Mountain Biking - Any thoughts on Azonic frames?

I'm thinking of getting one of these:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=12992&style_id=175%20AZODS4&dept_id=3&deptName=Parts&sub_id=60&subName=Frames&lprice=199.98&hprice=229.98&detailName=Azonic%20DS-1%20Mountain%20Frame


It's going to be my "play" bike, I've got a RS Psylo I'm gonna throw on, some Profile cranks, some D321's laced to Profile hubs....etc.

Is this a good all around, shorter XC bike with some smaller jumping thrown in for good measure?

It's either this frame or a used P.3.

L8R

Link is not working.

Fixed it!

I have considered many time getting that frame. I have heard it is reasonably tough and the price is impossible to beat. I would snatch one up if I had the moola :)

Never have the moola, but I do have the credit! ha,ha

Now, what size? It's a slalom frame, so I know they're on the smallish size. However, I don't do slalom and will use it as a play bike. I was thinking a 16", but tend to do a bit more XC (than I like), so the 18" might be better for longer rides.

L8R

I have never had a chance to fit one to me (half the reason I never bought one). If it fits similar to my kona I would go with the 16" as the kona fits big (a little too big now)...18" might be a touch to big for all the fun stuff.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. My only hesistation is that I'm 6'0", but I've got a very long torsoe and short stumpy little legs. The 18" would definately have a better reach.

Also, I can find any specs from the Azonic website. I'm gonna need a new seatpost, clamp and probably a new derailleur or chainguide. For all that cost, I can buy a used P.3 with all that included.

I had a 2000 P.3 and LOVED it, so I know/like the Specialized bikes. The Azonic is an "unknown".

L8R

maybe get the specs and compare geometry. They should be similar.

Azonic have a certain reputation here in the UK, however some DS1 had a reputation at snapping. Maybe its because they were ridden by serial snappers, who knows. Generally they are good bikes, but i guess a P series may be a better choice if of course the price is comparable.

Well, the P3 is used and therefore cheaper, but a new Azonic with thus carry a warranty. Plus, I'm not into doing anything that would snap a frame methinks!

However, I'm leaning towards the P3. I've made the offer and now it's wait and see.

L8R

The Azonic DS1's snapping problems were repaired for 2003. It is a really good frame now.

Or, I can get a steelhead for $10 more! I think I like the DS-1 better, but steel is real!

L8R

i like this price better...

Here. (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylepkey=12992&style_id=175%20AZODS4&dept_id=3&deptName=Parts&sub_id=60&subName=Frames&lprice=1.98&hprice=2.98&detailName=Azonic%20DS-1%20Mountain%20Frame)


:D

Oh yeah, but unfortunately it doesn't work!

Or, I can buy the Kona Scab at wheelworld for $179.00

L8R

Damn...thats a good price...you have a tough decision. Personally if I was going aluminum I would go with the ds. Its price is cheap enough it is basically disposable (even though I wouldn't want it to be). For steel. I would go a bit boutique and get .243 :)

Hmmm...It would be a hard choice between the Scab and DS1. Sadly, its almost impossible to get a .243 in the US.

hmm...i'd personally go with the p.3

Hmmm...It would be a hard choice between the Scab and DS1. Sadly, its almost impossible to get a .243 in the US.

Direct?

I think Adrenaline is a dealer for them, but their cost is closer to $400 new.

I'm trying to keep this under the WSR! (That's Wifey Spending Radar).

I'm leaning towards the Evolution at Cambria for $249, but I've got to get an odd ball seatpost and clamp. The seatpost dia is 30.0 and the clamp is 35.

I may just say "forget it" and get the Kona, but alas, it's also got a screwy seatpost dia at 27.0, not the standard 27.2!

Geez, this is aggrevating AND fun at the same time!

L8R

If you get the Kona here is a sizing number for you to remember. 68x113 MM

For 329 you can buy a Snipes Elemental. I challenge you to break that one! I bet you'll break long before it does. Plus it's light enough for XC at like 4 pounds. I think the DS1 geometry is more suited for slalom runs and dirt jumping, so if that's what you're after it's not a bad frame in the least. I've heard good things.

I wish snipes put more info on their website about geometry. The geometry looks damn small too...seems to be a one size all kind of frame...which isn't possible. 243 (definately more expensive and heavier though) realized that and made 3 sizes. Leaving the height the same and extending or lengthening the tt. If snipes does that I would snatch one in a sec.

But damn strong frame thats for sure

I am also finding lots of information on snipes being A 1.5 headtube. Damn if that is true, thats pretty cool.

Still, an Azonic DS-1 is $100 less.

And the Kona is $150 less.

L8R

To me the Azonic has a high coolness factor if you could work out the size and all the other details. If you had one of the others I might look at it with some interest, but if you had the Azonic I would ask you if I could ride it. You know me, it's more important to look good than ride good ;)

Still, an Azonic DS-1 is $100 less.

And the Kona is $150 less.

L8R

So which are you leaning towards?

Actually, I didn't bring this up because I didn't want to jinx it, but this is what I'm ending up with:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657681156&category=22679&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Now, anybody need a Chris King Headset (Black) that I'll no longer need! That and a Rock Shox Psylo SL. Man, I was doing this to GET RID of stuff laying around, now it's doubled! Oh well!

Fun aint it!

The Kona is my personal preferance. however, I know alot of riders with the DS1 and for what they use it for, dj, light xc and some urban. For what you pay for the frame it does the job. Same for the Kona.

:beer:

Hey DBD, where you been?

Any thoughts on the Iron Horse Sinister (2003)?

L8R

Actually, I didn't bring this up because I didn't want to jinx it, but this is what I'm ending up with:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3657681156&category=22679&sspagename=STRK%3AMEBWA%3AIT&rd=1

Now, anybody need a Chris King Headset (Black) that I'll no longer need! That and a Rock Shox Psylo SL. Man, I was doing this to GET RID of stuff laying around, now it's doubled! Oh well!

Fun aint it!

How much for the headset?

I dunno, that comment was a bit rhetorical. I may stick it on my road bike. Or, I may put my red one on my road bike and stick it on the Uzzi.

I just bought it off of eBay for around $70 plus whatever shipping was. If you seriously want it, PM me.

You know anything about the Sinister frame?

L8R

I have seen the frame but to be honest I haven't ridden one. Strong frames from a good company. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if the price was right :)...

I was kind of asking in jest. I like my fsa pig headset. I am not going big enough to warrant the absolute best :)

I'm familiar with Iron Horse, just not the sinister, but I figure a frame and a Z1 for under $300 is a deal!

Now, should I run a double chainring, or a chain guide, or a shiftable chain guide. I want an Evil DRS, and I'll be putting my Profile cranks on the IH, so it's gonna look hot!

L8R

shiftable chainguide. Evil DRS...:)