slimbo77

I'm currently looking to build up a decent hardtail xc. I aint got room to keep more than one bike (live in a small flat)... so I'm looking for a frame that can take racks if I want to use the bike for light touring.

So far I've got SLX drive train and shifters; Avid bb7 brakes - 160mm front; 185mm rear; Rockshox Reba SL forks; I was hoping to hang all this on a Charge Duster frame, but this doesn't have rack mounts... Can anyone recommend a steel xc frame in the same sort of price range (£300-ish) that's got mounts? Or can anyone testify to how well p-clamps or other attachments for racks work. Can they take a reasonable amount of weight? (50lbs?).

Also, is it a mistake to go for mag wheels? I know these used to be considered pretty sub-standard (and to be honest, I'm thinking of looks here) - but are the current mags still not so good?

Cheers
S77

cobba

Orange P7 - £450: https://www.orangebikes.co.uk/bikes/2010/p7_frame/
On-One Inbred & 456 - £150: https://www.on-one-shop.co.uk/acatalog/Frames.html

slimbo77

Thanks Cobba - I'll check these out.



Do you know how these do strength wise? I'm a 200lbs + rider, so aint too bothered about an extra kilo here and there on my bike - but strength is an issue. I've cracked a couple of frames (albeit, not brilliant ones). I've killed a Marin Bobcat and a Specialized Hardrock - both cracked at the chainstay join. I have considered full suss on account of this, but prefer the feel of hardtails, and I do quite a bit of commuting/ road riding.



The Orange P7 is sweet, but maybe just a little outside my budget... Do you know how solid the On-one frames are? On the plus side, I suppose it's less cash down the drain if I was to prang another one!