So I am starting to acquire parts and pieces for bike #2. I'm going to try and keep it as close to $1000 as possible with a limit of $1500 (not including dedicated 29er wheels) and would like it rideable by the end of the year.
I am having a hard time picking out a frame so some help with that would be greatly appreciated. I want a 29er HT with the option of running a 27.5 x 2.8 WTB Trailblazer tire on my existing Nextie 35mm rims. I know the 256 frame will work with that rim/tire setup, but does anyone know if the clearance is the same or greater on other frames? Particularly the FR202 as that one can be had for around $350 on eBay. My frame wish list would include - 19" or 20" (I'm 71" tall), slacker than 70 degree HT angle when running a 120mm fork, plenty of clearance to run 27.5+ options, BSA bb, 142x12 rear end, 12k weave matte finish, and under $400. Is that doable?
As far as parts go, I'm pretty open as what to run as long as it fits in the budget. Here is what I have planned so far.
Fork - 2014 Rock Shox Reba RL 120mm 15mm axle (ordering this weekend)
Handlebars - EC70 riser bars
Stem - Stylo 90mm
Grips - ESI chunky
Headset - CC 40
Brakes - SLX f / XT r
Rotors - XT RT86 180f / 160r
Crankset - ?? (preferably a Sram GXP for BSA bb's)
Seatpost - ??
Saddle - ??
Rear Der - Shimano Saint M820
Cassette - XT M771 11-36t
Chain - ??
Shifter - M820 Saint
29er wheels - 35mm wide carbon hoops on Hope hubs when the budget allows (not anytime soon)
The parts that are listed are already (or soon to be) in my parts bin. I haven't ordered the fork yet but will be this weekend unless some one can change my mind. It's a new Reba RL for $300. Pretty hard to beat I'm figuring.
Thanks for the help and guidance. Will post pictures as things come in. Which means this thread may go awhile with out being updated.