As some may know I've been in the market for a new cross bike....I have most of the parts to build a bike so I've been looking at frames and forks. I've been racing on an aluminum Scott the last several years, and it's a good bike, but I would prefer to have a frame that would absorb the shock better. What are my options for a frame that is vertically compliant while remaining stiff under power? I would like to stay away from steel, because of the weight. I'm open to buying new or used and I would like to keep it at $1000 or less. Some of the frames/materials I've been looking into:
Ridley X-fire -> carbon
Ridley Supercross -> scandium,w/carbon stays
Salsa Chili Con Croso -> scandium
Empalla carbon SL -> alum,w/carbon stays
Ridley X-fire -> carbon
Ridley Supercross -> scandium,w/carbon stays
Salsa Chili Con Croso -> scandium
Empalla carbon SL -> alum,w/carbon stays