Handling: I found that the 100mm suspension fork was about as neutral handling as it gets. Most folks should find it to work decently in either configuration. You can single speed it, like I did, or it can be set up as a geared bike with the included removable cable guides. It does a lot of things competently, and besides a couple of design choices that require some patience, it works for most applications where a trail bike is needed. It is a frame that is meant to be something anyone could throw together from a “parts bin” collection and make a rideable, inexpensive bike out of the deal. If you are getting the idea here that the Origin 8 Scout 29 frame doesn’t really do one thing all that well, you are right- And that was the intention out of the gate. Yes, that is a bit steep, twitchy, and fast handling, but nothing too far out of the ordinary. However it can do 80mm travel forks, or rigid forks from 465mm axle to crown on up with no issues. It is designed for 100mm travel forks, or rigid forks mimicking that dimension. The geometry might be a bit too steep for an all mountain, “rock crawler” type of rig, so look elsewhere if that is your intention. It has the capability to run a pretty short chain stay length, albeit not with clearance for the fattest rubber on really wide rims.

What you do get is a pretty solid frame with no glaring handling deficiencies. That’s par for the course though, I feel, when you are talking about a steel frame that sells for a couple hundred less than most average steel frames and at about the same price as many aluminum frames. The decals might be a hair off, and maybe you’ll find a small defect here or there. The welds are decent, but don’t expect “constructuer” quality, hand built type beads here. The frame is not at all light, the drop outs and brake mount are a bit kludgy, and the tensioners should have jamb nuts installed out of the box. (No wonder it is sold out at the present time!) It does have a good value for the dollar spent, but do keep in mind that the price comes with compromises. and sells on the street for significantly less. As I have repeatedly stated about this rig, it MSRP’s for $200.00 in the U.S. This report will give a few final thoughts on this budget priced steel hard tail frame.īargain Steel: The Origin 8 Scout frame is probably one of the, if not the cheapest to buy frames made out of steel on the market for 29 inch wheels. You can check out my “Mid-Term Report” here. It is time for a final verdict on the Origin 8 Scout 29″er frame I have had here on test.

Origin 8 scout 29er