I think Brodie and Norco do but not sure. There probably isn't much of a market for it. So many people want lots of travel, more is better sort of thing. I'm using my AL Addict Cycles frame for freeride
The steelhead is a great all rounder ,except XC, but it's CroMo. Most people i've talked to say their steel HT's are more forgiving and flex better than AL.
I've got my TransAm built up for FR. . . Im just starting to abuse her. Love it. Oh. . . you wanted AL. Sorry. Like what Matty said, and from my own experience, the steel is damn nice and has nice amount of flex. As quoted, the rider will break before the frame.
I like the look of that TransAM. Nice looking bike. I've steered cleared of steel due to frame makers I've talked with saying AL is a much better material for true FR. Stiffer frame, can handle the abuse more. Personally, dunno...I just ride bikes, do not build them...that's for the frame guys. Defiantly better options for steel, but I do love a solid AL frame. Probably going to hit up Cove bikes and get a Stiffee. Always wanted a Cove bike, they are pretty bad ass.
oh my bad i wasnt reading close enough i listed some steel bikes too, i think steel provides a better ride, i ride a steel dj/mild dh and fr hardtail with a 100mm fork and it feels supple-er if thats a word lol.
try to find a transition vagrant used or a few years old new if you are looking for an aluminum FR hardtail, in my opinion it sets the standard for a DH/FR hardtail
The Vagrant is what I would've bought if I could afford it. I ended up getting the Jamis Komodo. The Iron Horse Chimpira is another good aluminum HT if you can find one. Blew out the derailleur hanger on my Komodo so she's waiting until the new one arrives.
i really need to borrow someones digital camera so i can post pics of my azonic steelhead, fun as hell to ride, ive taking it down several technical downhill trails over in santa cruz, with a single brake, im gonna buy a front brake so i can ride it even faster
The days of the big bruising AL FR hardtails are numbered. Evil no longer makes the Imperial, Transition no longer makes the Vagrant, Soul Cycles no longer makes the Sluggo. About the only one that is tried and tested is the Banshee Morphine, which is a killer biker.:thumbsup:
There are always frames like the Orange Crush. Lightweight, takes up to 160mm fork. I've got one at the shop right now and it's hard to not build up for myself, it's such a great looking frame.
-Kevin
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