SORTED : 29er Frame - 18 ins or thereabouts and 135mm qr

[javatime]

As above - don't want to spend a lot for a winter project so all options considered !

Would hope to be able to use my existing wheels but something with a thru axle could go in the mix.

[yourguitarhero]

Have a look for an older Titus Fireline Evo frame.
Planet X titanium frame. they're 135mm QR rear ends, take a boost fork and make a nice bikepacking bike. Big frame triangle, good angles.

They're also pretty cheap and relatively common.

[javatime]

Thanks for the reply, but don't want to go to titanium for this one.

Hope someone might have something in there big spares box ....Carrera, BTWIN..all options considered!

[faustus]

Look out for a large on one Parkwood maybe, they always go for peanuts, QR dropout. Frame weighs about 1900g and they actually ride really nicely, although short reach by modern standards. I still have my frame but not quite ready to let go of it yet, sorry! Voodoo Bizango frames worth a look and always rated highly, and loads of them around. Just watch out that some of the earlier ones, as they had an odd headset size as far as I remember.

[yourguitarhero]

I believe the Titus I mentioned is the same as the Parkwood, just built with a different metal.
Agree that the reach is a little short, but I found going up a size helped.

[javatime]

Many thanks for the suggestions and geometry advice. I will keep looking !