Titan or IP-036 or ?

[brmeyer135]

Looking at full suspension 29ers, 2 stand out for me but they look to be different uses.
036 looks to be XC +  at 1950 grams
Titan is said to be all mountain at 1950 grams
The Titan looks 'burlier' and has the interesting chain stay to seat stay - is that effective?
Titan looks to be only BSA with direct style FD
Surprising they  are the same weight for different uses.

Do see the 098 also - but haven't sent off to get info.

[Carbon_Dude]

Is the Titan available with 142x12 thru axle, like the IP-036 is?  The type of trails you ride should dictate which frame you should choose.  For me, the IP-036 fit the bill as the trails around me work will with 100-120mm of suspension travel.  I ride single track with a lot of roots, rocks, small drops, and decent climbs.  If the trails around here had bigger drops and faster, longer downhill runs, I might have gone with something with more travel like the Titan.

[brmeyer135]

I started this because my 057 while good for racing is not as good for trails in the Austin, TX area.
We have limestone everywhere.  It makes for a rough ride and is wearing on my back...even getting out of my seat to use my legs as suspension.
Here we have another feature of these frames - I just buy a full sus and transfer most parts...won't cost another 2-3 grand to have another bike that I have to store and such.

Besides the two FS above there is some more exciting versions coming.
The 098 which is a Spec Enduro knockoff - except for minor changes and the ability to have a FD: http://www.ltbikes.com/products.asp?cid=186
and
even more interesting the Hongfu FM336:  http://www.hongfu-bikes.com/html_products/2015-full-carbon-All-mountain-Frame-309.html
a knockoff of Santa Cruz's Bronson or 5010
I sent off for info on the Hongfu and will put up more info on it.

[brmeyer135]

Actually, did get a response from Nancy of Hongfu: the FM336 isn't a 29er like I thought

the price:
FM336:$850/set

it is 650b all mountain bike frame,please check the geometry.
the fork is 150mm,BB is BB92.

it can be 135*9mm and 142*12mm can be interchanged.

That is the most expensive chiner to date, I believe.

So really, only 3 FS frames to choose from to date in 29er.

[foamman1]

Brmeyer135
I know that Hong Fu seems to have a good reputation but i would consider carefully befor ordering. I ordered a frame that was in stock on 11/20 and never received a conformation about shipping till 13 days later (after second inquiry). Finally got a tracking number. It seems to be in Can Turkey since 12/8. No sign of it in the states yet. I will give them the benefit of the doubt and wait till the end of the month before i fill a pay pal dispute. I cant see how it can take thirty days from china to customs  in the us. I feel as though it is likely lost. I would definatly go with iplay. Provided they have the frame you want.
L.T.

[brmeyer135]

Does anybody know of any other FS 29 chiner frames?

[Carbon_Dude]

Those are the two main ones people are buying.  I have to continue to recommend the IP-036, with the Fox CTD BV remote shock, the suspension works really well for my type of XC/Trail riding.

However, I would also like to see one of the Chendors come out with a DW-Link style frame.  Something more like a Trek Remedy or Fuel EX.

[brmeyer135]

It is hard to beat the 036 -
a problem I am seeing with the FS is the TT is shorter for the same size hard tail frame.
the 036 has the option of a 21" frame to get the length if needed.
I think the 098 is the better looking frame but a 19" frame is 605 TT compared to 256 with a 620
You pretty much need to buy a size bigger in the FS frames compared to the hard tails.

Also, the Carbonal Titan has been changed:  photo in this topic:  http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/dual-suspension-chinese-carbon-29er-737952-59.html

it has promise with a 20" having a TT of 635 and 18.5" at 615

[Sitar_Ned]

I can't recommend a fs frame since I've no experience with either of them, but that Enduro knock-off looks pretty sweet. I think there's a huge market for a more "all mountain" chiner that hasn't been tapped yet.

I'm happy to see that some new frames are being produced, and look forward to see what 2015 brings for the world of chiners.

[turboenterprise]

BRMEYER

Yep. I had to go with the 17.5 in the IP036 to get the ETT length I wanted.  Not sure if it will be a problem but I went with it. 

[Carbon_Dude]

Interesting, when I purchased me IP-036 I went with the same Large frame size.

The TT length for the IP-057 = 620mm
The TT length for the IP-036 = 617mm

So I never gave it a second thought to order the same size FS frame as my HT.

[turboenterprise]

So my fit is typically between 589-600mm for XC and my smallest I would go with is 576mm.  There is a much bigger difference for 15.5 to 17.5 in the 036???
EDIT: my ideal size would be 16.5" so I always have to decide to go up or down

057 - TT - 15.5" - 590mm
057 - TT - 17.5" - 600mm

036 - TT - 15.5" - 565mm
036 - TT - 17.5" - 598mm

[Carbon_Dude]

I would lean toward a larger size if I were in between sizes.  For me I'd rather be a little stretched out than cramped.  If the frame feels a bit large you can adjust saddle position, go with a shorter stem length, and wider or more swepped back bars to help compensate.  If the frame is too small, you would need to go with a longer stem and/or a laid-back seat post, less ideal IMO.

My 26" Epic always felt a bit small for me.  Yes, being on the small side, the bike felt very nimble but overall I felt more comfortable on a larger frame.  That's just my experience, others may feel differently.

[Andy]

I agree with CD.  I prefer a bit bigger frame.  They just feel way more comfortable to me.   YMMV.
Andy
IP036
LTK023

[turboenterprise]

Yeah I went with the 036 in 17.5 so I will have the 057 and 036 to compare soon.