Frame Weight 4bar FR 160+mm?

[Ro]

Bored with XC, researching for a FR rig. Im after a 4 bar/VPP style rear linkage with 160+mm travel. Preference is for light weight so can still climb and only need single crown forks. Seems like theres plenty options out there VPFree($), Banshee Scream(weight), Iron horse, Norco shore(heavy?). Prob look for 2nd hand setups once decided. Trying to keep total build $ below 3k. Thought I would see if anyone else has done this, frame recommendations? with weights anyone (small sizes)? Cheers in advance.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>mm>>>>>>>>kg
*Transition Dirtbag------170----------3.6 w/o shock (to the head of the class!!)
*VP Free (07)-----------215----------3.9/4.3 w Fox DHX Air/coil
*Ellsworth Rogue--------8"------------??
*Brodie Pariah-----------6"------------??
*Yeti ASX (07 med)------185---------4.1 w/o shock
*Banshee Chaparrel------178---------4.334
*Banshee Scream (06)---203---------5.4 w/o shock
*Norco Shore 2 (07)-----189---------19.5kg built
*Norco Six--------------165----------?
*Cove STD--------------
*Intense 6.6-------------170----------3.3kg
*Rocky Mts Switch-------178----------4.96 (2007)

[BLAKE-2234]

norco sixes i think they have 160 mm or watever 6 inches is yer that would be a good choice ive seen people downhilling them

[fleshbone]

I think u'd be lucky to get the vp free and asx set up for ubder 3gz.Look at the new cove std or the intense 6.6 ss.Not sure on sizes but check their sites.Going cheap the norco would'nt be too bad to work with.

[rayza]

I think u'd be lucky to get the vp free and asx set up for ubder 3gz.Look at the new cove std or the intense 6.6 ss.Not sure on sizes but check their sites.Going cheap the norco would'nt be too bad to work with.

im pretty sure the intense and cove are gona be just as if not more expensive than the yeti or SC. the cove std was going for $3995 for FRAME only.
i'd consider checking out giant's reign X1. sounds about right for what your looking for. and if you can find one im pretty sure you could pick a new one up for under $3k. sure its not boutique but its quality with great spec for your $$

[bodgie]

If your worried about the weight on the banshee scream why not go a banshee caparrel. Still plenty of travel but a bit toned down from the scream.

[Ro]

yeah good specs on the giants, but Im in no hurry n dont wanna focus on the $ yet, basically just want a hit list of frames to look out for. Chaparrel looks sweat too, pretty much what Im after, but cant see a frame weight? 7"

[bodgie]

If you want details on the banshees ask user xxiv he's the importer of them. You might also want to look at a couple of the transition frames, the dirtbag looks good, im tossing up between that and the chaparral for a new frame next ear. The transitions are also fairly cheap.

EDIT: Hey just found the weight for the chaparral frame from one of my old threads - 07 one is 4.334kg

[Brynn]

Hey
Although seen as more of an all mountain bike here in aus, the SC Nomad is also within the 160mm+ range, and very capable. The angles are just a little tighter than on the VP Free and the wheelbase is a little shorter, making the bike more flickable. The frame will still accomidate for forks up to 180mm. Will climb better than a VP too, and will also be lighter. Just depends on what you want to do with it. If your smooth and dont go huge, then this could be another option. Mmmm just think of those smooth curvy lines.

Oh and on the $$$ front, when I was in the hunt for a frame (Gemini) earlier this year I found that even with postage it was oftern cheaper to by a second hand frame from the US than here in Australia.

Cheers
Bryn

[greasy reas]

LOOK AT THE SANTACRUZ NOMAD as i think that might be what u are after

[NICK ATKINS]

They sure are sweet frames

[BLAKE-2234]

have a looki at the iron horse 6 and 7 point series bikes they look the shiz and are exactly what you are looking for

[Sethius]

just another option for you out there if you decide to spread your options alil more widely.

http://www.brodiebikes.com/2007/2007_bikes/pariah.php

you'll be riding up and down no issues.

[santonelli]

If money is not an issue then the Ellsworth Rogue is a freeride bike that I would be happy spending the $'s on

http://www.ellsworthbikes.com/bikes/rogue/default.aspx

[MrCove]

don't forget the Cove G-Spot either
6" rear, concentric swingarm pivot, Easton front triangle, full seattube