Mountain Biking - I need a frame.

This is my first "I need a..." thread, so, yeah. Anyway my ol' 99 Hardrock frame is rusty. Literally. It has the new '09 XT drivetrain, DT wheels, and all, so it definitely out performs many higher end bikes. It needs to look up to that. I'm considering:

a. Get frame powder coated one color. $140.
b. Live with it
c. Get a nice new frame for it

C is what I really want to do. I think that would be fun. Something lighter, as well. Current is Cromoly.

Any suggestions? I want to keep it under 500. Preferably a lot under 500. I use it for cross country use, but I want to be able to throw it around. I don't know what the bike is meant to handle, but I often go down large flights of stairs and off drops around 3 - 4 feet. I need something that will continue to be able to do so.

18 or so inch frame. Prefer it to work with an 80mm fork so I don't have to get a new one.
I'd like a full suspension but obviously I'd have to find something on sale.
This looks okay: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1062451_-1_400314_400001_400333, but how much abuse could that take?
Same for this: http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1062457_-1_400314_400001_400333
Thanks.

Trek Elite 98 Frame 17.5" Silver/Black $1,400.00 $ 499.95 Lancaster, PA 717-394-8998

You can get a brand new carbn frame for $500. This model is from 2005 I believe. Call Bikeline, make sure that Trek will still give a lifetime warranty on the frame, and then ask Bikeline to ship it out to you since you are a 2.5 hr drive away.

http://bikeline.com/page.cfm?PageID=58

Have a look at this Leader Frame along with a Review.

http://www.leaderbikestore.com/pd_ld_516h.cfm
http://www.mtbr.com/cat/bikes/xc-hardtail/leader-bike/ld-516h/PRD_365159_1527crx.aspx

I do not want carbon. My road bike is carbon. That's enough. I don't want to worry about crashing or slamming the bottom bracket into a step.. which I seem to do fairly often. That leader frame actually looks great.

1. don't you work at a shop that isn't performance?
2. i would not recommend slamming an aluminum bb shell into a concrete step either.

most manufacturers will guarantee their carbon is just as strong as alloy, if not stronger- unless it is from a side impact.
but any side impact that would crack carbon would dent aluminum, and i would not ride a dented aluminum frame either.

I do, but Giant (only brand we sell currently) Doesn't have any sub $500 frames, even at cost. Except the STP but that's dj or whatever, not what I want.

I kind of want to stick to steel, no worries. But I also want it lightish; obviously not gonna get both for my price, if at all. And it's more like scraping the steps, rather than a hard impact. Either way scraping + carbon don't seem like a great combination.

you could try and find a jamis exile like i got from jenson for 199, it's steel.

It's single speed specific. Can you use geared with those drop outs? Honestly I'm not sure. Looks decent though.

U want a light XC frame?

OnOne Scandal

ya, the frame came with a derailuer (sp?) hanger that will fits over the axle so it moves with the wheel.

Since you seem handy, why not buy a used bike, then strip it and build it up with your own parts? (and re-sell anything you don't need). *cough* signature *cough* *cough* I'm not too far*cough* from MD*cough*

Your link provides neither pictures, nor details.

The Trek Elite 98 should serve you good.

Any communication that is off-topic can always be done by PM.

U want a light XC frame?

OnOne Scandal

Looks nice but not cheap enough. I still owe my boss near 800 for the new roadie :innocent:

i went from a hard rock to a on-one inbred and i am very happy. i had my lbs order me the frame and only paid $325 for it. other frames in the price range that i liked where the soma groove and the voodoo wanga.

here is my inbred
http://i127.photobucket.com/albums/p125/kcullan/Bikes/inbred2.jpg