Chromag Rootdown
Chromag Rootdown is the best-in-class modern-geometry steel frameset on this list for trail-focused riders, combining slack, confidence-inspiring geometry with robust butted Cromoly that resists fatigue on big hits. It commands a premium price compared with the others but delivers refined features and fit-for-purpose trail details that edge out mainstream offerings like the Kona and Norco while offering a more production-honed alternative to boutique builders such as Pipedream and Chumba.
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Review Summary
"Chromag's Rootdown is widely praised for its lively, durable steel ride and modern trail geometry that encourages playful handling; reviewers note it's heavy compared with alloy frames but rewards with compliance and long-term durability."
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Chromag Rootdown is the best-in-class modern-geometry steel frameset on this list for trail-focused riders, combining slack, confidence-inspiring geometry with robust butted Cromoly that resists fatigue on big hits. It commands a premium price compared with the others but delivers refined features and fit-for-purpose trail details that edge out mainstream offerings like the Kona and Norco while offering a more production-honed alternative to boutique builders such as Pipedream and Chumba.
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Slack head angle and long reach tuned for steep, aggressive trail riding.
Plush steel cushion
Playful geometry grin
Bombproof trail buddy
4130 chromoly frame built for durability with refined tube shaping for modern handling.
Slack head angle and long reach tuned for steep, aggressive trail riding.
$900-1,300 USD
Kona Honzo ST Frame
The Kona Honzo ST Frame is the market-leading value proposition for modern-geometry steel hardtails, offering widely available sizing, proven construction and a price point accessible to many riders. It trades a bit of boutique refinement for broad dealer support and dependable resale compared with Chromag’s premium focus, while generally undercutting small-run builders like Pipedream on cost without sacrificing contemporary trail geometry.
Burly yet nimble
Pedal-friendly pop
Burly yet nimble
Pedal-friendly pop
Review Summary
"The Kona Honzo ST steel frame is celebrated for its aggressive modern geometry and confident climbing/descending balance, with riders appreciating its stiffness and versatility while noting the weight penalty of steel."
Hit-ready backbone
Butted chromoly construction offering a balance of strength and compliance for long days on the trail.
Hit-ready backbone
Butted chromoly construction offering a balance of strength and compliance for long days on the trail.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Skill Development & Mastery
The Kona Honzo ST Frame is the market-leading value proposition for modern-geometry steel hardtails, offering widely available sizing, proven construction and a price point accessible to many riders. It trades a bit of boutique refinement for broad dealer support and dependable resale compared with Chromag’s premium focus, while generally undercutting small-run builders like Pipedream on cost without sacrificing contemporary trail geometry.
Burly yet nimble
Pedal-friendly pop
Hit-ready backbone
Butted chromoly construction offering a balance of strength and compliance for long days on the trail.
Modern Honzo ST geometry with extended reach and a slacker head angle for confident descending.
Burly yet nimble
Pedal-friendly pop
Hit-ready backbone
Butted chromoly construction offering a balance of strength and compliance for long days on the trail.
Modern Honzo ST geometry with extended reach and a slacker head angle for confident descending.
$1,000-1,600 USD
Pipedream Moxie
Pipedream Moxie represents the boutique end of modern-geometry steel framesets, prioritizing customizable geometry, thinner-gauge tubing options and boutique hand-finishing that reduce weight and enable rider-specific tuning. It is often higher priced than the mass-market Kona or Norco but compensates with bespoke fit and refined tube shaping, making it ideal for riders who value tailored ride characteristics over broad availability.
Feathered steel feel
Twisty-line wizardry
Feathered steel feel
Twisty-line wizardry
Review Summary
"Pipedream Moxie users generally like the frame's bespoke steel feel, clean aesthetics, and playful geometry; common criticisms are limited availability, higher price, and occasional finish inconsistencies."
Workshop-ready ethos
Hand-finished steel tubing and meticulous welds for a refined ride quality and longevity.
Workshop-ready ethos
Hand-finished steel tubing and meticulous welds for a refined ride quality and longevity.
