Which bike should I buy?

[droenn]

Allegedly.

 

[Calvin27]

$3.5k is still good value in today’s market.

Bit too steep for my liking. Remember the market is munted and even parts are hard to get. I built a bike during late covid lockdown and it was terrible relative to the other times I've done a build.

 

[leitch]

So what you're telling us is that the hobo that hangs out at the Buninyong bus stop gave great bang for the buck wristies, then jacked up his prices, and you aren't feeling twice as satisfied. Allegedly.

It's a real seller's market. The better he gets, the more he can charge, and the less time it takes.

 

[Mr Crudley]

Reminds me of the hobo at the bus stop that gave great wristies to regulars on the cheap, then became more popular, doubled his price, and didn’t to twice as good a job...
Allegedly.

Makes sense why someone may or may not not get their drivers licence until their late 40s and keep riding the bus, allegedly.

 

[moorey]

So what you're telling us is that the hobo that hangs out at the Buninyong bus stop gave great bang for the buck wristies, then jacked up his prices, and you aren't feeling twice as satisfied. Allegedly.

Yes. Allegedly.

 

[Asininedrivel]

Given versatility is a priority and it'll be used for commuting a hardtail would be ideal. Get a steel one, or a Paradox because shiny.

This would be my choice: https://www.stantonbikes.com/product/sherpa-gen-3/

Bit pricey (although less so with the AUD being pretty strong atm). Still do Taiwanese made frames which are a bit cheaper.

 

[Minlak]

Get a Steel Norco Torrent - covers all the bases

 

[creaky]

Get a Steel Norco Torrent - covers all the bases

View attachment 371988

A very good option for the purposes stated by @johnny I reckon, given he has a trail dually already.

Plus the parts kit is good so, worst-case, could be swapped to a different frame in the future if needs/wants change.

 

[johnny]

I do like the look of that Stanton that @Asininedrivel posted, although I do have a problem with buying a bike I cannot at least sit on first to check that it's the right size for me. The inability to walk into a shop and even lay eyes on a bike that I'd like to buy is even more infuriating than proprietary standards.

I've only ever owned one steel frame and it was an anchor. I've been aiming at Al, Ti or carbon. Should I be putting steel into the mix as well?

 

[Dales Cannon]

I do like the look of that Stanton that @Asininedrivel posted, although I do have a problem with buying a bike I cannot at least sit on first to check that it's the right size for me. The inability to walk into a shop and even lay eyes on a bike that I'd like to buy is even more infuriating than proprietary standards.

I've only ever owned one steel frame and it was an anchor. I've been aiming at Al, Ti or carbon. Should I be putting steel into the mix as well?

I think so.

 

[pink poodle]

The steel is real. The few steel frames I've r owned haven't been heavier than similar style frames.

 

[Plankosaurus]

I do like the look of that Stanton that @Asininedrivel posted, although I do have a problem with buying a bike I cannot at least sit on first to check that it's the right size for me. The inability to walk into a shop and even lay eyes on a bike that I'd like to buy is even more infuriating than proprietary standards.

I've only ever owned one steel frame and it was an anchor. I've been aiming at Al, Ti or carbon. Should I be putting steel into the mix as well?

I'd be curious to see the weight difference in the same frame geo and build strength steel vs aluminium. I really doubt it'd make as much of a difference as some people think. Steel is heavier, but its also stronger and doesn't need to be as thick for the same strength.

And then you get the rigidity, aluminium basically doesn't flex, where steel has a little bit of compliance. It doesn't make it like suspension, but it does take a little edge off sharp chatter. I was a sceptic till I rode a decent steel hardtail, there's definitely something to it.

Sent from my H8324 using Tapatalk

 

[beeb]

A good steel frame will typically gain a few hundred grams over an equivalent strength aluminium frame. Small penalty for the improved ride quality IMO.

 

[PJO]

If you've been watching Hardtail Party on YouTube he has been reviewing the Ragley Big Al and Big Wig. Identical in Geo but different frame material. The steel Big Wig is 1.5 pounds heavier than the Big Al.
Only time a steel frame is as light as aluminium is when the more expensive steel alloys are used. Your standard CrMo frame will be heavier. Whether you notice it when riding is up for debate...

 

[safreek]

Go vintage and get a Santa cruz super 8.

I'll have one

 

[Minlak]

Had a Trans-Am in steel - sold it - later bought the Torrent and wished I kept the AM - Nothing do with Geo or rideability I loved the Torrent too - The steel had less trail chatter - so was super excited when they started offering the Torrent in steel.

 

[Dales Cannon]

Had a Trans-Am in steel - sold it - later bought the Torrent and wished I kept the AM - Nothjnbbtk do with Geo or rideablity I loved the Torrent to - The steel had less trail chatter - so was super excited when they started offering the Torrent in steel.

You need another new bike. Been hours since you ordered one.

 

[Minlak]

You need another new bike. Been hours since you ordered one.

Have 2 on the way - Made a new rule to wait til they arrive to order the next one - This Dreadnaught is going to be sick

 

[caad9]

Surely a Kona Honzo is in the sweet spot for your requirements?
I reckon a dually is too expensive to keep running for commuting/towing duties.

I've had super expensive carbon bikes, alloy bikes and now a steel bike.
I'm sold on steel

 

[Asininedrivel]

Should I be putting steel into the mix as well?

As others here have said: yes.

A steel hardtail is probably the most versatile bike you can buy imo. Doubt you'd notice the extra weight over alloy, and the other advantage is even cheap shitty steel frames I've ridden still have great compliance.