DCB0

I am considering getting a new frame to replace that of my heavily modified CCM Torino 76, which I believe has a serious corrosion issues - I already brazed a patch over a split in the DS seatsaty, and the other day I noticed the NDS chainstay has a 7" long line of rust showing through the paint that I believe to be the seam of the tube.

THe LBS in the next town has a 23" (XXL) 2011 Specialized Rockhopper Comp with sliding rear dropouts and a SR Suntour XCR fork and basic Tektro hydraulic disk brakes for a good price, and I think this would make the perfect platform for my Alfine 8 drivetrain. THe Rockhopper comes with (I think) Alivio components, which are not bad, but I wouldn't trust the Specialized brand freehub so I would likely never use the bike in its stock configuration.
But my main concern is the Suntour fork. I weigh ~260 lbs right now (dropping weight since I changed my diet to deal with my type II diabetes diagnosis) and I ride technical singletrack pretty often, and I would likely want to use the new bike for that purpose as well.

The other option would be a Surly Ogre frameset and the balance of parts would come out of my fairly extensive half-built bike collection. A couple of parts I would still have to buy. This option would leave me with a rigid drop bar adventure mtb, which could nicely compliment my fleet that already includes a front suspension Ti mtb.

I probably have a few months or more before the Torino 76 bites the dust completely, (and I may just wind up fixing whatever goes wrong if and when that happens), but do any of you have any opinons on the Suntour fork and its suitability for an aggressive clyde in real off-roa conditions? What about the Surly frame?

Any and all opinons welcome.

Hill-Pumper

The Suntour fork for a non-Clyde is suspect, so I'd pass unless you plan on update it in the future. Personally, the Ogre sounds like a lot of fun with your idea of drop bars. It would be like a 26' cross bike which would something different. It might not be the best single track choice, but it looks like you have that covered. Just my humble opinion though.

DCB0

Thanks for the comment. The whole parts kit on the Specialized is suspect to me, not just the fork. I only consider it because I would be removing the drivetrain and using my Alfine 8 speed IGH. I doubt the Specialized-brand hubs would last a whole season. My buddy just got his much more expensive FSR bike back that had both the Specialized-specific freehub and Specialized specific shok '***** the bed' after less than a season of riding. But since the fork specifically would likely be a bad choice for me I think it is a non-starter.

THe Ogre is actually designed around 700C (29"). My plan is to swap most of the parts from my elderly Torino 76 onto the Ogre, and use the headset and seatpost from my decommissioned touring frame.

green427

Suntour is kind of near the bottom of the food chain according to many folks on this site, but will serve its purpose. I have a Suntour fork on my hybrid, and so far it has not given me any trouble...then again, I weigh less than 200lbs.

LarDasse74

Good point. My ti mountain bike actually has an RST suspension fork - although a better quality model that was not widely distributed - and most people familiar with RST wouldn't consider it an appropriate brand for a high-end bike.

It bears repeating: just because a particular manufacturer is known for making bad (or good) quality products, does not preclude any particular product made by that manufacturer being good (or bad).

I still think the SR Suntour fork in question would not meet my performance expectations.

Hill-Pumper

Obviously, I am not familiar the Ogre, what is the benefit of using its frame verses something along the lines of the Cross Check which is meant for drop bars?

LarDasse74

THe Cross check made it to my 'short list.' I need a frame with horizontal dropouts (or some other chain tensioning mechanism), and a long enough head tube that I think I can get the bars high enough without 9" of spacers. I think the Cross Check would work, the Steelwool Tweed would be cool, too. But I like the idea of using 29X2.35 or so tires if I choose. And disk brakes might be nice, if not when I get the bike, but sometime in the future.

Hill-Pumper

Interesting, sounds sort of like the Kona Dew Drop that is no longer made. I actually considered buying one, but opted for my Jake for the intended purpose at the time. I certainly understand the the idea of disk brakes and wish that I could put them on the Jake. That said, I have upgraded my canti's well enough to keep me satisfied for now. Regardless of what you do, be sure to post up pics of the finale result.

LarDasse74

I will. I still have a lot of riding to do on the Torino 76 before I need or have the cash to buy a new frame or bike, too.