I'm looking at getting a DH frame and building it up, and I've found a couple of good deals on some used frames. I'm looking at either a 2012 RM Flatline for roughly $500 with no shock (https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1577006/), or a 2010 TR450 with a shock, crankset and chainguide (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transition-TR-450-frame-size-medium-/121350702199?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c4110c477). However, I can't decide if the older TR450 frame is a better deal than the newer Flatline frame. Any input on this, especially in terms of durability of the frames and riding characteristics? I'm looking for a pretty playful frame that will jump and corner well, but can handle well in rough stuff too (basically, bike park stuff). Thanks for the help!
I'm looking at getting a DH frame and building it up, and I've found a couple of good deals on some used frames. I'm looking at either a 2012 RM Flatline for roughly $500 with no shock (https://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1577006/), or a 2010 TR450 with a shock, crankset and chainguide (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Transition-TR-450-frame-size-medium-/121350702199?pt=Cycling_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c4110c477). However, I can't decide if the older TR450 frame is a better deal than the newer Flatline frame. Any input on this, especially in terms of durability of the frames and riding characteristics? I'm looking for a pretty playful frame that will jump and corner well, but can handle well in rough stuff too (basically, bike park stuff). Thanks for the help!
The Flatline is a perfect bike park bike. I ride mine over 20 days a year in various parks (mostly Whistler) and I haven't ridden a bike that I like better in the park.
I haven't ridden a tr450 myself, but I'd say based on what I've seen and heard, they are very similar bikes. They both weigh in high, but I'd say the main difference is that the flatline is more like a bulldozer, it plows better than any bike I've ridden, it'll absolutely destroy and shred and anhiliate any of the most gnarly technical sections you could ever imagine. The tr450 likes to fly a tad more than the flatline, but is still a fairly grounded bike, but its closer to the midpoint. But I have no problems shredding my flatline in the park, its a very versatile frame, and can handle smooth jumpy FR situations very well, hell I've even hit up the local slopestyle course on my flatline once with no problem!