Another Redline Conquest question

[MIKEnDC]

I bought a Redline Conquest Sport fork & frame the other day (supposed to be new—built up but not ridden and comes as fork, frame, headset, and Ritchey stem). I’ve been commuting with a mid-90s Specialized hybrid, and figure to build this up as an “entry level” cross bike—to put a little pizzazz into my commute (10mile rt), to get out and do some trail riding, and maybe have a go at a cross race this fall for the heck of it (I’m 53 and pretty fit, and figure I can go get my ass kicked by some other 50-somethings with no sweat :D ).

I have a good wheelset for it (Phil hubs w/Velocity Dyad rims). I know the Sport is the bottom model of their cross bikes, but the frame geometry looks to be the same as the higher end Conquests with the difference being that the Team and Pro models have scandium alloy and carbon forks, and the basic Conquest is their U6 AL alloy with disc tabs. All three have much higher end wheels and components. The Sport comes complete with a low-end 8spd triple setup.

The question is this: since I’m only getting the fork and frame, will this Sport frame build up to be a “keeper” cross bike with higher-end components? Or does Redline have these made with cheaper AL alloy than the ‘regular’ Conquest? (on their site’s spec sheet they’re both listed as U6—apparently 6016—with the main difference being disc tabs on the Conquest and no disc, but with rack and fender eyelets on the Sport)

Any answers or opinions appreciated! Thanks.

[DeusExa]

I'd love this answered too! (bought a Sport this summer)

[raceline]

i think it's a keeper , and as a note my 09 pro uses a-6 alloy only the team uses scandium;)

[motorcade]

I bought a Redline Conquest Sport fork & frame the other day (supposed to be new—built up but not ridden and comes as fork, frame, headset, and Ritchey stem). I’ve been commuting with a mid-90s Specialized hybrid, and figure to build this up as an “entry level” cross bike—to put a little pizzazz into my commute (10mile rt), to get out and do some trail riding, and maybe have a go at a cross race this fall for the heck of it (I’m 53 and pretty fit, and figure I can go get my ass kicked by some other 50-somethings with no sweat :D ).

I have a good wheelset for it (Phil hubs w/Velocity Dyad rims). I know the Sport is the bottom model of their cross bikes, but the frame geometry looks to be the same as the higher end Conquests with the difference being that the Team and Pro models have scandium alloy and carbon forks, and the basic Conquest is their U6 AL alloy with disc tabs. All three have much higher end wheels and components. The Sport comes complete with a low-end 8spd triple setup.

The question is this: since I’m only getting the fork and frame, will this Sport frame build up to be a “keeper” cross bike with higher-end components? Or does Redline have these made with cheaper AL alloy than the ‘regular’ Conquest? (on their site’s spec sheet they’re both listed as U6—apparently 6016—with the main difference being disc tabs on the Conquest and no disc, but with rack and fender eyelets on the Sport)

Any answers or opinions appreciated! Thanks.

I can tell you this because it's made me wonder the same thing you are wondering. I recently purchased a Conquest (2008 54cm) for myself and a Conquest Sport (2007 52cm) for my son. The smaller Sport model feels heavier (although I haven't actually weighed them), which shouldn't be the case if it is truely the same frame material, right? Could the lower grade components be the culprit? Perhaps so if you consider wheel weight.

[flargle]

Yes, it's a "keeper". Yes, there are lighter frames and forks out there. No, your frame will not spontaneously combust because it is not the highest end of the line.

For racing, it's all about wheels and tubulars anyway.

[FlashBazbo]

Components could well be the difference.

[DeusExa]

Well, without pedals, my 56cm sport is ~22.5 lbs..