i wrote a review last week of the OPEN WIDE with a bunch of fancy parts that cost a lot of money. i’m now interested in how inexpensively i can replicate that bike. i think i have the build kit down to about $2,200. i just need the frame. who’s selling an inexpensive, good, gravel frameset, with a decent geometry, that’s got enough clearance for, say, a 53mm or 55mm tire on a 27.5" wheel?
What’s your definition of good and what’s your definition of inexpensive 
???
What’s your definition of good and what’s your definition of inexpensive ???
inexpensive probably under $1,000. good? in the eye of the beholder.
the majority of hardtail xc frames??
the majority of hardtail xc frames??
well, no. i have a couple of hardtail xc bikes, and they aren’t gravel bikes. not harshing on your answer, but if all the answers continue to be anything but what i’m asking for, then there might be a hole in the market.
The niner RLT 9 might fit the bill. Its supposed to support 700c x 50 or 650b x 2.0 " tires. The list price for the frameset is $1050.
For a carbon frame I think $2K for an Ibis Hakka MX is a good deal. Might not meet your inexpensive criteria, but I still think it is a good deal.
https://feltbicycles.com/collections/breed/products/breed-30-2020
Not a frameset, but complete bike at $2k. Can fit 45mm on 700c wheels, or 2" (~50mm) on 650b.
Doesn’t this belong in classifieds? 
Niner RLT series - as mentioned above - is worth a look. Steel frame is good up to 50, aluminum a tiny bit more. Both around a grand.
Ocoee Boundary frame can fit 700x45c or 650x53c. I asked about clearance and they said it could do a little more than 53 if needed. Full bikes are very reasonably priced as well.
Check out the Carbonda 696. This is an open mold Chinese carbon frame with a big cult following. This is the same mold as Ocoee (I believe) and a few other OEMs though they have added extra mounting points etc. I ordered direct from Carbonda, with custom one-tone paint for under 700 USD shipped to Canada.
Ordering direct isn’t for everyone, and there’s other arguments against Chinese manufacturer direct, but hard to beat the price.
I bought a Carbonda 696 frame direct for $650. Has the clearances you mentioned. I like it. 3 lb frame, 500g fork.
Van Dessel ADD, Norco Search XR Aluminum (not sure if its available frame only)
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Surly Midnight special will fit 700x42 and 650x60 with compatibility for thru-axles and QR, but it is steel.
Bikepacking has a solid list: https://bikepacking.com/index/650b-gravel-bikes/
If steel is ok then Bombtrack Hook EXT, Fairlight Secan, Genesis Fugio and Norco Search XR would all be good, sub $1000 choices.
What parts have you picked out and were these not options on complete bikes?
Searched for frames with decent clearance and made of steel or Al
My pick of that bunch would probably be the Nordest
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Fuji Jari fits up to 650B x 50mm, and is a mere $500 for the frameset IIRC…Hell, you can buy complete Jari bike models for less than the $1000 you have as a budget for just the frame.
Hi Dan
I have this frameset from my supplier I worked with. Amazing factory making some really good bike brands…
I can get it to around 950-1100 shipped if we/you and I can get a 20-30 frame order
fits 650B 2.1 inch 700x 45 mm, Top tube cable entry
