FLV wrote: ↑Mon Mar 22, 2021 2:06 pm
I now have a Carbon Chameleon. Its still light at 1750g (so Ti or slightly lighter may be comparable perhaps) in a large but certainly not Highball light. It clears 29x2.4 no problems on 28mm internal rims. I am told by the internet that its too stiff, but I do not find this to be an issue. It is not as stiff as the older highball, nor as stiff as a newest Karate Monkey.
I find with 2.4s I really like the ride quality. But, in the defence of the internet, it may feel different for my 97kg frame than for a 65kg race whippet.

For SS if that was a concern, the carbon is best limited to a 34t front ring. I have gears on it now but rode it SS in the dead of winter. The slidey dropouts are ok, but not on par with Salsa Alternators.

From what I have read, the Aluminium frame is also very very good. Well designed and nice to ride with a minor weight penalty of about 350g - 600g? weight source (https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes ... 29-review/) Its also HALF the price of a carbon one. Both are significantly cheaper than a highball and in my opinion more versatile.

There's lots of talk about materials and flex and ride quality and durability etc etc on't web. Its more about correct design for purpose in the chosen material for me.

With regard build quality, after a few frames in recent years with poorer quality of finish the Chameleon was refreshing. Everything as it should be. I haven't had it more than about 700km but so far I really like it.

Both

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:12 pm New Stooge when they're available?

Landslide wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:16 pm [Engages "recommend what you already have" mode]

Cotic Solaris? I've found mine very good for bikepacking duties, and Trep is similarly enamoured with hers.
The longshot geo is very stable when chucking it down the local steeps. It seems pretty keen to stay planted on the trail, not a bike that pops off every little bump. Cotic claim 2.4kg for the frame, so it's not super heavy for steel (and bear in mind you'll not be lugging an extra 2.5kg around, you can knock off the weight of your existing frame!).

Existing Hope wheels, and 11s XT should sit very nicely, I'd have thought. They're pretty standard in terms of the components they'll take, so minimal fuss to swap over?

faustus wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:25 pm I think getting something in stock will be the main problem! I enquired about a chameleon AL frame a month ago and the 2022 model isn't expected until September at least (and will probably sell-out on pre-order). Other options:

On-one big dog or Scandal (not at current prices!)
Sonder signal (Ti or ST)
Kona Honzo DL
Orange clockwork
Stanton Sherpa or Switch9er
Canyon Stoic
Nukeproof Scout
Ragley Big Al
Stiff Squatch

Some are pretty slack and long travel (more than 130mm), and modern steel frames are pretty hefty

ssnowman wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 4:43 pm A few that piqued my interest when I was looking:

Esker Hayduke
Nordest Sardinha
Veloheld Iron

Aren't they designed to be used with a rigid fork rather than suspension?

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:35 pm

Aren't they designed to be used with a rigid fork rather than suspension?

They are built round a rigid fork but many people do fir sus' forks to them.

Alec wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:14 pm I have the pipedream sirius and have to say it's lovely.
I got it with their rigid fork as it is massively capable round a trail centre and I would assume for bikepacking aswell (I haven't used it in this role).
For 2k I'd get the frame and their rigid fork then a suspension fork as well (something a bit burlyer than a 32mm xc fork e.g. fox 34 new rs sid in 35mm) and keep the 11 speed.

The only disadvantage is the sizing, I am around 6,1 and right on the top limit as the seat tube is very short, I have a 200mm dropper plus 150-200mm of post out of the frame.

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:35 pm

Aren't they designed to be used with a rigid fork rather than suspension?

They are built round a rigid fork but many people do fir sus' forks to them.

Bearbonesnorm wrote: ↑Fri Jun 11, 2021 7:54 am I'm fairy sure the new ones are tapered Shawn ... but could be wrong.

Nah ec34. I actually mailed them this week, Mk5 in August and scramblers next spring. Not an easy bike to actually buy!

htrider wrote: ↑Thu Jun 10, 2021 10:21 pm I think the Cotic Solaris would be my choice had I not disappeared down the Jones rabbit hole. I nearly bought a first gen one but was put off by the lack of tyre clearance. The latest one addresses that as well as having more fun geo. Its probably too long for me but I suspect would be a hoot on a techy descent. Cotic seem a very good firm to deal with and the weight penalty over an ally frame will only be 300-500gs I guess.