Frame Shopping...

[Jeff P.]

The time has come to finally break down and buy a FS rig, my hardtail is beating me up like no other and im probably getting a bit aggressive for an XC frame. I am looking for a 4"-6" travel FS frame to build up as an everything bike. The bike must climb, my dad just picked up a new Ibis Mojo and it is awesome but about 2x the dollar figure i am planning on spending. Im trying to keep this under $1100 (more under the better...college rocks) and in the 5-6Lb. range, here are some of the frames i have been looking at:

BMC fourstroke (pretty much top of the list as of now)
Transition Covert
Santa Cruz Heckler

Any suggestions on these and suggestions of other frames would be a great help.

Thanks
JP :monkey:

[Monkeybidnezz]

Transition BR gets my vote is in that price range but it is a little burly. It may be a bit heavy, but I would rather have bike that can take some abuse.

[NateH]

Yeti ASX.............

[dirtydirtysouf]

Kona Coiler might do the job....i think its 5.5" travel............you can get a comp. bike for $1600 give or take

[Jeff P.]

I mostly ride XC which the BR and coiler would be massive overkill, the majority of my descents are through nasty singletrack with some small drops, thats about as hard core as my riding gets. The main reason that i am opting for the FR as opposed to XC dualies is that i am a big guy (around 230lbs) and i tend to thrash my bikes given the terrain. The flip side of being 230 is that i have to haul my mass up the hill in order to get to the fun stuff, thus the frame weight/climbing prowess requirement. Keep the suggestions coming.
thanks again
JP

[THRILLSEEKA]

Yeah.. buy mine: $1100, 3 month old Avalanche Chubie right thur...
Also bumped the travel up from 4.2" to 5.5"-6". Not exactly a XC rig, but you'll be smiling too much on the way down to care!

[joelsman]

the transition covert would be a good choice, or the new preston fr, both are strong and use the same size rear shock, the preston gets less travel and is heavier.

[.Pit Steelers.]

All might be above your price range but..
Cove G-spot,or Hustler, What about used?

[EOBF]

I would look into a Norco Six, great price, light, tough. I think I may have just talked myself into getting one.

[dirtydirtysouf]

I mostly ride XC which the BR and coiler would be massive overkill, the majority of my descents are through nasty singletrack with some small drops, thats about as hard core as my riding gets. The main reason that i am opting for the FR as opposed to XC dualies is that i am a big guy (around 230lbs) and i tend to thrash my bikes given the terrain. The flip side of being 230 is that i have to haul my mass up the hill in order to get to the fun stuff, thus the frame weight/climbing prowess requirement. Keep the suggestions coming.
thanks again
JP

im about 280 and took the coiler for a spin and it was great......you wont notice 3-4 extra #'s or bike weight at our size...........:busted:

[ScottJensen]

hey jeff, depeneding on how tall you are, this guys selling a heckler in size L. he's in the bay area. i was origionally gunna buy it to have a tamer bike compared to my bullit, but plans have changed. looks to be a killer deal though. check it out

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/bik/264691324.html

[TRANSITION-MJR]

The Transition Covert is a sweet frame, comes in around 6 lbs and yet is still built well and gives you plenty of travel. The Preston FR is a do it all frame, i loved mine, it was great for everything, but the frame comes in around 8lbs but i always go for the heavier better built bike. i would still have my Preston if i didnt decide to go with the BottleRocket.

[carbuncle]

I got a ide on a pe-production Covert, it's a nice bike that can be built light. It has a more AM/XC feel than any of Trasition's other bikes, think of a ride similar to a burlier Stumpjumper rather than a FR or DH bike.

[Sir_Crackien]

covert hands down out of your list there. i'm weary of the BMC's they just don't give me the impression that they are all that well built for a mountain bike. their road bikes seem to be on a might high playing field than the 4 stroke. as for the heckler its just a plain old bike now, not saying its bad but just saying you can get more for your money.

[ZHendo]

another vote for the covert, i want one myself

[Jeff P.]

scott, thanks for the link but im a med. Im all for buying used within reason (i have had some bad used s*it exp.). As for the BMC, the shop that i goto is actaully a dealer for them and i have ridden them a couple of times and he ridees one personally and hasn't managed to hurt it. The covert looks interesting but its only in pre-order mode right now and according to TBC they are almost sold out. That and i dont want a first run of anything...let alone a bike i intend to beat the crap out of. Havent checked out norco, thats where im off to now. Thanks againf ro teh help and keep them coming!
JP

[Sir_Crackien]

just as another suggestion for a bike that has a need for speed is the giant trance. that is a ripper bike that is faster than it should be in just about any situation. i have owned one in the past and sod it because i know that i was going to take the bike to place it would not be able to handle in the strength depot.