Mountain Biking - Nashbar ATB frame

Sorry if this subject has come up (I searched but didn't spot any posts).

I'm wondering if anyone has bought the blue steel ATB frame Nashbar has been selling for $45 recently. I built one up as a SS strictly for urban riding and have been pleased with the results (Nashbar rigid fork, ENO hub, Sugino XD cranks, Sun/Mavic rims, Tom Slick tires). I've got about 600-700 miles on it and no signs of anything weird.

Has anyone else built one up for rugged use?

Yep, I have and it holds up wonderfully and handles my clydesdale abuse on drops and stuff like that. The Patriot rides like a tank.

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b292/koine2002/PICT0011.jpg

I'm a 29er now, but I have a 32H set of wheels and some spare parts. I've been thinking about piecing together a spare 26er using one of those frame. How could you go wrong for $45????

I'm a 29er now, but I have a 32H set of wheels and some spare parts. I've been thinking about piecing together a spare 26er using one of those frame. How could you go wrong for $45????

That was the point of my asking. Glad to hear Koine rumbles his great-looking steed w/o problems. Will, if you don't have a fork and aren't smitten by suspension, buy a rigid number -- suspension-corrected of course. Meantime, thanks.

Mine just came today and I am stoked.

I am using the 7spd. drivetrain off my converted Trek 7K and a few other parts lying around. I am going to lace my first set of wheels ever for this bike, haven't decided what hub/rim I am using just yet. Also a coil 80mm fork

Oh yeah, and weight is no issue either. I've seen a few built up relativly light, but this is going to be an off season XC training bike. I figure a few ounces here and there can't hurt. And since B-burg VA is finally getting a skatepark, the town has alloted (sp?) the dirt removed to be used next to the skatepark as a dirt jump/pump course, built by us volunteers under our LBS sponsership and design advice. So this rig is going to see mild park use along side a SS rigid Santa Cruz Chameleon.

So its more to me than just another frame, its a trainer/beater/commuter/play bike in the making.

Craig

Will, if you don't have a fork and aren't smitten by suspension, buy a rigid number -- suspension-corrected of course. Meantime, thanks.

I have a junk RST fork that I pulled off my Giant Yukon. I would use that. Though, my Karate Monkey is fully rigid. I actually like the rigid front as it forces you to actually "pilot" the bicycle by shifting your weight for and aft.



I am using the 7spd. drivetrain off my converted Trek 7K and a few other parts lying around.


The spacing for a 7-speed cassette is smaller than that of an 8/9 speed. You will have to add a spacer behind the cassette for this to work. That is, assuming that the axel length is the same. I don't know. I'd be curious to know.

Also, use coupon code W227 at nashbar.com and you'll get an additional 10% off... Haha!

The spacing for a 7-speed cassette is smaller than that of an 8/9 speed. You will have to add a spacer behind the cassette for this to work. That is, assuming that the axel length is the same. I don't know. I'd be curious to know.[/QUOTE]

Yeah I almost forgot that, I got a spacer sitting at the shop on a buddies bench. For the time being the bike is getting crummy Acera X 7spd hubs laced to no name schrader rims just so I can roll around town on it and get a feel for what length stem I want to use as well as saddle height and other fit issues, etc. Axel will have to be swapped as the current one is to short, the wheels are from the early to mid 90's. I will build a more permanent wheelset using a 8/9 spd hub, hoever I have yet to settle on the type. A sweet deal on a pair of take-off Deore disc hubs cut out of a rim set may come my way.

I used the code W227 as well and recieved the frame for $55.35 delivered in roughly 4+ days, ordered 2/09-here 2/13. The only parts I need to buy are a fork, headset, stem, and wheelset. Maybe a second set of clipless pedals if I get bored w/ platforms.

Craig