[dejacky]

Has anyone experienced with riding all mountain / aggressive XC (with jumps) ever made the transition from a full suspension bike to a steel hard tail and was happier? I previously owned a 2008 Iron Horse MKIII Trail bike and loved it, except for the fact it was one size too small. So, I sold it, but never managed to create the budget to get another one.

So, I'm considering buying a high quality light-weight steel framed Hard Tail frame or bike that works well with my 130mm 2008 Manitou Minute MRD Absolute fork (20mm thru-axle option). Do any of you experienced MTBR have any brand/model suggestions?

 

[stgil888]

I swapped that way once, but wasn't happy with it. There are some nice steel frames, but they're not always that much more affordable than a FS bike, especially from a fancy builder and/or with name-brand tubing. Depending on your weight and how stiff your cranks are, you might start hurting in your ankles/knees, too. If your rides include pavement mileage to and from the trail, then it might be a good compromise.

 

[dejacky]

Yes, my ride does include riding on pavement frequently. I'd say every other day, I'd like to ride this to/from Work as well. The other reason I'm attracted to a hard tail, is less maintenance without a rear shock. I'm gravitating towards steel because of its vibration absorption properties.

 

[dejacky]

Based on the reviews and prices of researched, I'm considering the 2009 DMR Trailstar if I can get it cheap enough. Does anyone have experienced with the DMR Trailstar steel hardtail frames and can shed some light on their experience with it?

 

[eaterofdog]

Chain Reaction Cycles is a good place to look for reviews on British brands. I like the DMRs, I am building a Rhythm up right now.

I like hardtail steel much better than full sus. I like to hot dog my bike a lot, wheelies, drops and jumps, so hardtail is better for me. I would ride full sus if I wanted to just sit and crank all day.

 

[flatt nutts]

after i got sick of the bounce i went with a banshee sirricco. best bike i have ever owned. i know it is not steel but it climbes a goat and has no flex what so ever. i do drops and jumps and still ride the trails. its not to ruff on you if you have a good seat.

 

[maddog17]

PM SuspectDevice and talk to him about a Spooky

 

[dejacky]

does the spooky bike also have the ISCG tabs for a hammerschmidt setup?

 

[TreeSaw]

My husband bounces between his Yeti 575 and his Kona Explosif (Steel SS HT). I don't know that he prefers the HT, but he doesn't seem to have any issues making the transition between the two on our technical XC trails (there are a few small drops too).

 

[sanjuro]

Independent Fabrications Beatstick

 

[nelsonjm]

Perhaps a .243 bike frame? Beefy steel frame that could easily take that abuse, but they are heavy.

 

[MMcG]

Tons of options to consider now!

Transition Trans Am
Evil Sovereign
On One Inbred 456
Spooky Horror Taxi
Cotic Soul
Cotic BFe

I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch

 

[maddog17]

I'm sure I'm forgetting a bunch

yeah, how bout your part time boss!!!!

 

[dejacky]

out of those recommendations, which one do you fellow monkeys think climbs the best with a 130mm fork?

 

[gmorris]

Love my chromag samurai to mix things up now and then. The TRL would take anything you could throw at it.

 

[dejacky]

Love my chromag samurai to mix things up now and then. The TRL would take anything you could throw at it.

What bike is the TRL?

 

[muddy_8mtb]

try "cotic" soul http://www.cotic.co.uk/product/soul
they have an excellent reputation and know a couple of people of who have them and swear by them.