Sorry, I know topics like this pop up all the time but I've had browse but can't seem to find what I'm after.

Basically a mate of mine has been riding the same bike for about 4 years now, specialized p1, dj1's, Big'uns on d321's, and he just fancies a change. At the moment he's looking to buy just a frame. He does all sorts of riding, mainly mucking about and going for a rip, does some jumps, bit of hopping up stuff and whacking his bashgaurd, bit of xc aswell.

The criteria is just to be an alluminium frame which isn't too heavy, feel good with a set of pikes on, look good, and be able to withstand some abuse, but also be able to pedal uphill aswell. Price isn't an issue, so let me know what you think.

I'm fairly in the know when it comes to steel hardtails, just dont know whats good and whats not when it comes to the alluminium stuff.

Thanks, Borgia

Giant STP.

Really good frame, GEO just feels.. right. My brother has one and it's been abused, jumped, taken on DH trails everything. very fun bike.

because its lighter than steel.

mark

PDC Kingpin from ride-central (if there's any left). Really really nice frames.

My Kingpin (currently in bits but I do need to get it rebuilt sometime...)

Id say, a 2006 P.3 frame would be pretty damn good for what he wants, theyre quite hard to get hold of unfortunately.

Trond Hansen Rides one and they look proper trick!

http://www.ihatebikes.net/pages/reviews.html

Aye, I'd second the Chameleon as well - I've owned two and they're awesome bikes.

Steel is good though - Cotic BFe? Reynolds 853 so super tough and pretty lightweight (for a frame that can take such a beating) and can be jumped/4X'd/ridden all day as a XC bike!