its been replaced by a new frame for this year, but as I see your from the UK like me I havent seen anywhere that sells the new version anyway (I bought from Wiggle & wholely recommend them).
I looked at the S-Works & nearly bought that but the Salsa was less "harsh" feeling to me through the rear triangle without losing all the nice stiffness of alu & I'm glad I went for it (doesnt look quite as sexy as the S-Works though, allthough the Salsa is a work of art in its own right), I also looked at the Yeti Arc but that was the slightly more expensive than the Salsa & was only part Scandium so I decided against it.
I think my Salsa was a few hundred grams lighter than the S-Works & Yeti as well, I did like the black anodised frame on the S-works though but I'm more than happy with my Salsa as allthough it was a lot of money for a frame I really do feel it was worth it as my riding has improved no end.
My previous frame was a Easton Elite tubed Coyote & whilst it was nice the stiffness of the Alu was a bit tiring after a while & I dont seem to get that feeling with the Scandium but I also specced it with carbon bars & post so maybe that helps a bit.
I just realised that the Kona is Scandium as well, I did look at that but never tried it out just for the fact I thought I'd rather have the Salsa (just for the more exclusive name if I'm honest).

cem24

hmm..he's right...the salsa scandium is good,but i think not probably the best...try to take a look at the stumpy(specialized stumpjumpers...) theyre good too..and theyre a lot more cheaper than ARC and Bandito...but if you have the cash...go get them...but if you dont have..try the new stumpjumper...the m5 alloy is good like the S-works...a lot of folks here in the philippines own stumpies...its a good xc bike....try it and im sure...youlle like it....

nlightn

Cannondale Optimo...super light, super strong, lifetime warranty...not if your just tooling around though...not a beginners frameset..I have the furio and it kicks tail too, hovers over the trail sweetly

rek

I sometimes miss my old C'dale CAAD5 hardtail MTB.. light and chuckable, and could take a beating...

Good luck trying to find a reasonably priced Cannondale frame outside of eBay auctions and one-off LBS special deals, though.

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Peter
Cannondale Synapse Carbon Scalpel Cyclocross Ultra

XCHOMEGROWN

1998 Schwinn Homegrown! American Bred, American Grown.

WARPSPEED

Hey Guys! Newbie Here. I Dont Know Where To Address This Question. I Like Cross Country Or Commuter Bikes. My Question Is Why Do You Guys Love Hard Tail? Why Not Go For Light Full Suspension Bikes If There Is Such.

jaz

I personally prefer hard tails because when I go out with my friends on their full suspension bikes they fly over everything, roots, bumps, stones, whatever just picking the direct route through.
I however cant see the point of using suspension to ease the challenge of riding infact that's the reason I ride, if I see a set of weird roots sticking up in my path I dont want to use full suspension to blast over it without knowing it's there.
I want the challenge of riding that set of roots using just the skill & control of setting my weight in the right place picking the correct line & riding it well, infact I will go rigid at the front with a Pace RC31 when I get some spare money.
I wouldn't say there's anything wrong with a full suspension bike as my friends do stuff easily I wouldn't attempt on my HT it's just they get kicks from that style of bike & riding & I get kicks from mine, neithers better than the other it's just personal preference.
I'm not a racer or anything so I dont really need a light weight bike (mines about 22lb now) but I had a bit of money spare so I bought a quality light bike like I have wanted for ages.

mtnbiker371

I am extremely happy with my Litespeed Pisgah. It is fairly light and extremely responsive...and I love the geometry. It climbs amazingly well. Ti just has a great 'springy' feel to it. I bought it (new) in 2001 - so I'm over the $$$ sticker shock. You can certainly buy a less expensive bike...but nothing rides like Ti. IMO.

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"Avoid Road Rage....Stay Out of Cars!"
Litespeed Pisgah
Giant TCR 2 Composite

WARPSPEED

i guess it depends on the kick you want. thanks guys. man what forum do i belong? im a commuter basicaly so i have to deal with potholes and stuff. and i want comfortable ridinga and i want my bike to be tough enough.

XCHOMEGROWN

You just can't beat a hardtail, although Giant has recently released their Meastro line, and it's supposed to be pretty light and extremely effecient. But as far as loving my hardtail, nothing climbs like one, period. I rode a Cannondale Super V for several years, and after going back to the hardtail, I can't believe I rode it for anything other than going down. I lost so much power on the climbs is was unreal. Believe it or not, there's still guys out there that swear by fully rigid!

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floatindolphin

Pace f8 all the way for me!!!


not the lightest frame out there but feels like it'll last years (except for denting the downtube )


Keeps it British too


They've stopped making it but you can get the Team Issue one with Carbon Fibre seat Tube.

Rideastrong

Strong Racing Frames Ti Hardtail.

MountainPro

yeah, they usually say, fcuk me, my arse is killing me...

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HARD
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