Ti frames...

[bakerjw]

I broke my Foundry carbon bikepacking frame last January and replaced it with a Surly Karate Monkey named Steve. I took Steve up on the TD with me back in mid June. I left a week after the grand depart.

Well, I've been waiting on the warranty to get worked out and that is still in process. But, in the interim, I started looking at other frame options. Poking around on EBay, I found some new Linkskey M290 frames listed. These look to be a cross between their MT29 and Ridgeline 29 frames. The MT29 is a bit light for heavy bikepacking so typically one would use the Ridgeline 29. This limited edition frame looks to fit the bikepacking niche very well. Lot of triangle space.

I ended up getting an XL (1st auction to end) for a ridiculous price, so low that I opted to check out the Large that was ending 5 minutes later. I ended up getting that frame also at a ridiculous price. I have a friend that needs a light TD bike so he will get the Large, if not, then I'll give it to my son. Sans shipping, I paid a bit over $1,500 for the pair.

But... I checked EBay yesterday and Lynskey has another set of M290 frames (S, M, L, XL) up for sale. I don't get anything at all out of this but I wanted to make you all aware that some good frames might be had for a steel. <- Yes, I put steel there on purpose.

[woody]

And here I thought you were going to ask to buy my XL Moots YBB 29er. dang it...

That's an awesome price you got there.

[Flinch]

Ditto - I got a Ridgeline 29 medium, then saw the MT large, so heck, got that also! Then scored a Waltly (Chinese) Ti custom medium.

Built up the Ridgeline with XT 2x10, thinking of building the large later to compare. I like the Ridgeline fine, so never built the MT. Did build up the Waltly, and it scooted like a Porsche! Unfortunately I was looking for a TD ready rig, and although the Waltly was insane fun, needed the stability of the Ridgeline.

Cons: Main triangle is one half the size of my previous alum frame. Not a big deal as I make my own bags, and have cut way down on crap to carry.

First test will be the 2017 TD. Third try.