Framed Ultimate Terrain Mountain Bike (Black)

ahc

Jul 12, 2022 1:32 PM

28 Comments

Joined Jan 2015

ahcJul 12, 2022 1:32 PM

28 Comments

Has anyone found a stand that they know works with this bike? The uhacker one linked in this thread says it only works for 22-27" wheels.

wakkoss

Jul 12, 2022 2:58 PM

2.1K Comments

Joined Dec 2010

wakkossJul 12, 2022 2:58 PM

2.1K Comments

Quote from chung_chang

:

If it's really loud clunk as in the chain jumping cogs, then adjust the deraileurs. If it's more of a creak, could be many things, including bottom bracket. All of my previous squared tapered bottom crankset (like this one) eventually developed creaks. But not when they're new, could be loose crankarm, or could be many other things. Creaks are sometimes hard to identify.

Thanks for the response. I'm going to take the bike to my LBS tomorrow for a once over and tune. It didnt' clunk today but I didn't ride it as hard as the other day. It's not the chain jumping, it really feels like a loose pedal.

Do you have a preferred chain cleaner and lube? We've been riding on dirt paths that are really gritty.

Mike C

Jul 12, 2022 4:59 PM

4.6K Comments

Joined Jul 2003

Mike CJul 12, 2022 4:59 PM

4.6K Comments

I just received the bike today, no external damage, and no damage, bent parts, etc. that I saw anywhere. I did a quick assembly and everything seems fine, I haven't watched the build (or any other) video on this bike yet, the build was pretty straight forward IMHO, but I have built a few bikes for others recently including a full electric and a pedal assist only electric so compared to those this one is much simpler.

I am really impressed with what I got for $135 shipped, it is lighter than I expected, and feels pretty stout. I am definitely replacing the seat with a big thicc and fat cruising seat, and most probably installing the adjustable stem and/or the stem riser linked earlier in this thread... and perhaps some swept back handle bars... basically the cheaper stuff to turn this into a cruiser that can handle very light trails maybe. As far as the fork, I will keep eyes out for a used one I think, hopefully the preload adjustment will be enough, I am thinking it will be.

I bought a Costco MTB in the distant past to go ride a real MTB trail here called Landahl and it was destroyed in roughly a mile. I then found a used Specialized entry level Epic Comp something or other that needed fixing up but still was four figures(came with juicy brakes, XT/XT-r drive train stuff, I think full fox suspension, a good wheelset... DT Swiss maybe?, etc.), but I never got it fixed and tuned to ride it and ended up selling it not long after. Checking used listings around here recently and the decent bikes are really expensive even used(few <$1k, and that is with work needed). IMHO this is a perfect bike to see if riding sticks before investing in either upgrades if you decide you need them or a different bike. $135 for this setup seems kind of nuts really.

brettrg

Jul 12, 2022 5:09 PM

42 Comments

Joined Apr 2012

brettrgJul 12, 2022 5:09 PM

42 Comments

Quote from JimBanville

:

Interesting. This bike sells for $400 regularly. If it's as good as a $600 trek, why isn't it more popular? Seems like it would be killing the sales of the Merlin. Why spend so much more on the Merlin? $200 more for a slightly better fork? Yet, it's like most people have never even heard of Framed as a brand, at least in mountain biking. I think their BMX bikes are a little more popular but are considered starter bikes.

"As good as" is subjective while "equivalent" to is objective. What has been stated repeatedly is that spec for spec this is objectively the same bike as a mArlin 5 or similar class bike that is often in the 500-600 range. What "brand" and "logo" you decide to pay more or less for is your prerogative, but specs (components on the bike) are what matters most. There is minimal variance in frame quality with bikes in this range (big logo retailers will buy the same frames and slap their own logos on which is why the geometry of the Marlin 5 and this are very similar). Regarding market saturation with framed vs marlin, more than likely it's marketing budget, distribution and partnerships with distributors that play a larger role in one being more "known" than the other making it less accurate as a quality measure (they probably have to price their bikes lower 400-550 to compete with larger names like Marlin thus sacrificing on margin in leu of adoption).

rhbalto

Jul 12, 2022 5:37 PM

2 Comments

Joined Jul 2022

rhbaltoJul 12, 2022 5:37 PM

2 Comments

Received the bike today, but there was no owner's manual. Can someone share?

blunky

Jul 12, 2022 5:51 PM

1.6K Comments

Joined Nov 2005

blunkyJul 12, 2022 5:51 PM

1.6K Comments

Quote from rhbalto

:

Received the bike today, but there was no owner's manual. Can someone share?

No manual. If you are looking for assembly see the wiki. Think chung_chang posted a youtube video of a similar bike's assembly.

CodyPatt1

Jul 12, 2022 6:23 PM

259 Comments

Joined Sep 2004

CodyPatt1Jul 12, 2022 6:23 PM

259 Comments

18" in stock at $179 as of now

chung_chang

Jul 12, 2022 8:15 PM

987 Comments

Joined Nov 2010

chung_changJul 12, 2022 8:15 PM

987 Comments

Quote from wakkoss

:

Thanks for the response. I'm going to take the bike to my LBS tomorrow for a once over and tune. It didnt' clunk today but I didn't ride it as hard as the other day. It's not the chain jumping, it really feels like a loose pedal.

Do you have a preferred chain cleaner and lube? We've been riding on dirt paths that are really gritty.

