Full Sus Xc Frame Advice

[CurtisRider]

Recently I started riding my mtb again, it's been quite a few years since I last rode seriously and due to having back surgery I want to get myself fit again, this has rekindled my love for cycling

Currently I have an old Marin from the late 90s, upgraded to a manitou air shock and has half decent parts from around 08 onwards on it. It rides great but it's a 16inch frame and I'm 6ft 2. This was never a concern before as I liked how flicky and nimble it was. Now due to my back and a change in the way I ride, I want something that will accommodate my height better and just be comfy out on the trails. I'm going to be riding xc, but would appreciate something able to take a few knocks as I'm a fatty and I may be a little aggressive for a super lightweight setup. I want suspension due to my backs inability to take constant bashing!

So after looking at some frames on the net, I realise just how much prices have gone up since I last bought parts! I'm going to have to go secondhand, and my budget is very limited currently (about £100) however this will slowly increase in the weeks following. I am not after something up to date and amazing, infact I would be happy with my Marin again but in a larger size! I really liked the old specialised fsr from around 03-04 era, but I can't seem to find any these days

So what should I be looking for? I'm aware that bushings and bearings may be a tough one to find on older frames but I'm prepared to make and modify if needs be. The old konas I remember being rather solid, but a touch hefty and clumsy, these seem affordable though.

Size wise, im 6ft2 and I have quite long legs, but a shorter upper body. This means perhaps an 18-19 inch frame would be better for me so that I have a more appropriate tt length?

Sorry for the long post, hopefully some of you can help me out

[CurtisRider]

Suprised nobody can help

Found this locally

http://www.gumtree.com/p/for-sale/marin-alpine-trail-xc-bike/108253137

Does that seem a good deal? Swap over my decent bits to it and sell what I have left of mine and it should be a nearly free upgrade (minus the time and travel) it certainly looks good enough but I know very little about them

[CurtisRider]

77 views and not one reply?

[Rebelistic]

If the condition & size are ok then that looks like a bargain.

[Tomm]

Can you put a longer stem on your Marin? I.e. does it have a really short stem at current that you could swap for something 110mm + and stretch it out a bit? Perhaps as a stop gap until you find something decent second hand? £100 isn't a lot but £200 would give you a decent choice of older full sus frames. Something like a Giant Trance from a few years ago would be good, they're pretty cheap at the moment.

That other Marin looks OK for the money - Not an amazing deal but not bad either. Only problem is it looks stolen?

[CurtisRider]

I'm finding my seat can't go high enough, reach wise I plan on a shorter stem as I can't be too far forward currently due to my back not liking it. Once my back has healed more, then I can refit a longer stem.

I realise my budgets holding me back, but I can't go much further than that currently. Luckily I have seen several frames identical to mine (with the original shock rather than an air shock like I have fitted) going for £60-80 which is more than I expected

I looked at the giant trance, but have struggled to find a good example in my size unless it's a full build (which tend to be pretty decent specs out of my price range).

I'm back on uk soil tomorrow so if the Marin still exists I will go and take a look, see if it's seems genuine and also try and bang her down a bit (£300 sounds about right?) I realise it's not super cheap, but for some reason there seems to be a lack of local bikes around the price currently

[DrEvil270183]

at 6ft 2 i'd be looking at 21" frame, 18-19 will still be too cramped. Steel hardtail could be an option for you, the flex will help your bike without the issues on old full sus frames having dead bearings etc.