Aggressive XXL hardtails (29)

currans wrote:

Hi, trying to pare down what will work best for me, could use some help. I'm 6'4" with a longer than average torso. I currently ride...

Hi, trying to pare down what will work best for me, could use some help. I'm 6'4" with a longer than average torso. I currently ride a 474mm reach honzo (2012), with a 120mm fork. For a while I was on an XXL Trek Fuel that fit as though it atleast felt like it should have with a slightly longer reach. I decided I want to go back to hardtails again. I spent my childhood racing DH, and recent years racing XC, and it just works for me, especially for all day rides where I want to descend and climb hard.

To make my Honzo work, I need a 90mm stem, but sometimes go up to 100. It works OK, but riding chunkier and faster trails now (in VT) Id like something longer, slacker and get a 130mm fork on there without shortening the bike too much. My thought is I should be around 500mm reach?

Anyone have any suggestions? I am thinking custom could be the answer, but want to try some things first, before committing to geometry after riding 1 semi modern HT for almost 10 years. so cheap is best. I'd love to get a AL honzo frame, but they dont sell them. It seems a newer steel one is my best bet, but anything from smaller (maybe euro?) brands that i'm missing?