What do you think is the best hardtail XC frame for the money? Please do not list Giant, Trek, Specalized or hi-end TI. Thanks, I need to build up a new bike.

I think the Jamis hardtail frames are great and you can find a couple for cheap here:
http://www.jensonusa.com/store/sub.aspx?i=536

I own a Jamis Exile frame built up with mid-level components (full Deore, Avid V's, Mavic rims, etc) and I am very happy with it!

Murry, but if you can afford it, splurge and get yourself a top of the line Huffy with all the bells and whistles (I do mean literally get the bells an whistles too)

I personally have been lusting over this among a few others...

Pace RC300F1https://www.pacecycles.com/ProdIms/440.jpg

... and combined with this fork, would make for a killer hardtail.

Pace RC31https://www.pacecycles.com/ProdIms/433.jpg

I'm not sure it's the best but I'm also not sure that's a valid question in the first place.

Why not? Because most people have posted their love of these already, I am looking for info on frames from other than the big3.

khoun, are there any other pictures of the frame available?

i'm a big fan of the titus riddler it's a great frame for the price 600.

I like Cannondale hardtails. :o

Here's a Pace RC300 built up with what looks to be a Pace RC36 suspension fork with remote lockout.

I'm not sure why they don't get the love here, but Rocky Mountain hardtail frames (at least the ones made by Easton) are outstanding.

If anyone wants a super cheap pair of RC36 ProClass2 forks, 2001/2 model, NIB ex-demo - email me at info@thylacinecycles.com :)

oh yeah, jamis hardtails are sweet, especially the dragon. im a jamis owner myself, and i love it.

Independent Fabrications Ti frame!!!

L8R

Here's a link: http://www.ifbikes.com/frames2/tideluxe.shtml

L8R

..only in dreams

He asked for best hardtail for the money. He didn't specify how much of it!!!! I was drooling over the single speed shown on the website. Yummmmy!

L8R

Ritchey Niti, $800+? US for frame. How fast do you want to go? Or Swiss cross, not sure of the geom.

go for some cannondale or merida

The Santa Cruz Chameleon. Solid as a rock!

http://www.santacruzbikes.com/bicycles/chameleon.php

I think the best is Scott racing frame, its already making a big show on the XC racing scene and it should be easier to obtain next year! Awesomely light and fast, only 2.5lbs!

But best for the money would be a easton ultralite frame, like a kinesis or Coyote....hope that helps

I have been looking to retire my Schwinn Homegrown frame. I have looked and found a couple of ideas, just can't decide what to replace "my precious" with.

1. Aibourne
2. Surly Instegator or Karate Monkey
3. Somafab (chromo)
4. Salsa

So many options out there, I am wonder if anyone is riding on a new version of VOODOO. Wonder how well those are getting made now.

Ovrpriced for hat they offer. At least thats why I don't give them any love. But then again when I think of rocky mountain bikes i think of the RM series and the overpriced flow. The rest might be good pricing...

As for helping this thread. Sorry I don't know much about xc bikes. And I would probably recommend one of the companies you named anyways considering I don't generally like indie boutique priced bikes.

Of the manufacturers you listed, the only bikes I have test ridden was from Salsa but that was a long time ago... back in 1992. It was a custom frame built for a friend of mine. It rode wonderfully... tracked very nice and was fast and nimble. I know that Salsa only lives on in name and that the company is really no longer the same as it once was. Another manufacturer you may wish to add to the list is Rock Lobster. They are one of the few (from the era of Ibis, Mountain Goat, Mantis, etc) that have survived to today in full "authenticity".

some of the higher end rock lobster frames look damn nice, and the viscious cycles metal guru looks good as well