Which new full-sus frame???

[jimo746]

Later this year I'll be in the market for a new full-suspension frame, preferably with 140-160mm rear travel, for all-mountain/enduro/hard trail riding.
I'd like something a bit out of the norm, maybe left-field, a mixture of form &function, and preferably in aluminium or steel (or a mixture).
I've been looking around the internet for ideas, of the "off the peg" production frames I rather like the Orange 5/Alpine 5, but I wouldn't be opposed to going with a smaller manufacturer, possibly custom.

So any suggestions would be welcome, with pics & links if possible.
I don't have a budget in mind, but would plan on keeping the new frame for at least 5 years, so I'm prepared to make an investment for the future.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

A couple that have caught my eye thus far...

Shamrock Cycles 650b.
http://www.lugoftheirish.com/Shamrock_C ... nsion.html

Feature on the 650b... http://reviews.mtbr.com/2013-nahbs-nort ... cycle-show


Xprezo "ad hoc".
http://www.xprezo.ca/en/products/650b/adhoc

Pinkbike review of the "ad hoc"..... http://m.pinkbike.com/news/xprezo-adhoc ... -2014.html

 

[Chopper the ex Copper]

That's gonna be a bit overkill for even the most enthusiastic trail riding. Your question is a bit odd - you want a sports car that's good off road and does 70 to the gallon. They don't exist.

Despite what some manufacturers reckon, AM bikes Rarely make a decent hash of everything. Decide your priority - trail riding or huge gravity assisted terrain - and buy accordingly. I'm hoping to be getting a Trance 650B to trial fora few days soon, and if it's a friendly and all rounder as some of the reviews are claiming then I might finally say adios to the old Trance X.

Go ride a few, because the odd of one of us being identical in weight and limb length to you, with your preferences for position and set up and zero. What works for me may feel odd to you.

 

[superstar1]

This is an interesting alternative to the norm.

http://www.btr-fabrications.com/products/pinner/

 

[kaiser]

Re:

Your question is a bit odd - you want a sports car that's good off road and does 70 to the gallon. They don't exist.

I'd say he was quite specific in his requirements, no? Trail/Enduro/AM are all pretty much neighbors. I'd say have a look at the Santa Cruz Bronson, Liteville 301, Salsa Horsetheif(because I have one), Turner Burner, Transition Bandit or Covert, Yeti SB66 or 75. All have a little bit of kudos and are a little bit less mainstream. For value though I'd certainly look at YT Industries, the new Capra is getting lots of good reviews. Canyon, On One, Focus, Nukeproof and Rose are all doing some superb spec'd bikes for the money too.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Thanks for the suggestions so far, some brands and models I hadn't thought of there.
I thought I had been pretty specific, but to be honest I'm looking for something that will take some big hits (think some of the rougher Scottish trails, or a holiday to the Alps etc) and I'm prepared to sacrifice some uphill ability in return for the fun and speed on the downhill parts.
I'm also looking for something a bit "different", and a frame that will stay with me as my main " modern" MTB for a few years to come.

Off to do some research of the suggestions so far....

 

[kaiser]

Re:

Just remembered I meant to add Nicolai.

 

[brocklanders023]

Re:

You will not go far wrong with either Orange. The 5 especially is such a well sorted bike.

 

[jonnyboy666]

Re:

i saw that very Shamrock full suss at NAHBS in Denver last year, was lovely.

the Orange 5 would be nice though, i'm currently still in the alps, my friend Matt turned up this week with a brand spanking new 5, and it's been faultless, he's done his own build though and he's been able to everything he wanted on it. we've been riding up aswel as down i might add aswel.


IMG_2521 by Dr. Branom, on Flickr

IMG_2520 by Dr. Branom, on Flickr

the other thing i like the look of (having never ridden one) is the Cotic full suss, the model name escapes me though :|

 

[kaiser]

Re:

Cotic Rocket, which is pretty much vapourware, hats off to Cotic for what they were trying to do (build the Rocket in Britain) but an arse and a half was made of it, a friend had one on order and 18 months later and still no frame, and afaik canned indefinitely.


WDIT: some Rockets do exist, these are Taiwan made but I believe they were in limited batches.