Allright experts....

Are these all the 2016 or 2017 models?

2016 mainly, though I have found 2015 Elements, and Vex's at some of the different sites....

Definitely go full chromoly. Have a look at the fit dugan and cult hawk too. A bit more expensive I think, but still cheaper than building a custom, and the only upgrades you'd need to do would just be dialling it in (playing with bar height etc.)

Didn't do much research but both besides the Verde are pretty low key now , personally I'd probably lean towards the Verde more than others . It depends though. I'd rather sacrifice a tube being aluminum / steel but have sealed bearings and some good tread then a "chromo" frame with shit parts all around , feel me ? Do what you think is best .

I almost bought the 2015 Bama complete. It would have needed some upgrades obviously but I thought it was a nice starting point at a good price. Plus it was chrome (I wound up going cheap and buying used instead). I feel like Hoffman doesn't get much love on here, probably because they went the box store route with the low end stuff. I'd go with the Hoffman out of your three choices.

Out of those I'd say the bama. Hoffman is legit. At least their high end stuff.

You could always look into a used custom if you didn't want to drop 1500 on a bike and not know exactly what you like. That's what I did for years. I still buy used parts because I'm cheap haha. But custom bikes always feel better

Wait...


I don't think any of those frames, or any of the frames mentioned in this thread have a 74° HT.

Only bikes I know of with that slack of HT are the Ruben, and pure trails frames (e.g., CCR, Heartbreaker and Fit just did another run of BFs)

The Hoffman and Verde are 74.5...most likely the .5 won't make a difference to me. I was more looking for the construction. I still have not gotten to test ride any new bikes...it has either been too rainy or the bike shops have been too closed when I have the free time. It is possible that when I get on a 74 and a 75 HT, it might force my decision in another direction.

Part of the fun for me is the hunt...i love the process of test riding and searching these things out. It helps me learn about the nitty gritty of the activity and the machines

I don't see a listing for the Eastern geo

Owned bama frames from 07 -2013. I fucking love them, only changed to my ruben because i needed shorter toptube and chainstays for flatlanding and shit.

^^^ cool info man. The Hoffman is the one I am leaning the most towards as well if I don't go custom. Hopefully gonna ride the Vex this weekend though. I think the Eastern has fallen by the wayside in my mind