Mountain Biking - US handmade steel

I am looking to replace my current Specialized M2 frame with steel. I used to ride a Bontrager and loved it more than anything. The only problem was I grew and the bike didn't. The question I pose is this: Does anyone know of a US maker that hand builds their frames from quality steel that does not charge an arm and a leg for the frame. I have all the components needed to build the bike, so I just need the frame. Also, the more obscure the manufacturer, the better. I like to support small businesses whenever I can. Thank you all for you time.

Life is a journey, enjoy the RIDE.

sofaking frames are pretty sweet, and they're great guys to work with.

www.chainwheel.com

hit up some of your LBS's and see what they say. You wont get an unbiased answer, but you will be able to see whats out there

I am looking to replace my current Specialized M2 frame with steel. I used to ride a Bontrager and loved it more than anything. The only problem was I grew and the bike didn't. The question I pose is this: Does anyone know of a US maker that hand builds their frames from quality steel that does not charge an arm and a leg for the frame. I have all the components needed to build the bike, so I just need the frame. Also, the more obscure the manufacturer, the better. I like to support small businesses whenever I can. Thank you all for you time.

Life is a journey, enjoy the RIDE.

Try Wade at Vulture Cycles http://www.vulturecycles.com/home.html

Totally custom steel frames. A friend has one of his singlespeed frames and it is GOOD. $700 for a geared frame, $500 for singlespeed with EBB.

Gunnar
http://www.gunnarbikes.com/data/mainframe.htm

http://www.ritcheylogic.com/

what about our good buddy, thyalcine(sp?) I he makes frames, right? define "an arm and a leg"...

Vicious Cycles, Independent Fabrications, Rock Lobster, Sycip, Strong Frames, BREW, .....there are MANY to choose from. Maybe one in your area.

BTW, did you know Gunnar is/are the Old Schwinn? Not the Sold out Schwinn, but the now Waterford Schwinn making mountain frames under the Gunnar name!

L8R

Depends on what you call an arm and a leg price??

http://www.strongframes.com

Vicious Cycles, Independent Fabrications, Rock Lobster, Sycip, Strong Frames, BREW, .....there are MANY to choose from. Maybe one in your area.

BTW, did you know Gunnar is/are the Old Schwinn? Not the Sold out Schwinn, but the now Waterford Schwinn making mountain frames under the Gunnar name!

L8R


FYI: Gunnar is the dog's name.

Does Lenoard Zinn make steel frames?

Strong Frames: Heck, that headbadge is worth a couple hundred by itself. I'm a sucker for cool head badges!

L8R

Strong Frames: Heck, that headbadge is worth a couple hundred by itself. I'm a sucker for cool head badges!

L8R

Yea buddy! The cool thing is they are in my, " back yard."

If I am ever in finacial shape to purchase a custom bike, I'll be driving down to Bozeman to be fitted in person. A STRONG is my dream road bike.http://www.strongframes.com

Bontragers are one of my all time faves. Naturally, if you are on a budget, why not scour ebay for a second hand or a NOS one?

If you want obscure, I'm about as obscure as they come *laugh* ( Thanks for the plug, Phatman ). Granted, I am an Aussie so I don't technically qualify as an American, but what the heck, here, have some spam ( Spam is American, right? )-

http://www.thylacinecycles.com/gallery

Now, when not blowing my own horn, I'd have to recommend a couple of builders. Don Ferris at Anvil makes a mean frame, as does Mike DeSalvo, Carl Strong et al.

Personally, I can't recommend buying a frame much under about US$1000 ( I'm talking custom here ), because I think they're just not in the same league as the boutique builders and not as good as the old Bontragers in many cases, so in some ways you'd be trading down. Probably harsh, but an extra couple of hundred dollars makes a big difference, especially when you consider that capital goes into reinvesting in the framebuilder of your choice - meaning better quality welding, tooling, jigs...hence...a better frame. Sustainability and growth is a beautiful thing. :)

I love my Deep Cove "Handjob" www.covebike.com , I know they're not American made (Canadian), but they use Reynolds steel. I paid about $360 for mine from www.jensonusa.com. I did the same thing you're looking to do and am very satisfied with the bike. If you insist on American, Strong and Surly have some great options.

steelman cycles made by brent steelman

Well, I have the answer to your problem and probably all the mountain bike problems that deal with a frame that you'll ever have, Granted it may cost you a little more than you want to spend, but hey, if you want the best and something that will last you till the day you die, there is only one option. That is an Independent Fabrication steel or Ti deluxe. These bikes are the top of the line hardtail and are second to none. nobody knows custom bikes like the boys at IF. First of all, aluminum is the biggest bunch of scrap metal ever made, I wrap my left overs in aluminum. Aluminum is a pain in the ass, literally. So you already have seen the light saying you want steel. Check out the IF website at IFBIKES.com .

Well, I have the answer to your problem and probably all the mountain bike problems that deal with a frame that you'll ever have...blah blah.....That is an Independent Fabrication steel or Ti deluxe. These bikes are the top of the line hardtail and are second to none.....blah blah....I wrap my left overs in aluminum...blah blah blah.

*LMAO*

GREAT sense of humour! :D