Steel Hardtail - Question for Mtn Bikers

S

Slidetechnik

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Jul 16, 2009
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So I've been out of the riding scene for a while, and looking to get back into it. I plan on building up another steel hardtail, and am wondering what companies make solid frames these days? I prefer Reynolds 853 or 725 tubing, or comparable. Anyone have a steel frame they really like? Ideally I want 100-120mm of travel.

Also, what's the deal with the 29er's? Are they worth the hype and extra cost(I have a bikes worth of decent 26er parts laying around) for someone over 6'?

Thanks in advance!
 
I have a Redline Steel 29er (d460). Yes you need a 29er if you are 5'6 or over.
 
You "need" a 29 (700mm) if you're over 5' 6"? Gee, who knew? All those poor, disadvantaged mountain bikers flogging around on mere 26" wheels for all those years, myself included....

Oh, I get it... Same thing as happened with off-road motorycycles way back when I was doing my brief motocross thing... A 21" front wheel suddenly became The Thing. Rolled over obstacles easier, they said. Everyone had to have 'em. Now they're standard, I suppose.
The larger-diameter wheels on bicycles requires some frame-tweaking to keep the seating position and necessary crank positioning right, and I can see where the larger wheels would roll over minor crud a bit easier... But the standard size has served a couple of generations of mountain bikers well and they are strong and reliable. (and easy to find tires and tubes for...)
 
All I've ever owned are steel HT's.
I've had a custom Sycip Reynolds 853 since 02 which I absolutely love.
It's really beat looking but handles like a dream, and obviously, fits great.
My SS is an older Bontrager Race, also a great bike that I will never sell.
If you want to buy an off the shelf steel HT, try the Jamis Dragon.
I believe they also make a 29'er version.
I've also been looking at the Niner MCR.
As for companies making custom or off the shelf steel HT's lately, here's a partial list:
- Independent Fabrications
- Karl Strong
- Gunnar
- Jeff Jones
- Kona (I think)
- Soulcraft
- Vassago (29'ers)
- Vicious
- Walt Works
- Ted Wojcik
- Brew (not sure if they're still around)
As for 29'ers, I rode a friend's Giant XTC-1 for a few months, and absolutely loved it.
There's not much that my Sycip did that the Giant couldn't do.
About the only thing it didn't do as well was very slow speed technical picking and choosing lines.
It rolled over rocks and logs easier, was stabler at speed, and climbed awesome.
There's definitely a 29'er in my future.
Good luck with the search.
And remember the words of Keith Bontrager: "Steel is real."
Lenny
 
Sorry for the late reply guys. Thanks for the info. I actually ended up picking up a Rocky Mountain Blizzard frame on the cheap and I'll be running a Reba RLT at 120mm. Should be a sweet setup. It looks like I'll be sticking with a 26er this round, but may build up a 29er in the future.
 
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