Mountain Biking - Mountain Frame

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Xilant
10-14-04, 10:13 AM
I need a bit of help here. I’m looking into buying a new mountain frame but there is a few I was looking at. So far there are 3 I’m interested in, the Rocky Mountain ETSX 50, Kona Dawg Primo and the Ellsworth Joker XC. I’m going to use this bike primarily on mountains, hop rocks a few little drop (nothing big, just 2 – 3 foot) climbs and decends. Right now, the one that I prefer is the ETSX because of the near vertical travel which would help a lot going over the rocks and crap and I read great reviews about it on mtbr. The weight is also an issue; I’d prefer it to be below 6.5 lbs. I know that the Dawg weighs over 7 but I don’t mind going over 7 if you think this frame is better. If there are other frames I didn’t mention that you might think would be good, please let me know, thanks.

DjRider04
10-14-04, 10:44 AM
how much you got to spend? :D:D
Xilant
10-14-04, 11:16 AM
The 3 frames I'm looking at are all on sale since they're 2004, old stock. so about 800 to 1200 would be good. That pretty much limits me to those 3 frames, and the santa cruz heckler.

rasheed
10-14-04, 11:39 AM
sounds like you're looking for a good strong all-mountain/trail bike... of the frames you've mentioned, i'd personally opt for the heckler. great all arounder that can handle some rough stuff.
a2psyklnut
10-14-04, 12:00 PM
The Heckler or Specialize Enduro!

Enduro's are a great frame, great geometry, at a great price. If you more of a "Custom" frame, consider:

If you are lighter, consider a 575 from Yeti.

The Mountain Cycle SLiX frame is a great all around frame.

You can get a Turner Burner New for under a Grand! Turner makes a GREAT bike.

You could probably find a Used Titus for your budget! Great bike!
Xilant
10-14-04, 03:59 PM
Alright, most people here seem to go for the Heckler. They have it at cambriabike and they also carry the medium size which i like. Just one thing though Cambriabike can either put a Fox Float RL or a 5Th element Coil or air shock. I'm leaning towards the Fox cause of the low weight and lock out feature. Does anyone here know how much the 5th element coil weighs, I've read that it's some 930 grams or so with a steel coil, is that the correct weight? Which shock do you think I should go with?
hooligan
10-14-04, 04:17 PM
How much do you have to spend for the fork? :P:D
Xilant
10-14-04, 04:30 PM
As for the fork I'm thinking of getting Marzocchi Marathon SL, it should be able to handle what I plan to use the bike for.
jeff williams
10-14-04, 04:48 PM
Maelstrom (BF member) and a local rider both warned me the Ellsworth Joker were light, prone to damage. (I had a lead, was interested).
I still dig their ht frames tho-.