Out-The-Back

hahahaha, and there lies the problem when reading reviews. People's opinions generally follow their wallets and makes it difficult to determine what is brand/ownership loyalty and what is an unbiased review/experience.

Mike868y, that site has a couple potential frames. That Cinelli looks good, especially the orange one. There's also a polished F50 on there that caught my attention. 2.9lb frame, 4.1lb frame and fork and most people say it's pretty stiff although most sound like recreational riders. Anyone have any experience with that frame?

mmmdonuts, isn't that the frame that is based on the old Fuji team frames? I saw a Fuji Team Super Lite that interested me as well. Again, that's supposed to be a really stiff and light frame. The reviews I saw on that frame seemed to be a bit more race oriented. Anyone ever ride that frame?

TCR's on Ebay for 310 shipped....out of the middle east though.

Nickel

I really like my TCR. Haven't compared it to other aluminum frames however.

freeskihp

Like my e5 sworks and they sell for 400ish. 2011 allez e5 seems nice too

Crash716

not true...i rode one for almost 3 weeks, i thought (5'9" 165lbs) that it was noodly compared to the two that i mentioned. Although it rode nice the front end was vague and felt like a noodle, i didn't think it descended well at all cause i was scared of the front end. Maybe it's just me, i am sure there are plenty of people including maybe the guy that recommended the S1 that think they are great.

fastbub

I second this. I have a 2004 E5 and it was purchased used and complete with a DA 7800 build for 700. Deals can be found on this frame since aluminum is out of fashion. It has done what I ask of it. You can train on it tons, race it tons and crash it once and awhile. Rinse and repeat. That's what I do with it. Sometimes I clean it, but that is rare.

Out-The-Back

Crash716, I did quote you, it was more of a general statement. I'm willing to bet most of the responses are from people that are currently riding the frame they recommended. Nothing wrong with that but it's hard to quantify not knowing what their experience has been. Obviously there have been some exceptions that have provided some good feedback for which I thank them. When you used the term "noodly" I assumed that was from first hand experience as it's a term that is often used by people who race and not by recreational riders. Point being, my comment wasn't directed at you but your second response was much more insightful..thanks...and I'm not looking for a "Tri" frame anyway...j/k...kinda

Nickel...I'd agree with you to some extent. I had a TCR a few years back and it seemed pretty stiff and fast to me at the time, however I had very little experience with other bikes so I don't know if it was because they are a good frame, or that my experience at the time was lacking and I didn't know any better.

Crash716

it's all good...i should have given more info anywho

mobike_moexcite

Yes, yes yes. The new Allez is real nice.

mmmdonuts

I think so. Many brands used the Kinesis Alu frames which is what I think the Moto is. It's a basic and proven frame even if some don't like the BD association. Can be had for $275 shipped from bikeisland.com. I haven't ridden it tho.

ptle

$350 probably won't get you most of the frames listed in this thread unless you find a good deal or one that's old.

You could go with a Leader frame. https://www.leaderbikestore.com/cat_road.cfm

I'd also recommend checking eBay for anything you can get. My friend's got a $100 frame from Pricepoint. It's cheap and seems to work for him. You may also want to check Performance Bike's frame or Scattante.

Out-The-Back

mmmdonuts, thanks that's definitely a good option. A polished aluminum race proven design that's under 3 pounds for $275 is very tempting, even if it does say Motobecane on it. Of course, that's easy enough to take care of on clear coated bare aluminum.



ptle, you're right but there have been quite a few options that have been posted here that are exceptable (that Leader isn't one of them). Throw in another $150 (which is what I'm probably going to do) and there's a lot of options. I guess I'll just have to find a better deal on my wife's bike...anyone got a good deal on a Tarmac in a 54 they're willing to part with?

superdex

Scattante XRL
https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...0_20000_400314

rruff

Cheap... https://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...=STRK:MEWAX:IT

Basil Moss

I suggest that you buy whatever fits you. Frames are all much of a muchness, ignore the "reviews" by frame connoisseurs rabbiting on about frames like they are a fine wine. If it fits, and the geometry is fit for purpose, it's perfect. After that it's just a matter of looks and how much money you want people to think you spent.

MDcatV

these questions are dumb. get a racing bike you can afford that fits you and race it. the chances of busting up your frame in a race arent really any different than any group ride. stuff that gets broken in my observation:

(in order of frequency)
-shifters
-rear der/rear der hangar
-wheels
-saddle
-handlebars
-fork
-other stuff
-
-
-
-frame

Out-The-Back

^and thus why I want another frame for crits (90+ percent of my racing thus far) because I have a component group that has lite roadrash to build it up with. It's not to replace anything, it's in addition to. Thus leaving my current bike for training, RR races, and as a backup. And...if I'm doing so, I'd rather put it on a stiff as hell budget frame that does the job but doesn't break the bank. What's wrong with that? I don't give a crap what I line up with and whether the guy next to me thinks I spent more so I must be fast...

I may be pretty new to the racing scene, but I'm not dumb...nor is the question.

Yes, I know to get a bike that fits, see previous statement....why does everyone want to lecture? What's wrong with asking for peoples input on different frames? Isn't half the fun of building up a bike exploring the options? Sheesh

rruff, thanks, I saw that and but had decided against it, thus why I mentioned that exact frame.

BDS

hey p, how's the heat treating you?

@out-the-back: i'm currently using a pricepoint frame from sette. $99 on sale. it's not pretty but it's perfectly functional. i can't remember what the frame weighs - it's definitely not the lightest budget aluminum frame around - so if you're wanting something cheap AND light, you'll probably need to look elsewhere.

Ximo frame @ pricepoint -- they're currently $98.99.

good luck.

Cat4Lifer

I bought this frame from Sampson for $500 a few months ago.
I wanted it in midnight blue (custom job). I think he'll (Eric Sampson) sell it in red for about $300.
FYI, it's a 1' steerer.

caloso

After I crashed my Bianchi last fall, I bought one of these online for $159. Took it back before I got a chance to build it up (Santa brought me a Cervelo), but the Scat looked like a decent frame. Not super-light, but not a pig either.

rstel66

Concur with the Scattante. I had an older version I built up for racing, wound up riding it a lot. Geometry fit me well, corners great, didn't think it was flexy and couldn't see a real difference with a full carbon fork and the stock fork. I had a full carbon installed and replaced it with the stock when I built up another bike and needed the fork for it. Thinking of getting another frame to build up, geometry hasn't changed.

Fat Boy

I'd probably try the XRL model with the carbon seat stays for $330. Honestly, though, hang out on CL or FleaBay and you can find good used frames for similar money.

mmmdonuts

CF seat stays add weight and flex. Not what the OP is looking for in a crit bike.

caloso

Yep. Get a good CF seat post and keep the Al rear triangle.

leooooo

I second the Ridley Compact from CC.
Plenty stiff n plenty heavy lol

Personal experiences (2 crashes) dictates it may be bomb-proof, but like all materials the crash scenarios has a major hand in the end result of the frame.

Gios78

BMC Streetfire
Doesn't seem to get much love but I think it's a great crit bike.