(still) Looking for hardtail frame for Bafang M620/Ultra

[eTouringOldie]

Still haven't found a frame. I caught a great deal on an new M620. Thought I would just keep it as a backup for my QK Ibex, but decided I want a hardtail bike for touring. (Plus it's 52V and the Ibex runs on 48V.)

But literally the only m620/Ultra hardtail frames I can find are:

Either from Alibaba and I can't seem to get any of those sellers to ship me a 'sample'
OR,
A titanium frame which will cost over $1000 shipped, frame only.

Part of my problem with FS frames is that the rear shock typically invades the space where I'd like to put a big triangle battery. But I'll also need to have a rear rack and panniers, and those options are very limited for FS bikes.

At this point I'd purchase a used hardtail frame which will mount this motor.

Any other leads?

Other questions:

No way to mount that motor on an M600 (or other Bafang mid-drive) frame without cutting and welding, right?

Am I incorrect in believing that a carbon frame will be less durable than a metal (aluminum/titanium/alloy) frame?

 

[technotony007]

theres plenty on ebay

 

[glennb]

I know nothing about the motor or frame compatibility, but $1000 for a titanium frame sounds reasonable.

Carbon frames are typically durable for riding, just not for crashing or otherwise abusing. Still, wouldn’t be my frame material of choice for touring. Accidents happen. And airline baggage handlers are brutal.

 

[LewTwo]

The number of shops that can competently repair a titanium frame is very, very, very limited.

 

[2old]

Considering the extreme measures needed to manufacture a Ti frame, I wouldn't trust China especially since a friend broke a BD one made in China (They denied his warranty claim).

 

[chris667]

There are titanium frames, and there are titanium frames. They became popular in the early nineties because at the end of the cold war, there were lots of aircraft manufacturers who had facilities for Ti fabrication and no work.

I'd be very reluctant to risk a lot of money on an Aliexpress ti frame - it is hard material to work with.

 

[Fast and Furious]

Did you give up?
No painium, no tainium !!!
M620 Ultra. 62lb, 26 x4" Vee MC Gum-walls. City Cruiser bike hauls assphalt.



PRC titanium welders are 1000 times more experienced than anywhere else's.
Competition for such skilled work is fierce and the PRC has the market sewed up.
China combs the world cutting deals to obtain the ores and provides them to Russia, who has unlimited energy ti refineries. Russian VSMPO-AVISMA is the world's largest raw titanium producer - tubes, slabs, blocks - a nuclear power plant run's that refinery. China's electricity generation pales. Only nuclear is sufficient. You could probably run New York with the power that refinery uses.
In return for a fixed, low price for ore Russia provides the PRC with a like adjusted price for raw products - like tubing.
PRC is No 1 in 'finished goods' and miles ahead of No 2.
PRC welds look fine, no corrosion or discoloration after 2 years use and should last forever.
Next best bet for longevity is steel. Long after alloy can't hang and CF in cheap polyester resins falls apart, titanium will be just getting started, so best to meticulously plan an heirloom.
Go buffed, but light. Fork is what it is. I like the Mastodon. It's better than I am.
MT 7's w/ MDR P rotor on the front, but I dumped the 'competition' pads for (blue) 'comfort', soft grade. Same end stopping power w/ double the modulation, 1/10 rotor wear and 4 x pad life. Plus the don't get cranky (Re: spoke popping noises) with minor dirt and one quick wipe work like new.
62lbs w/ 4" tires, titanium bars, stem, saddle rails and 90% of fasteners. I could lose a bit more w/ alloy Mtb bars, but like the Surly Moloko's utility - while abhorring the weight of steel bars. Glad there's a ti PRC knock-off, a bit different, but close enough and 1/2 the weight.

Ride on,

Fn'F

 

[A-DamW]

But literally the only m620/Ultra hardtail frames I can find are:

Here is an option; The Cottonmouth frame:
Cottonmouth frame

 

[Fast and Furious]

Here is an option; The Cottonmouth frame:
Cottonmouth frame

If you want a stiff aluminum alloy frame.


I also have a, alloy bike and have ridden a few.
I wasn't looking for it, but from the outset the titanium, the frame felt noticeably different.
Alloy is cool for racks and bars because it weighs less than ti and is strong enough, so big price increase, but no gain - except corrosion resistance, durability, longevity, slightly stronger and a significantly-and-rising higher resale value.