could it be.....
 

I am trying to find a cheap frame for a XC oriented all mountain set up. Santa Cruz Chameleon is my dream frame for the project....but that has to wait for a while.....so, for the mean time I want to build it around either a Rockhopper frame or this one...

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/149...adow-Frame.htm

do you think this frame will suit that kind of build up or am I just kidding myself......any thoughts ideas....

the terrain I am riding has some climb and short down hill sections...nothing too tecnical......I am trying to achieve a more upright positing (more than my XC bike) but more efficient in climbing than some of the jumbing bikes....

please help me with this one....

What kind of dough are you willing to cough up?

Richard's Bicycles in Palos Heights, IL has some sweet deals on the Jamis Dakar XC (100mm) and XLT (125mm) rear travel frames. Good Shop.
XC http://rbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?ca...andasc&id=8813
XLT http://rbikes.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=5172

wow!!! those are some good deals.....the only problem is that I want a hardtail frame.....full suspensions are not my thing....at least not now....probably after the first major knee surgery....

You say that now, but your back will be thanking you later. Trust me on that one!

I will do that when my time comes.....for now I will just play stupid....I stupidly and religiously believe that hardtails are the most efficient and responsive bikes for XC style riding......it also makes you a better rider....not preaching to you... just talking out loud...

You aren't yelling, you're just saying...

The Nashbar 853 steel frame looks good. Price is right too.

A Salsa Ala Carte would be very nice. Jenson has them for around $600.

For ubercheap, you could go with a Performance XCL frame for around $120. I've looked at them and they aren't bad for that price. Heck, you could get 3 so you'd have spares.

+1. With good tires and good technique, XC HT 4 teh win!!! :D