$249 (Frame)
26.7 pounds
Hardtail
Zion, (888) 880-3811
Maxi test: July 2006

Highlights: Zion calls their hardtail a 660, because that is the metric measurement of the 26-inch wheel size. They use a fully double-butted, 4130 steel tubeset to build it. The result is a 4.8-pound steel frame that brings the Zion 660 to within one pound of an elite aluminum hardtail or 1-1/2 pounds of a composite frame. Zion Bikes assembles the steel tubes using straightforward, no-frills methodology. The boxed dropouts are simple and effective, as are the top-routed cables. Later models of the 660 will only feature a disc mount. Slender welds are topped with a lustrous coat of paint.

Best quote: "With less than 15 minutes of riding time, we threw on a Stan's wheelset, Bebop pedals, and raced it in a Southridge short track. This maiden voyage resulted in a win for the Zion."

Bottom line: This is a perfect, easy-to-afford frame for a rider with plenty of friends that he can source old parts off of. You know, all of your racing buddies who would never be caught on the NORBA circuit with "heavy" UST rims and tires. Use those UST wheels on the 660, because they are the missing link between a harsh ride and a steel hardtail with great bump behavior. Unless you only plan to race the bike, use the 3.9-inch-travel fork like we did. The longer fork increases the wheelbase by 1/4 inch and slackens the angles by 3/4 of a degree--none of which adversely affects the Zion's great handling.