Good, cheap(ish) Trail/AM frame?

D

deletude26

Likes Bikes
Hi guys, I currently have a 120mm travel bike, it is getting a bit old and is quite outdated e.t.c., so I am looking for a new frame.

I was wondering what frame people would recommend for trail/AM riding in the Sydney/Blue Mountains area, that is able to pedal up, but is a good descender (descending is more important to me, as my current bike is not great at that).

Requirements:
26" Wheels size (or at least compatible)
130-160mm rear travel
And am planning to pair with a Manitou Mattoc fork, however this can be set from 100-170mm, so will hopefully suit most/all frames you recommend
Weight is not a huge deal for me, although obviously lighter is better.
And of course, cost:
I am hoping to spend a Max of $1400

So far, the easiest, and cheapest I have seen (on CRC), that looks good, is the Nukeproof Mega TR and AM, although I am unsure even there which to get. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks
 
ChopSticks

ChopSticks

Banned
Is the budget of $1400 frame only? Or frame + components (-fork)?

Depending on model and if you can stretch the budget abit... You could look into a demo or new 2014 Giant trance (assuming there's any left)
 
Wombatone

Wombatone

Likes Dirt
Yes you got it already , Nukeproof Mega AM.
Great price , great frame , great shock, you can not go wrong at this price.
Stick on some X-fusion slants in the front and you got a great setup for under 2000 bucks.
 
D

deletude26

Likes Bikes
That Craftworks looks interesting, but can't find any reviews, at all, if someone has experience that would be great, but the fact there are barely any specifications is not so reassuring, although the price is good.
 
jbg

jbg

Likes Dirt
The 2013 nukeproof frames on cr look pretty good but yea anything over $1k will get taxed (I bought forks from cr and had to pay an extra $220)
Shame more of the big brands don't sell frame kits
 
Wombatone

Wombatone

Likes Dirt
deletude26 said:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/...-frame-rockshox-monarch-rt3-2013/rp-prod81838

This is the frame I am leaning towards currently. Does anyone know how the sizing works? there is no guide on the nukeproof website (im basically 6 foot)
Click to expand...
There is a size chart on the CRC page next to the picture of the Mega (your link).

Anyway this is a great bike but as mentioned above will cost you an extra 15% import but will still be under 1500 dollars.
This is exactly the one I would get if I would need to buy a new frame right now.
 
D

deletude26

Likes Bikes
Yea, pretty sure that will be what I will get, although probably not for a little bit.

With the sizing, I am stuck between the medium and the large, should I go for the larger one, or stick to a smaller bike?
 
K

konabiker

Likes Bikes
deletude26 said:
Hi guys, I currently have a 120mm travel bike, it is getting a bit old and is quite outdated e.t.c., so I am looking for a new frame.

I was wondering what frame people would recommend for trail/AM riding in the Sydney/Blue Mountains area, that is able to pedal up, but is a good descender (descending is more important to me, as my current bike is not great at that).

Requirements:
26" Wheels size (or at least compatible)
130-160mm rear travel
And am planning to pair with a Manitou Mattoc fork, however this can be set from 100-170mm, so will hopefully suit most/all frames you recommend
Weight is not a huge deal for me, although obviously lighter is better.
And of course, cost:
I am hoping to spend a Max of $1400

So far, the easiest, and cheapest I have seen (on CRC), that looks good, is the Nukeproof Mega TR and AM, although I am unsure even there which to get. Any other suggestions are welcome.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Pretty sweet nomad frame in the trading area

Tick all of your boxes

I'd say you could get it for $1400 :)
 
S

Sethius

Crashed out somewhere
Dartmoor wish enduro + X Fusion slant for a killer deal, or even the new marzocchi 350 fork, 26 or 27.5" compatible. Frame's new and in your price range! Stealth dropper post cabling, through axle, tapered headtube, ISCG mounts etc.
 
Wombatone

Wombatone

Likes Dirt
Sethius said:
Dartmoor wish enduro + X Fusion slant for a killer deal, or even the new marzocchi 350 fork, 26 or 27.5" compatible. Frame's new and in your price range! Stealth dropper post cabling, through axle, tapered headtube, ISCG mounts etc.
Click to expand...
That is a nice frame , like it , like it a lot.
If it rides as well as it looks it is well worth a look.
 
R

rsclio

Likes Dirt
Do A search on the Craftworks FRX on here there are a few happy riders who have posted them up there also some reviews on MTBR
These are not magazine "pro" reviews but real world riders
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/allmtn-full-suspension/craft/frx/prd_417820_1547crx.aspx

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?278192-Craftworks-FRX-V3&highlight=craftworks+FRX

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/sho...tworks-FRX-125-build&highlight=craftworks+FRX

Was seriously considering one of these but something else came up
 
B

BKMad

Likes Dirt
rsclio said:
Do A search on the Craftworks FRX on here there are a few happy riders who have posted them up there also some reviews on MTBR
These are not magazine "pro" reviews but real world riders
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/allmtn-full-suspension/craft/frx/prd_417820_1547crx.aspx

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?278192-Craftworks-FRX-V3&highlight=craftworks+FRX

http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/sho...tworks-FRX-125-build&highlight=craftworks+FRX

Was seriously considering one of these but something else came up
Click to expand...
I was in the same boat last year. Was seriously considering one of these, but ended up with a good tax return so bought a whole new bike rather than the frame upgrade I originally planned. All the research I did showed it to be a quality frame. My only issue with it is the looks. The bend in the down tube is ugly.
 
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