Best Steel Frame Hardtail?

[White Van Man]

Hi all, does anyone have any ideas as to the best off-the-shelf Chromoly framed hard tail (preferably that I can buy through the bike to work scheme)?

I'm all geared up for going retro! (Never Full Sus!)

Cheers,

Tristan

[Tim Barlow]

I don't know much about hardtails - I prefer the full bounce!

A friend from work is very much into hardtails though, he recently looked through a load and settled on the Orange R8 before eventually getting a bespoke frame made by Brian Rourke (Stoke)

Other than that the Orange P7 seems to have stood the test of time and older frames are available on ebay for not very much.

Cheers
Tim

[White Van Man]

Cheers Tim!
Never experienced 'the full bounce' I fear that if I did I may never go back! (Just like having decent lights!)
Willing to spend a fair bit to get the right bike - I liked the look of the Orange R8 I saw at Llandeggla. Wouldn't mind trying a 29" wheel though!
Could take some time!
Tristan

[Arnolds Dad]

I was looking to buy a steel framed hardtail about two years ago (I ended up with something completely different, but still looked into a few...)

Orange P7 was one of my preferred options and the Orange website lets you spec it to your preference including some great colours and hope upgrades. does put it out of the £1000 bike to work scheme though i think.

Alternatively Genesis make some well specced bikes and there main products seem to be steel hardtails. they always get good reviews in the bike press and most are within the B2W scheme too.

Kona do a good line in steel and 29ers, but the guy that used to design Konas designs the Voodoo range available through halfords. if you overlook the halfords bit, they are pretty well specced and versatile including adjustable drop outs for gears or single speed. There is even a Ti bike for not much more than a grand...

[oli]

Hi Tristan

Not sure if you are still looking for a Steel hardtail but a friend of mine has recently purchased a Reynolds tubed Cotic Soul: www.cotic.co.uk/product/soul (at least worth a look).
He likes its supple ride and ability to run up to 140mm travel forks for a little more versatility over your average 100mm travel hardtail, he's settled at 120 on his Soul. Designed in the Peaks it has a certain home grown UK feel about the brand. You have options on the graphics front too if that tickles your fancy.
To be honest I've ridden and owned hardtails in Alumninum, Steel and Titanium and Steel is a close second to Ti. Personally I wouldn't part with my Ti frame for anything else but Steel also provides a forgiving ride.
Not sure how the Soul fits in with the Bike to work scheme?

Oli