Looking for a 26er Frame for an Adult

[Mrpizza]

I have a serviceable 26er Giant XTC hardtail frame, 9x135mm rear hub standard. The bike rides fine, but I like to MTB hard trails and the steep (71 degree) head tube angle is super sketchy on technical descents. I don't mind having to get a new set of cranks or a new fork even (current is a Manitou Markhor 1 1/8 straight steerer).

I really would like to find a frame 18-19" size, hardtail, that still takes the 9x135mm QR wheel set since I have very nice Mavic/Chris King wheels on this bike. I have had these wheels for 20+ years and they ride so smoothly.

Is there anywhere I am missing to get a 26er Frame, 9x135mm QR, with a head tube angle in the 66-68 degree range in a large size? I don't mind riding 26 still and would even consider going to a rigid fork if necessary. I am on disc brakes on the current ride.

I know I could get a custom waltworks frame, but for that money I am going all in and getting an all new 29er ride. Budget is pretty important on this one.

[jefflinde]

I have never come across a 26er that has anywhere near that geometry and definitely not in a larger frame size.  Even 27.5 is going to be hard to find now a days.  26 inch wheels and the frames that go with them (besides these kids frames) are pretty much dead at this point. 

There are some 27.5 frames from companies like chromag or reeb and Marin.  They are going to be generally steel or aluminum though.

[Lotnik]

That market is dead. You need to go on.

[JJx]

There are still some 26er QR frames available on aliexpress, however I'd go used for what you want - there were frames with your specs in the early 2010s. I'd look for the more boutique hardtails like Chromag, and Ragely. I think Kona also had some stuff in that era - something like the steely.

Otherwise looking for a 27.5 inch frame, with a higher Bottom Bracket may be fine too - you can compensate for the lowered BB with shorter cranks.

[Mrpizza]

I hate to toss these wheels out but if I can't find anything cheap then I'll start saving for a new 29er. Thanks everyone!

[jefflinde]

I hate to toss these wheels out but if I can't find anything cheap then I'll start saving for a new 29er. Thanks everyone!

Keep an eye on the used market. There are lots of nice old frames out there that you can build up and alt bike or bar hopper.  But for new frames, 29er is pretty much the only thing that is really made anymore.  Pinkbike might be a good place to look lots of random stuff gets posted there

[JustinFox]

The Starling Dive is a 26" dual suspension bike with modern geometry.

Also the Banshee Spitfire is designed to take 26" wheels.

You'd have to get a 142 thru axle rear wheel though.