Thinking of building a mountain bike

[imschur]

Carrying over from the other thread Im considering taking the AR15 route and building a mountain bike EXACTLY as I want. Frame prices are pretty scary. We know that wont stop me.

Any thoughts on XC frames $2500 and under?

[blue109]

Clarification needed....when you say xc these days you are generally referring to a super light 4" travel bike sutable for going very fast on relatively smooth trails.  The "all mountain" or AM catagory has become the general workhorse of the mountain bike world. You mentioned rocks and roots so id suggest something in a lightweight 6" flavor.

I do enjoy snobby boutique builds...but when it comes down to it the "big3" (specialized/giant/trek) are putting out some great bikes. I rode my buddies speshy enduro and its probably the greatest general purpose bike ever made.

[imschur]

Thanks, "All Mountain" is a new category for this old fart. I figured it was an off shoot of DH based on a few frames I saw. The closest bike shop to me is a Specialized dealer. I will have to check them out for sure. I have issue with my finger on my right hand and I need to be very picky of controls. Basically I have no fingers past the knuckle on digits 2-4

My favorite LBS carries Cannondale, Felt and I think Trek.

[edgecrusher]

For factory rides check out Jamis too. I have two, my brother has had several also, frames are light enough and very sturdy, if you go complete.

mine, 26" http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applications/JamisBikes/MyJamis/consumer/bike.html?year=2013&model=Dakar%20AMT&cat_grp=mtb26_1

650b http://www.myjamis.com/SSP%20Applications/JamisBikes/MyJamis/consumer/bike.html?year=2013&model=Dakar%20XCT%20650%20Pro&cat_grp=m650b_1

all their 29ers:http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/thebikes/mtb29/index.html

I hear the bigger wheel sizes make it easier to ride, but there is no way with my black rifle habit I'm bike shopping right now, especially since I've been putting off new blades for my hockey skates.

[98Z5V]

I did this in the early '90s, and build a hard tail, front suspension bike, from the baddest poop on the planet at the time.  8-speed rears weren't out yet.  The damn thing weighed 23lbs.  It was sick.  I rode that thing hard as hell.

Until some piece of poop stole it from me in Phoenix, sometime in late 2007.