[idontknow]

Im going to be starting the build-up of my hardtail DH/FR bike. I need some help picking out a frame. the ones im looking at are

Soul Cycles Titan
Azonic Evolution 2 and Slalom
Azonic Steelhead
and maybe the Planet X Ridgeback

suggestions, etc are welcome

thanks,
Chris

 

[Kornphlake]

What about a santa cruz chameleon, I'd put it up there with the azonic frames as far as strength goes, but with a little more friendly geometry. Maybe the cortina (insert name) hardtail, it's supposed to be pretty neat-0. Maybe one of the sinister frames, althought your price range seems to be lower than what they cost.

 

[idontknow]

What about a santa cruz chameleon, I'd put it up there with the azonic frames as far as strength goes, but with a little more friendly geometry. Maybe the cortina (insert name) hardtail, it's supposed to be pretty neat-0. Maybe one of the sinister frames, althought your price range seems to be lower than what they cost.[/QUOTE/]

yah im on a small budget.. the frames i listed seem like really good frames for the money which means i can spend more on a fork and wheelset, etc. Now i just have to figure out which one to get...

 

[trialsboy50]

Planet X Pitbulls are good, I'm actually selling one. PM me if interested.

But anyways, you wont break one of those, its basically a bit nicer than a Steelhead in my opinion, and just looks cooler.

Byron

 

[idontknow]

Up top. Alright tell me what you think...any HT frame good for downhill/freeriding. the bike will be ridin for the most part at Diablo, Plattikill, and Killington

thanks

 

[bikenweed]

Don't those Azonic frames retail for around $300? Dude, I'd spend the extra money on a Chameleon in a heart beat. Last time I checked, it's pretty easy to find one for $450 brand new. A Chemeleon is gonna be stronger than an Azonic, and Santa Cruz has a sweet two-year warranty program. I've ridden a Chameleon extensively, and I've spent a few hours on both an aluminum and a steel Azonic, and the Chameleon felt a lot better. (I'm one of those people who can adapt to whatever bike rather quickly, too) Spend your money wisely, get used wheels and a used fork, ride single speed until you can afford a drive train, and you'll be one happy camper. Ultimately, get the bike YOU are stoked on, because then you'll ride it more.

 

[vwmtnbiker]

chameleon is a sweet frame for sure. for dh i doubt i'd go with a pitbull...theyre nice but the wheelbase is a little short for dh...i'd look for a morphine if you want something thats really bombproof

 

[Kntr]

The Azonic steelhead is junk. The LBS had a brand new one come in bent. The chainstays were bent to one side. They put it in the stand and one guy straightened it by himself. They are super flimsy and junk IMO. They retail for about $250-300.

 

[chicodude]

The soul is a good choice IMHO

 

[idontknow]

thanks a lot for the suggestions. i really like the Chameleon and thats probably what ill end up with

thanks

 

[Inclag]

Personally, for a DH/FR hardtail I would be looking for something that is a little bit longer in the top-tube (I would consider this at least 23") and chainstays for some added stability. I know the Soul Cycles is pretty short, and although I've never ridden an Azonic, I have heard both good and bad things about their quality which is enough of a conflicting track record to make me nervous riding one.

I was able to try a Norco hardtail a few times up here in the Northeast last year, and it seems to fit your description pretty well. Not sure of any others though, unfortunately.

Edit
Let me add the Chameleon as well. Light, strong, and a bit longer than some of the other hardtails.

 

[Sir_Crackien]

i would pick the soul because it has the longest wheel base of your picks. they are inexpensive and very strong. the wheel base is not too long thuogh

the other bikes are just too short to be honest.

 

[cowman]

Evil DOC anyone? if not then the titan

 

[MikeD]

I'd look for a slack head angle...69 minimum, if you plan on descending a lot. My Nicolai has about a 67 HA and, even though it's short (15.75 chainstays), it's a ton of fun on the steeps, especially when it's tight and twisty.

Hard to find slack-angled HT, though, especially on a budget. If I recall correctly, the Cove Foreplay MX (formerly the Stiffee FR) has a slack HA and a pretty long TT. Arrow does as well, and the Cortina is 69, too. (to mention a few you might not hear of otherwise). I think the Evil DOC does, too, if you can get your mitts on one.

 

[punkassean]

And to elaborate on MikeD's excellent post, you will need to know what travel fork the frame is designed around so that you can determine how what fork you want to run will affect the geometry. For example, most of these frames will list the geometry based on a 4 or 5" fork so if you want to run a 6" fork you should assume the head angle will become approximately 1-2º more slack. I have seen Chameleons with Z150's on them and the geo still looked really nice but the Soul is a great price so that's hard to beat too.

 

[iridebikes]

personaly, I would choose an Identiti, they're pretty light, less than 6 pounds. They can take a beating and you can use anything from a rigid fork to a 7" fork with no problems.... and if you're looking for cheap, I'm actually selling mine. its anodized red, it has some stickers but those are easily removable if you'd want... I'll make you a good deal. How about 175 bucks shipped? its in good shape, some scratches but nothing seriouse, and still has plenty of life left. I'd still ride it but i just replaced it with something with super short chainstays. let me know if you're interested!

 

[BigStonz]

I've been happy with my Azonic DS-1. It's taken a good beating...a few 5' to almost flats. Nice geometry with 5" fork. It does have a pretty low BB though. You may want to consoder the Kona Scab for around $170 at most mail orders.
If most of my riding was at Plattekill or Killington I'd much rather be riding my full suspension rig. You could pick up an 04 Kona Stinky for around $1200 these days.

 

[idontknow]

Im gonna have a Monster T. So i think that limits some of my choices

 

[idontknow]

a few frames im lookin at, tell me what you think:

Cove Stiffee FR
Banshee Morphine
.243 4130
Evil D.O.C.

 

[MikeD]

If you have the money, nothing IMHO will beat an Evil Imperial (look for a used one?) Le Toys also have a slack HA and adjustable chainstays.

Look at www.unrealcycles.com for ideas and inspiration.