Chinertown

Chinese Carbon MTB => 29er => Topic started by: aer0 on February 27, 2026, 12:37:57 AM

Title: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: aer0 on February 27, 2026, 12:37:57 AM
I had a crash a few weeks back and killed my SpCycle M016 frame, need to replace that and at the moment I am looking at the newer model M09


Keen to see any suggestion on alternates if anyone has them, 2.4" tyre and UDH is a must, not 27.2 seatpost, BSA/T74 ideally and I dont mind if its internal cable or not.

Will be running 120mm fork, would like modern XC geometry, 67ish degree HT etc...

Is anyone aware of any similar frames that have internal frame storage in the downtube?
Any other thoughts before I hit go?

Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: CycOps on February 27, 2026, 03:06:28 AM
Have a lock at the geo of the Meinier Snake.
But no internal storage.
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: gribs on February 27, 2026, 06:51:09 AM
The Snake Max has internal storage.
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: aer0 on March 01, 2026, 04:05:29 PM
Thanks, this is possibly exactly what I am looking for!

Im going to scour the internet today and see if I can find any reviews for this frame & maker before I order.
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: Marcello Casati on March 03, 2026, 01:19:11 AM
I'm looking for a similiar frame, but with additional wishes:
Modern race geometry
Possibility to install a dropper post, diameter > 27.2 mm
Not fully integrated cables (not through the headset because of water and dirt)
Mechanical shifting (1x12)
Price < € 500.-

I would appreciate some suggestions

Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: CycOps on March 03, 2026, 06:06:51 AM
@Marcello, check SPCycle M-05

30.9 seat post
cable entry into side of headtube
86.5 HTA
74 STA
right now EUR 380 plus shipping
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: Marcello Casati on March 03, 2026, 09:53:00 AM
Thanks a lot. That's what I was looking for!
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: aer0 on March 03, 2026, 07:36:53 PM
the M05 is BSA as well so a lot easer to find good bottom brackets for
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: CycOps on March 04, 2026, 10:21:23 AM
PLS be aware of the different fork length of the

Meinier Snake 530mm - that's 120 mm fork travel
and

SPCycle M05 506 mm - that's 100 mm fork travel.
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: Tijoe on March 04, 2026, 05:46:44 PM
@Marcello, check SPCycle M-05

30.9 seat post
cable entry into side of headtube
86.5 HTA
74 STA
right now EUR 380 plus shipping

I have been riding my M05 since late 2022.  Fantastic lightweight frame.  I've even shifted to using it as my bikepacking frame, so it really take a beating.   As stated it uses a 100mm travel fork.
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: Marcello Casati on March 05, 2026, 12:56:00 AM
Thanks a lot for the recommondations.
I have ordered yesterday an M05 and paid CHF 350.- (approx. € 320.-) including headset.
I observed the Elite wheels have no special discount now. It's hard to get some transparency over all types of wheels. Maybe I go with Serenade this time.
From Ali I will buy Balugoe saddle, Kalloy Uno, Dodici stem.
For the rest, I buy used parts in the next weeks (Shimano XT, dropper post Crankbrothers Highline). Most difficult is finding a good fork for a nice price
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: CycOps on March 05, 2026, 04:05:53 AM
@Marcello, did you oder directly from Spcycle, or via AliExpress from Spcyle or a third vendor?
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: Marcello Casati on March 05, 2026, 09:23:31 AM
I ordered on Aliexpress at "official SPcycle store". This was cheaper than at the online store of SPcycle
The delivery to Switzerland was CHF 94 
The frame was CHF 254 (€ 230.-). I found some coupon codes  ;D
The headset and the expander are included
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: aer0 on May 05, 2026, 06:07:33 PM
FYI all, I have ended up ordering the Meinier Snake Max frame. Ive gone with Large, Glossy in a grey colour but requested it with no decals at all so semi custom paint.
It was ordered on 14th April, painting was compelted and a photo sent to me on 22nd April. I am now waiting for it to arrived in New Zealand.

Will update with photos and review once it lands, gets built etc
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: aer0 on May 07, 2026, 08:17:29 PM
Frame has now arrived, first impressions are the pain is really nice compared to other AE frames ive bought.
The storage door is alloy, feels sturdy and sits in the gap nicely with no movememnt or noise.

Photos to come over the weekend with weights as i build it.

High level timeline:
Orderd 14/4 and confirmed paint colour/decal option
Paining completed 22/4 and shipped
Recieved to my door in New Zealand on 6/5
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: vtsteevo on May 12, 2026, 10:36:17 AM
What do you guys think about running the new UDH version of SP M05 with a 120mm fork? It would just make it a bit slacker and shorten the reach, yeah?
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: arnef on June 05, 2026, 03:48:56 PM
Hi, How have you gotten on with the build? I'm thinking about getting a Snake Max as well, but I've never seen a picture of anything larger than an S frame anywhere
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: FairlightCruz on June 10, 2026, 04:20:38 PM
Which store on AE did you buy from? I'm thinking of getting it, even though I would prefer semi-internal cabling.
Title: Re: XC hardtail for 2026
Post by: aer0 on August 23, 2026, 07:25:26 PM
Sorry for the slow response.

My build has gone quite well so far. Ive done a number of rides on the bike and starting to feel pretty good about it.
This bike is being built up as an XC training bike, i race XCO/XCM

Build spec so far
Frame: Snakemax
Fork: Fox 34 SC Elite
Wheels/tyres: ive run 3 differet sets but as photographed its Industry 9 hubs, DT spokes, Lightbicycle carbon rims 30mm internal w/Rekon Race 2.4" tyres
Dropper: "RACE WORK" Chineese wireless dropper
Saddle: Specialized Power 155mm
Bars/Stem:100mm -17 deg stem with a canyon XC bar - im changing this setup to find what best fits
Cranks: Deore 165mm with Xcadey PM
Drivetrain: LTWOO TX 1x12 Carbon/ Garbaruk 10-50 casette / XT chain
Brakes:Deore 4piston
Bottle cages: Supercatz


I bought the frame from the "carbomania Official Store" - this is them directly, they were great to dealwith, shipping was on time.
The internal headset routing isnt fantastic, I feel like I need to make a few tweaks to get it sitting right into the headset. The vibrtation of cables inside the frame was itinially quite loud, i'd recommend using anto vibration foam.