I am currently riding a Marin Nicasio steel frame with stock steel fork. I bought the bike new, and moved over a complete 105 drivetrain, along with a set of WTB i19 frequency wheels (they're setup tubeless). Cockpit and touch points are all Marin stock. I really like the bike, very comfortable but it's HEAVY (I mean like 26.5 lbs heavy), and can only take 35ish tires (limited by the fork, not chainstays). I've been thinking about buying a new frame and moving everything over to that. My budget would be about $1k. I'm thinking steal frame, carbon fork. I'm not opposed to aluminum though. Couple on the short list are a Niner RLT aluminum frame/Carbon fork (cheapest), All City Cosmic Stallion, or a Specialized Sequoia Pro.
My question is, should I spend the money on this or maybe just upgrade a few parts on the Marin to drop some weight? I don't know a lot about the hierarchy of steel frames, but I'm guessing the Marin I have isn't top of the line (not sure if the one's listed are any better)? I don't want to put money into it if it's kinda a piece of junk. If the frame I have is pretty solid, maybe I should just get a new fork (I can't stand the noodle that is currently on the Marin), and upgrade a few parts to drop some weight while keeping some cash in my pocket? Advice???
I'm looking to run at least 40cc. My current bike says it will take up to that size, but at 40 it's like 1mm of clearance under the fork crown. The back fits 40 no problem.
I don't know the frame you're using, but that sounds tight. If you were to ride on a muddy day, you may want to drop to 38 or experiment with some other, "flatter," tires. You may also find some difference in height using tubes or going tubeless.
I'm not going to say the brand, but I purchased tires advertised as width of 42, but my calipers show 43. Works fine in my Salsa frame, and 1mm of variance is "expected" as far as I'm concerned. The fact that I run tubeless and only about 38 pounds may also be a factor.
I'm not running 40's. I tried them, they didn't fit (to close for comfort). I'm currently running 35's. I would like to run up to 40's if I get a new fork. The bike I'm on is a Marin Nicasio.
Cosmic Stallion would be a good option. The steel is heat treated and air cooled, which means it is good stuff - high strength to weight ratio. But make sure that the thru axles are compatible with your wheels (though you might be able to convert yours to T/A if they are currently QR), and that your brake calipers will fit - I think the CS uses flat mount (though again, I think there are adaptors - someone else will need to confirm).
The biggest thing will be frame geometry - make sure the frame you buy will be comfortable. If you are not familiar with geo numbers, you might want to visit shops that have some of these frames all built up so that you can test ride your size(s).
If you want more tire clearance and need a 56cm frame, consider this Van Dessel ADD aluminum frame and carbon fork. Fun to ride, versatile, big tire clearance, lighter than your current frameset, great value including crankset/chainring & saddle. https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2495561/
Great looking frame set! Unfortunately I'm 5'6", and ride around a 52...
PCT wrote:If you want more tire clearance and need a 56cm frame, consider this Van Dessel ADD aluminum frame and carbon fork. Fun to ride, versatile, big tire clearance, lighter than your current frameset, great value including crankset/chainring & saddle. https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/2495561/
