Real Steel HT fames?

[JPWizard]

Who makes nice/simple 26er steel frames these days?


I found this. Looks pretty good. What else is out there?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-VooDoo-Bizan...6.c0.m14.l1318

[kev]

Off the top of my head

Surly
Vassago
Zion
Soma
On One

Tons more

[pitmang1]

Surly

[DDB@OCR]

500+$ for a 4.5 lb 14" frame aint too shabby.

For a lil more you can go custom, at 3.75 lb in a 17.5" frame.

http://www.curtlo.com/index.html

[Mordy]

Marin still makes some steel hardtail full bikes if you don't want to build.

[reflux]

I can't vouch for the new VooDoo frames, but I recall the ones from circa 2001 were rumored to be very good frames.

I currently own a 2000 Dean 853 and 2004(?) Sycip with Columbus tubing. The Dean is an incredibly smooth ride, very forgiving. It's also safe to say there's a decent amount of flex in the frame. The Sycip is a decidedly stiff(er) frame, with just enough give to remind you it's steel.

Back in college, I also rode a Surly Instigator for the better part of a year. It was cheap and a fun ride, but it was an absolute tank. With regards to Surly, I think you get what you pay for.

[Rockinthecasbah]

SOMA !!! all you need

[JPWizard]

I found the soma. It looks good except I like the voodoo because it has a really short top tube. This is for my GF, so I'm thinkin the TT is a key geometry issue.

I have a complete bike to rob parts from, so I'd just like a frame. Another nice thing about the Voodoo is the fork we have is recommended for it.

I've got a surly Karate monkey and love it. I'm not crazy about the horizontal dropouts. I'm not man enough for a ss and just want the sturdy verts. I noticed On One is all horizontal, which kinda excludes them. I'd just like to find as simple and straight forward of a hard tail for my GF. I think she is more interested in a smooth ride rather than a heavy duty dirt jumper too.

[SnookDawg]

Brent Steelman makes a hardtail, the Manzanita
http://www.steelmancycles.com/

I love my Steelman road bike. His frames aren't cheap but they are custom. Sometimes he has stock sizes on the shelf and could possibly have a deal but you'd have to call him to find out.

[Pho'dUp]

Jamis bikes still makes their steel Dragon.

Haro - they've got some interesting 650b bikes.

Redline - for 29's.

Rocky Mountain Blizzard frame.

Gunnar

Salsa Ala Carte. they make this in XXS too.


Or if you can find a Kona Explosif that'd be great as those came in a ton of sizes all the way down to 14".

[.8down]

Originally Posted by kev

Off the top of my head

Surly
Vassago
Zion
Soma
On One

Tons more

you can scratch Vassago off the list I think they are only making 29er frames...and one 650B fully, check out the site...sounds interesting.

[kev]

ahh yeah missed the 26er part. Any reason you are not interested in a 29er?

[.8down]

Originally Posted by kev

ahh yeah missed the 26er part. Any reason you are not interested in a 29er?

I think its for is girl, and she sounds petite, hes looking for a 14, and from all Ive seen most 29ers stop at 16, I think Felt makes a 15 but its not steel....I had a Voodoo Azian in my possession for a while super nice frame...very very light...I think you can get them pretty much anywhere for under 400, its not steel but it is Scandium.

[jhardeman]

http://sandiego.craigslist.org/esd/bik/787216923.html

This is from Craigslist. They have been posted on and off for the last couple months. Originally they had several frames with different sizes and colors. I believe some were steel. No idea what is left. You won't be able to run discs though, only v-brakes.

[JPWizard]

Welp,

I talked the Voodoo dude on ebay down to $425 and the frame is on it's way.

I appreciate the input. I've been wondering what steel is out there. I've been out of the loop for a while. Although this frame is for the flying Squirrel, I admire steel hard tails myself. Seems like aluminum has really become the material of choice for big companies lately. I like the idea of a custom bike too. I think it's out of our price range right now though.

Has anybody heard of "black sheep" based out of colorado? I ran into a fella that was about to have a frame built. He was pretty excited.

[Pho'dUp]

Black sheep makes some beautiful Ti frames.

That being said, if I wanted custom I'd be going with this guy right now. Tasty.

Blackcat Bicycles

Originally Posted by JPWizard

Welp,

I talked the Voodoo dude on ebay down to $425 and the frame is on it's way.

I appreciate the input. I've been wondering what steel is out there. I've been out of the loop for a while. Although this frame is for the flying Squirrel, I admire steel hard tails myself. Seems like aluminum has really become the material of choice for big companies lately. I like the idea of a custom bike too. I think it's out of our price range right now though.

Has anybody heard of "black sheep" based out of colorado? I ran into a fella that was about to have a frame built. He was pretty excited.