x-post. I know, a stupid question, but are most steel frames pretty much comparable in stregnth? I know there are different factors, as far as material, and thickness, but in xc riding would any steel frame make do? I wanted to biuld a steel hardtail for xc riding. I eventually want an on one, but as a budget build with most of the parts being spares I had in the garage, I bought for $40 otd, a schwinn frontier steel hardtail frame. The whole build cost about $150. The welds look good, and the frame looks and feels sturdy. My concern is how well it will hold up. So what makes this frame different from any other(non custom) steel hardtail?

x-post. I know, a stupid question, but are most steel frames pretty much comparable in stregnth? I know there are different factors, as far as material, and thickness, but in xc riding would any steel frame make do? I wanted to biuld a steel hardtail for xc riding. I eventually want an on one, but as a budget build with most of the parts being spares I had in the garage, I bought for $40 otd, a schwinn frontier steel hardtail frame. The whole build cost about $150. The welds look good, and the frame looks and feels sturdy. My concern is how well it will hold up. So what makes this frame different from any other(non custom) steel hardtail?
No. The specific tubing--alloy, wall thickness, diameter--and how it is used can be used to make everything from an ultra-light mini-BMX frame for a 50 pound rider to a tandem for 300 pound riders and loaded touring (and beyond).

It is not a one-size fits all material. No material used for bicycles is, either. The same principals apply. The material needs to be chosen and designed for the specific use intended for the frame and price point.

No idea what your frame is but it is probably a budget bike. Heavy, cheap but fairly durable.

Thanks for the response. Here are some pictures. It has a sticker that says cro-mo hi tens.

Thanks for the response. Here are some pictures. It has a sticker that says cro-mo hi tens.
Cheap and heavy. The complete bike probably sold for ~$250. It is also likely to be 5-8 years old. The new version is aluminum.

Just ride it and have fun.

Looks like a good bike for $150, it should serve you well.

Looks like a good bike for $150, it should serve you well.

Well, I spent a total of $40 on the frame from e-bay, so I cant complain. I thought any steel frame will have the same feel, or ride effect(smoother then alum). As I found out from the other post, this thing will ride like an alum ht. Not was I was going for, but like I said, I cant complain. I really do like the look of the frame, so its not to bad of a disappointment.

I mean I guess you could say its $150... but if I had to buy all the parts from ebay... dang =P

I mean I guess you could say its $150... but if I had to buy all the parts from ebay... dang =P


I had most of the parts laying around already. I just needed the frame, rear der, and brake levers. If I dont like it, I am just going to replace the frame, thats why I dont feel to bad about this.

actually the new bike sold for $220(or has the last few years) we sold a ton of them because they're cheaper than all hell, with very basic parts and a rigid fork(sus fork comes on the $260 model though). other than being pretty heavy, i bet it rides okay.