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Buying a frame and fork advice

(7 posts)
  • Started 9 years ago by fimm
  • Latest reply from Dave
  • This topic is not resolved

  1. fimm
    Member

    Boyfriend Of Fimm has a cheap Mountain Bike. He did a certain amount to it prior to riding it round in circles for 24 hours. One thing he did get was a rather expensive pair of wheels.

    Now the bike shop has said that it needs a new fork and other stuff, and he's wondering if it makes more sense to get a new frame and fork, and transfer everything else across. However neither of us really know what we are doing when it comes to doing something like that.

    Any advice? Where do we start, what sort of thing would you look for? It would be a hardtail and the fancy wheels are 26". Oh and he's 5'5" with short legs.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  2. Smudge
    Member

    Planet x has some bargain road frames, don't know what their MTB's are like though.
    I couldn't class myself as an expert but I've built up four bikes from frames/framesets now (one MTB three road) so happy to offer any advice I can.
    My first pieces of advice would be go for it! It's most satisfying, also build it to suit the rider, not what is on trend just now. Finally, if you can stretch to it, a complete groupset can be a bargain and well worth doing if you can get last year's set at half price or less, certainly don't pay this years price!

    Posted 9 years ago #

  3. I were right about that saddle
    Member

    Depends on budget and fondness for the kit which is salvageable. Take the bike to the Bike Station. The maniacs, sorry mechanics, there are high experienced in bodging bikes back into shape on the cheap, and there are a couple of nice MTB frames for sale, along with some really posh forks.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  4. stiltskin
    Member

    I think you might struggle to find many new 26" frames these days. They are getting pretty rare if you are buying new. 2nd hand may get you a decent bargain.

    Posted 9 years ago #

  5. rust
    Member

    If you're buying new frames, 26" is fairly easy! Full bikes less so.

    It basically depends on what the current frame is and what forks are needed/wanted. All further information includes the caveat that I might be completely wrong...

    There are two options for fork steerer tubes. 1 1/8 and tapered. There are lots of options for lengths of travel.

    Both affect frame choice. The steerer tube fits into the head tube which can either be 1 1/8, tapered, or 44mm. All three (I think) can be made to fit 1 1/8 forks and 44mm will fit everything with the right adapters.

    Assuming a strathpuffer type of trail riding, ie. he'll want to use it for next years 'puffer. Probably only 120/130mm travel (or even less). Probably air rather than coil to save weight. Lock-out probably useful. Steerer tube probably doesn't make much difference.

    If the current frame is ok, I'd be tempted to buy nice new forks and keep the frame, and change it later. If you get both together you're possibly looking at £800+ whereas forks first for £300 and then a frame when a good deal appears?

    Posted 9 years ago #

  6. Smudge
    Member

    A couple of steel options at sensible prices for you to consider, and available in sizes for sensible height people ;-)
    If you are working out a budget remember new bottom bracket and headset, not worth scrimping on a fresh build!

    http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FROO456E2/on-one-456-evo2-frame

    http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FROOVDO126/on-one-inbred-26er-vertical-dropout

    Posted 9 years ago #

  7. Dave
    Member

    I would just buy a new fork unless there is some pressing reason to change the frame. However, that said you will need to consider the issue of buying a (presumably non-tapered) fork for the current frame which might not be suitable for the (invariably tapered) future frame.

    Posted 9 years ago #

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