Originally Posted by
HuffyMaster3000
I've been lurking but I'm new here.
I am looking to build a bike; MTB/commuter/ trail with hard tail.
I'm not sure if I want to go with steel,alloy or ti; it depends on which frames the coop has.
I'm looking for a late 90's to mid 2000's frame with aggressive geometry. I'm not really looking for comfort just light weight.
I don't really want to spend more than $100 but I'm not expecting to find one more that that where I'm looking.
When it comes to steel I don't know witch frames are double and triple butted. I know stumpjumpers and some jamis are but what about scotts, GT, pacific, bridge stone, etc.
I know there's steel used in frames like columbus and reynoldsbut how you determine quality when you are at a coop looking at random frames.
...based on what you have written here, find someone knowledgeable to help you figure out a frame at the co-op that fits your anatomy. Anything else is gravy, in a co-op environment. You might have some unrealistic expectations. They're probably based on a mix of what you've read on the internet, and a rich fantasy life. Good luck. I'm sure something that will work for you is out there, somewhere.
"Building Up" a bicycle, from a bare frame, using stuff (the miscellaneous stuff hanging around at the average bike co-op,) is absolutely the worst way to take advantage of one. Most of them have complete bikes that have been donated, and they're often priced reasonably. Just make sure you buy one that is the proper size, and stop worrying about frame material.