Sorry for the semi-off-topic rant!

No off topic at all, sir. And I agree with you 90%. The current gearing I am using is 48/32 x 11/36. The big chainring is for paved roads only (it is my commuter bike) and the 32 x 36 is even for the steepest trails. Well, at least if the surface is not too loose and/or too wet. In those cases the torque becomes too much for the traction - those are the other 10%. The 42T cog may be the answer to that problem, of course.

Anyway, if you say that 32T fits the 256 frame easily, that is reassuring. Thank you!

I did not order my 256 from IPlay, but from Honsen Bikes.
As it was the new "super light" model available back in June.

Since there is no copyright there.
Someone has probably designed it(IPlay claims they did it for the 256).

Then many companies, seem to collaborate/improve them and either build or just sell, the same models changing the first letters and keeping the same number.

Yeah, I am kinda zeroing on the 256 frame. I like the geometry and its more straight/less S-shaped down tube. I think, correct me if I am wrong, that I saw you mentioning in some other thread here that you are running it 1 x 11. What is the tooth-count of the largest chainring you can use with that frame? Even though, I live in a mountainous area and 32T ( the granny chainring in my current 2x10 setup) is what I am using likely 95% of the time  so that should not be a problem.

Hi guys,

I am new here and new at this sort of net activity too so excuse me if I ask stupid questions or  break some etiquette rules unintentionally.

I would appreciate suggestions on which frame should I get. Just asking for subjective opinions, won't hold anyone responsible if I'm not satisfied with my own final decision.

I am a life-long roadie, still very competitive even if far and long past my prime. Got to mountain biking through commuting on some gravel roads first and single tracks more recently, managed to earn a few Strava KOMs in the process and got bitten by the bug. I don't think of myself  as a mountain biker though, my downhill skills are rudimentary at the best and at my age they are quite unlikely to improve much. However, I really like the climbing part of the deal so that should be taken in consideration when choosing the right frame. Currently I dont even own a real mtb. I am using my Specialized Crosstrail commuter for riding trails and I like the geometry of that bike for that purpose quite a lot (did I mention I was a roadie?). However, that thing weights a tone.

So here I am. I'll appreciate any suggestions and opinions on what may be the best frame for me.

Thanks in advance!