Had good results with one similar to this: https://www.amazon.com/Park-Tool-...07YWQYC83/

And this lube: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IDZXRM/

Mike C

Jul 12, 2022 8:51 PM

4.6K Comments

Joined Jul 2003

Mike CJul 12, 2022 8:51 PM

4.6K Comments

Quote from roymunson

:

i just went on a test ride with the 2 installed and it made a huge difference. With the swept back handlebars that i will install tomorrow i think it will be very comfortable.

I would love an upright bike with step through frame that is XL or XXL, that is under $400. If you know of any i would consider them for sure. Most that i see are very cheap without disc brakes and no suspension at all, or they are cruisers with 1 to 6 speed. I live in a VERY mountainous region and i have to climb hills to get out of my neighborhood. I have even talked to dutch people about importing a netherlands style bike.. it's just very hard to find tall people bike with 36" inseam.

Is this handle bar you posted earlier the exact one you end up buying? https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B074YYNWDM If so, can you post how the install goes and how you like it? This setup looks a lot more comfortable to me than the flat bar (I am in the same boat as you with a destroyed back, etc.), hoping it works out for you! I also have the stem riser and adjustable stem that you posted saved in my cart just in case if the swept bars aren't enough for me. Thanks for your posts, they have been very helpful!

Side note, I ordered one of these to replace the stock seat (which is nice, but small and hard Big Grin

), this is my second one as I got one for my son's bike and he loves it compared to his stock seat which is very much like the stock seat on this bike. It isn't comfortable like chilling in a couch, but way more comfortable than stock IMHO. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08PY5864V

taehoya

Jul 12, 2022 8:59 PM

555 Comments

Joined Dec 2013

taehoyaJul 12, 2022 8:59 PM

555 Comments

for those that have swapped the stem.

I installed the wake stem but there's a space between the stem and the cap, do I need to add a spacer in the space or is it safe to ride it as is? tia

brettrg

Jul 12, 2022 9:10 PM

42 Comments

Joined Apr 2012

brettrgJul 12, 2022 9:10 PM

42 Comments

Quote from taehoya

:

for those that have swapped the stem.

I installed the wake stem but there's a space between the stem and the cap, do I need to add a spacer in the space or is it safe to ride it as is? tia

I bought the same stem, these are the spacers and matching cap I picked up to go with it. In addition it comes with a star nut in case you need it for a new fork in the future instead of pulling the existing one. GANOPPER 1 1/8 Inch Headset Spacer with Stem Top Cap,Headset Star Nut Black Red Blue Gold 4 Color https://a.co/d/ei9NRaM

1

chung_chang

Jul 12, 2022 9:31 PM

987 Comments

Joined Nov 2010

chung_changJul 12, 2022 9:31 PM

987 Comments

Quote from taehoya

:

for those that have swapped the stem.

I installed the wake stem but there's a space between the stem and the cap, do I need to add a spacer in the space or is it safe to ride it as is? tia

Yes add a spacer, either above or below the new stem. Keep the stem bolts loose while tightening the top cap just until there is no play (hold front brake while rocking handlebar, making sure zero clunk). Then tighten stem bolts to spec, Done. You can't do above unless the spacer/stem is above the steer tube by a few mm.

JimBanville

Jul 12, 2022 11:02 PM

9.2K Comments

Joined Dec 2012

JimBanvilleJul 12, 2022 11:02 PM

9.2K Comments

Quote from brettrg

:

"As good as" is subjective while "equivalent" to is objective. What has been stated repeatedly is that spec for spec this is objectively the same bike as a mArlin 5 or similar class bike that is often in the 500-600 range. What "brand" and "logo" you decide to pay more or less for is your prerogative, but specs (components on the bike) are what matters most. There is minimal variance in frame quality with bikes in this range (big logo retailers will buy the same frames and slap their own logos on which is why the geometry of the Marlin 5 and this are very similar). Regarding market saturation with framed vs marlin, more than likely it's marketing budget, distribution and partnerships with distributors that play a larger role in one being more "known" than the other making it less accurate as a quality measure (they probably have to price their bikes lower 400-550 to compete with larger names like Marlin thus sacrificing on margin in leu of adoption).

So is this bike as good as or equivalent to the marlin? I'm talking specs, parts, construction, long term reliability, etc. If it is, then at $200 cheaper (1/3 cheaper), I'm shocked word of mouth on social media (YouTube, etc, which is basically "free" advertising) hasn't made it a top seller. I mean, new brands/products "take off" all the time from social media. What's keeping this marlin-equivalent, yet way cheaper bike a secret? Something here doesn't add up.

FeistyTank353

Jul 12, 2022 11:08 PM

36 Comments

Joined Jun 2019

FeistyTank353Jul 12, 2022 11:08 PM

36 Comments

I would measure your frame when you get the bike. Ordered 20" but received a 16".

brettrg

Jul 12, 2022 11:51 PM

42 Comments

Joined Apr 2012

brettrgJul 12, 2022 11:51 PM

42 Comments

Quote from JimBanville

:

So is this bike as good as or equivalent to the marlin? I'm talking specs, parts, construction, long term reliability, etc. If it is, then at $200 cheaper (1/3 cheaper), I'm shocked word of mouth on social media (YouTube, etc, which is basically "free" advertising) hasn't made it a top seller. I mean, new brands/products "take off" all the time from social media. What's keeping this marlin-equivalent, yet way cheaper bike a secret? Something here doesn't add up.

🤦 I linked the specs from the Marlin 5 and the Rendal (which is the actual model we received from camping world):

https://www.trekbikes.com/us/en_U...5/p/33136/

https://www.framedbikes.com/colle...8103580790

1

Framed Ultimate Terrain Mountain Bike (Black)

$125

$600

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