So after 3 years of riding my Evil Imperial, I've decided it's time for a new frame and was hoping I could get some advice/suggestions from those with hands-on experience with the frames I'm considering. I also have a USB Molly Maguire which has become my street/park/jump bike, so I'm looking for something to handle singletrack and rough trail duties (including uphills and steep descents) and some jumping. I run singlespeed though I'd like the option for gears, and have a Fox Talas (80-130mm) fork which I usually run in the 80-90mm range.
What I like about the Imperial: Solid construction (maybe too much so), great descender/jumper, versatility.
What I don't like: Weight, Seat post extension for pedaling
DMR Trailstar2: good price, steel, ?pedaling geometry?
Evil Sovereign: steel, not much weight improvement, expensive, trusted brand, ?pedaling geometry?
Sinister Ridge: good weight ~5lbs, expensive, prefer steel, ?pedaling?
So, any comments or other frame suggestions are greatly appreciated. Including if you think it's senseless to switch from an Imperial to one of these frames for my purposes. Thanks!
What I like about the Imperial: Solid construction (maybe too much so), great descender/jumper, versatility.
What I don't like: Weight, Seat post extension for pedaling
DMR Trailstar2: good price, steel, ?pedaling geometry?
Evil Sovereign: steel, not much weight improvement, expensive, trusted brand, ?pedaling geometry?
Sinister Ridge: good weight ~5lbs, expensive, prefer steel, ?pedaling?
So, any comments or other frame suggestions are greatly appreciated. Including if you think it's senseless to switch from an Imperial to one of these frames for my purposes. Thanks!