Recreational Enjoyment
Skill Development & Mastery
Pipedream Moxie represents the boutique end of modern-geometry steel framesets, prioritizing customizable geometry, thinner-gauge tubing options and boutique hand-finishing that reduce weight and enable rider-specific tuning. It is often higher priced than the mass-market Kona or Norco but compensates with bespoke fit and refined tube shaping, making it ideal for riders who value tailored ride characteristics over broad availability.
Feathered steel feel
Twisty-line wizardry
Workshop-ready ethos
Hand-finished steel tubing and meticulous welds for a refined ride quality and longevity.
Contemporary geometry with short chainstays and long reach for agile yet stable trail performance.
Feathered steel feel
Twisty-line wizardry
Workshop-ready ethos
Hand-finished steel tubing and meticulous welds for a refined ride quality and longevity.
Contemporary geometry with short chainstays and long reach for agile yet stable trail performance.
$1,200-1,800 USD
Norco Torrent S Steel
The Norco Torrent S Steel frameset offers a strong blend of contemporary geometry and aggressive trail capability at a competitive price, positioning it as the best choice for riders seeking modern angles and durability without boutique costs. Compared with Chromag’s premium trail focus and Pipedream’s custom approach, Norco emphasizes value, parts compatibility and dealer support, making it an economical pathway to a modern steel build.
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
Review Summary
"Norco's Torrent S Steel is admired for its comfy, planted ride and modern trail-focused geometry that handles rough descents well; reviewers point out the extra weight versus aluminium but praise its durability and value."
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Recreational Enjoyment
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
The Norco Torrent S Steel frameset offers a strong blend of contemporary geometry and aggressive trail capability at a competitive price, positioning it as the best choice for riders seeking modern angles and durability without boutique costs. Compared with Chromag’s premium trail focus and Pipedream’s custom approach, Norco emphasizes value, parts compatibility and dealer support, making it an economical pathway to a modern steel build.
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Slack head angle and roomy reach for stable high-speed descending while remaining nimble on climbs.
High-speed stability
Downhill confidence boost
Corner-carving calm
Robust steel frame tuned for modern long-travel hardtail handling and trail durability.
Slack head angle and roomy reach for stable high-speed descending while remaining nimble on climbs.
$1,100-1,600 USD
Chumba Stella
Chumba Stella is a direct-to-consumer modern-geometry steel frameset that balances custom sizing and attractive pricing, delivering many of the tailored benefits of boutique builders while remaining more accessible financially. It sits between the high-end Chromag and Kona/Norco value offerings by providing solid craftsmanship, ample tire clearance and customization options that appeal to riders who want near-bespoke geometry without the full boutique premium.
Curvy-road grace
Endurance-ready comfort
Curvy-road grace
Endurance-ready comfort
Review Summary
"The Chumba Stella gets high marks for its contemporary geometry, lively steel compliance and good tubing choices, with riders enjoying its value and ride feel though some report sporadic QC and longer lead times."
Classic steel charm
Double-butted chromoly tubing focused on keeping weight down while preserving steel’s compliance.
Classic steel charm
Double-butted chromoly tubing focused on keeping weight down while preserving steel’s compliance.
Enhanced Physical Well-Being
Recreational Enjoyment
Eco-Friendly Living
Chumba Stella is a direct-to-consumer modern-geometry steel frameset that balances custom sizing and attractive pricing, delivering many of the tailored benefits of boutique builders while remaining more accessible financially. It sits between the high-end Chromag and Kona/Norco value offerings by providing solid craftsmanship, ample tire clearance and customization options that appeal to riders who want near-bespoke geometry without the full boutique premium.
Curvy-road grace
Endurance-ready comfort
Classic steel charm
Double-butted chromoly tubing focused on keeping weight down while preserving steel’s compliance.
Race-oriented modern geometry for efficient climbing and fast, confident handling on flow trails.
Curvy-road grace
Endurance-ready comfort
Classic steel charm
Double-butted chromoly tubing focused on keeping weight down while preserving steel’s compliance.
Race-oriented modern geometry for efficient climbing and fast, confident handling on flow trails.
$1,200-1,800 USD