Suggestions for a Chro Moly XC bike frame

I like steel... a lot.

I've heard of more trouble from the big names with steel frames, but that is probably just proportional to the number of frames out there. Indy steel frames are typically more artful with respect to the welds as well.

I've (we've... wife and I) had a Kona Explosif, a Brodie (can't remember the model right now) and a Gunnar Rockhound.

I say the Gunnar is the nicest, but it stands to reason since the frame costs more than the other two put together.

All have a great ride. The Kona had a crack about the seat tube, but other people I know had the same trouble and I suspect it was a batch problem or design flaw to that year.

I got the Kona and Gunnar used online.

Since the steel rides last so long, make sure you've got disk tabs on the seat stays if you want them. None of mine do / did and it's a bit annoying.

And so long as there are no dents / cracks (sometime hard to confirm if buying used online) don't worry about bad paint. Saving $150 on the purchase price will get you a brand new powder coating.

I had a Salsa Ala Carte for while. Was a lovely frame.

Big names... 'bout $300 - $400, indy... at least $500.

Seriously, don't be afraid of used. Check out e-bay.

Jamis Dragon is $800? Wow.

RJ... my Gunnar has a nice long top tube too. I've been told it's tres old school. I like that kind of geometry because I'm long in the torso.

I find the longer top tube has me in more of a racing position, like on a road bike.

I prefer the top tube measurement for sizing a bike. I find it's more telling for my body type since I find some 19" frames way too small and others a little on the large side.

hunt down a rockey, hammer or hammer race?, i do believe. kick ass chromo frames.

I have owned a few over the years, and my On One inbred is by far the best. I will never part with it. I have had it for 5 years now, and still going strong. The paint is basicly beat right off of it, and have gone threw a bunch of wheels and stuff, but the frame is still going strong. Mine is set up single speed, but you can get a hanger version aswell. You wont be disapointed. And there cheap. I got mine for $199 CAN, no tax. But I think that was a good deal. I think there more like 400 or 500.

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/FTOO26IN/inbred-vertical-dropout-frameset

RM Hammers are nice... and abundant on e-bay. So strangely abundant that I thought they might be knock offs or something!

I rode my Gunnar with an 80 mm fork in Fredericton for a few years and it was great. Then I moved to NS... didn't work out as well.