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Shopping For A Unicorn Bike?

rideit

Bob the Builder
Aug 24, 2004
24,272
12,196
In the cleavage of the Tetons
So, apparently now is the time to order a frame if you want to get it by spring of '22.
Here is what I am looking for:
130-135 travel
>75 STA
440 or so reach
Full size water bottle
148mm rear spacing
Clearance for 2.4 tires

What ya got?
I have looked at the most common suspects, but I am sure I have missed something...
 

Sandro

Terrified of Cucumbers
Nov 12, 2006
3,228
2,541
The old world
Except for your desired reach falling between sizes, the latest Trance X comes really close to what you’re looking for.
 

HardtailHack

used an iron once
Jan 20, 2009
7,455
6,770
Process 134, or a Nicolai Saturn 14 ST
1609599018214.png


1609599200960.png

Not sure Kona will do frame only, they do with hardtails and the odd FS.
 

rideit

Bob the Builder
Aug 24, 2004
24,272
12,196
In the cleavage of the Tetons
As to Kona, I can get them at cost, but I am looking for a really light bike that is an outstanding climber, and (according to reviews that I take with a grain of salt), the 134 is neither of those things. I would like to see a total frame weight on one of those, though.
 

dexter

Turbo Monkey
Sep 23, 2001
3,053
99
Boise, Idaho
I would actually look at an SB 130 if they update it.
I think that bike is likely nearing the end of it's production cycle as is.
its an amazing bike and wont be going anywhere for a few seasons. One of the best climbing bikes I have been on period. Running a cascade linkage and 11.6 and it destroys bike parks and rowdier trails.
 

Flo33

Turbo Monkey
Mar 3, 2015
2,121
1,349
Styria
And make sure Gorilla Tape is used in its production, I heard some astonishing reports about the tape's capabilities.
 

maxyedor

<b>TOOL PRO</b>
Oct 20, 2005
5,496
3,141
In the bathroom, fighting a battle
How close is close enough on the reach number?

Pretty sure this is what I’d buy if I were buying right now, small is 430mm, medium is 460mm of reach, made in Merica out of some pretty unique stuff called Aluminum? Whatever the hocuspocus shit that is
 
How close is close enough on the reach number?

Pretty sure this is what I’d buy if I were buying right now, small is 430mm, medium is 460mm of reach, made in Merica out of some pretty unique stuff called Aluminum? Whatever the hocuspocus shit that is
XT, large, raw Al, no seat, no decals, plz.
 

StiHacka

Compensating for something
Jan 4, 2013
21,560
12,508
In hell. Welcome!
How close is close enough on the reach number?

Pretty sure this is what I’d buy if I were buying right now, small is 430mm, medium is 460mm of reach, made in Merica out of some pretty unique stuff called Aluminum? Whatever the hocuspocus shit that is
Looks flexy.
 

Jm_

sled dog's bollocks
Jan 14, 2002
19,879
10,488
AK
And make sure Gorilla Tape is used in its production, I heard some astonishing reports about the tape's capabilities.
If you get a Pole...the solution to keeping it one piece is so damn simple.
 

6thElement

Schrodinger's Immigrant
Jul 29, 2008
16,839
14,323
How close is close enough on the reach number?

Pretty sure this is what I’d buy if I were buying right now, small is 430mm, medium is 460mm of reach, made in Merica out of some pretty unique stuff called Aluminum? Whatever the hocuspocus shit that is
Nice looking, $75 extra to leave it raw is a little annoying. Painted for $2500.

/goes off to try and find a review
 

toodles

ridiculously corgi proportioned
Aug 24, 2004
5,767
5,150
Australia
What ya got?
I have looked at the most common suspects, but I am sure I have missed something...
Kona Process
GT Sensor
Trek Fuel EX
Specialized Stumpjumper
Giant Trance X
YT Izzo

All come close to those numbers, it depends how much wiggle room you have on the reach number.
 

jstuhlman

bagpipe wanker
Dec 3, 2009
17,221
13,973
Cackalacka du Nord
Nice looking, $75 extra to leave it raw is a little annoying. Painted for $2500.

/goes off to try and find a review
buddy's been beating the crap outta the v1 version of it in the backwoods of pisgah for the past 3 years. he came off a v3 nomad. he loves it. plus he won it in a conservancy raffle for $20!
 

Happymtb.fr

Turbo Monkey
Feb 9, 2016
2,041
1,413
SWE
Seriously. The reach req is from 5+ years ago.
I would say that it depends on how tall you are... :D then for a trail bike, a shorter reach, compared to the latest "fashion", makes perfect sense to me since you are not racing and thus can trade some of the high speed stability and some of the required high level of body English for a more nimble and more playful ride.
That's from my personal experience between bikes with 440mm reach and 475mm. I am 5'9 (175cm)
YMMV