Group Buy - Group Buy: Lightweight aluminium frame

Hi folks,

I remember discussing this on our old aluminium SOUL Truth frame thread. We talked about organising a groupbuy for the frames, and also having the bikeforums.net website on the frame somewhere. Well, it didn't happen mainly because of some logistics/ production issues. The SOUL Truth is alive and well, and the first run is being painted at the moment.

I saw the thread on a winter groupbuy and it got me thinking again. WHY DON'T WE LET PEOPLE DECIDE WHAT FRAME THEY WANT? For the last month I have been busy working on a new lightweight aluminium frame. The Soul truth is nice in that it has aero looking tubing, internal routing and the geometry allows for it to be used as a road and TT bike. But it is a little heavy by our modern 'carbonfiber' standards. The next frame that I have been working on is indeed a lightweight aluminium frame made of 7005 aluminium. Size M has been weighted at 1.1kg. Is this something that BF members want as a groupbuy? If so, lets start the discussion rolling about:

1) What headset type? Currently production is for an internal/ zero stack headset
2) What type of finish? anodised, powder coated or painted?
3) What Seatpost size? Currently it's 27.2mm
4) Initially I wanted to offer this in a BB30, but then the availability of this crankset and the possibility of alot of people using this frame as a backup or with their older parts made me change it to a normal BB.
5) Price range. The frames are gonna look something like USD300 shipped. Another USD100 for a nice carbon fork.

Let's hear ya, and hopefully we can have this rolling out by christmas....

That sounds like a good price. I'd go for an understated but modern looking paint scheme and as many "standard" things as possible, like the BB and headsets that way it's easier and cheaper to build it up.

Hi folks.

Hello. I like.

1) Internal, since Zero Stack uses cups like traditional headsets so why bother.
2) Powder-coated. How about the bead-blasted kind like the original black Soloist Team.
3) 27.2 is fine. 31.6 is better.
4) Standard English.
5) Price sounds good.

I'm going to leave this here for now, but once it gathers a bit of momentum and actually becomes a group buy instead of discussion of one, I'll have to move it to the marketplace to "Group Buys". ;)

Hi Tom,

I totally understand. Once the final product has been decided, the actual sale and management of the Group buy will be done on my website.

Would it be possible to get a few built with a BB30 - I'm pretty sure if you toss the offer at racers in the weightweenies forum you'd get a lot of hits (you'd make the ultimate crit bike for a lot of us if the geometries were decent) - I'm sure they'd be willing to pay a bit more if the scale of the buy was smaller...

{edit} or you could still do BB30 and just offer adapters like C'dale/Specialized does...please??

forget the frame. do a group buy on wheels. :)

forget the frame. do a group buy on wheels. :)

:thumb:

Is it wrong for me to suggest, instead, a Ti Cyclocross frame? ;) with BB30.

This is great, but maybe a nice midnight/navy blue instead of the black.

This is great, but maybe a nice midnight/navy blue instead of the black.


Nu-uh. Black, or black and white and get rid of the red.

Yeah, you're right. With all of the Cervelos, there aren't enough Black/Black-White bikes on the road and at races.

If I remember correctly, he said there would be color options, anyway.

Any chance we could get a 4.0 wheelset group buy together, as well? I know there were at least 8 or 9 interested member in the other thread.

1) internal/ zero stack headset
2) powder coated or anodizing. some distinguishable color like purple or racing green
3) 27.2mm
4) BB30, but throw in an adapter for ISO 68mm

1) Internal
2) Just clear coat over the aluminum, no logos.
3) 27.2
4) English.
5) $300 is a great price point

1) Don't care
2) Raw & clear coat or black anodised. Solid color, no logos. Please don't put bikeforums.net on it!
3) 31.6 prefered but 27.2 isn't a deal breaker
4) Yes to BB30 but English would be okay
5) Price sounds good.

Would also like to see you offer complete builds or a 'rolling chassis'. I'd buy one for sure.

1. internal
2. clear coat
3. 31.6 or 27.2
4. BB30. This would make for a great crit frame, so putting newer components on it is a valid option.
5. Good price.

At $300, who cares what it is.

Really its $400 because you are going to need a fork too. Still a good price though.

Soul...

Trinity...

Truth...

Whoever said cycling isn't spiritual? ;)

I haven't been on the bikesoul.com site in a while--really liking the new layout!

Any chance of getting these in large sizes (64cm ish)?

:thumb:

:thumb::thumb:

forget the frame. do a group buy on wheels. :)

Doooode - I'm so there. +1 :thumb:

1) Don't care
2) Matte black with gloss black graphics
3) Don't care
4) Don't care
5) Awesome!

1. Don't care
2. Anodizing is better than powdercoat, but if the p/coat is thin, then I could live with it.
3. 31.6 preferred
4. BB30 would differentiate the frame from other inexpensive AL frames.
5. The price is nice.

What bike is going to be the inspiration for this one?

My only suggestion is pink.

Doooode - I'm so there. +1 :thumb:

+2

4.0s or 2.0s!

+2

4.0s or 2.0s!

+3...... 2.0's

+2

4.0s AND 2.0s!

fixed

fixed

But... then I have to make the difficult decision of which set to get :(

wheels

But... then I have to make the difficult decision of which set to get :(

sorry. i want both.

Hi folks,

There is no groupbuy for any wheelset planned. For the frames it looks like the majority prefer a very muted finish. So what I am planning is a black anodised frame with very very subtle laser etched graphics. We will then also offer decals (removable) in various colour schemes for those not inclined towards a purely black frame. Unfortunately we will not be offering the frame without any logos because I think even nashbar has logos on theirs.....

In regards to BB30, we will offer it as an option, PROVIDED enough people want it. I mean if like 10 guys out of 100 want BB30, then I would say it's a no go.

I'd be interested if it was offered in a brushed Aluminum / Clear Finish.

1. Internal
2. I'd love a white frame with red or black logos
3. 31.6 preferred
4. Don't care
5. $400 would be a very nice price

1. Internal
2. I'd love a white frame with red or black logos
3. 31.6 preferred
4. Don't care
5. $400 would be a very nice price


:thumb: The above features sound like a great starting point on a frame group buy.

Only doing a run in "M" ? I might be a go if I could get one in a "L"

For that kind of money I will buy one.

1) prefer standard non integrated HS but whatever
2)whatever really...flat black is getting a bit played out. I like the one you posted.
3)BB30 all the way. The cranks are coming...Campy has BB30 cups for their UT cranks so I am all set.
4)$400 shipped for frame and fork sounds good.

I just realized that by internal, I meant integrated. Campy over Cane Creek standard.

Zero Stack and Internal are the same.

1) Integrated
2) Silver or Black.
3) 31.6
4) English
5) OK

1) Integrated
2) Silver, Black or white any combination.
3) 31.6
4) English
5) Good.

I understand frame color is purely personal preference but lets do something besides black this year. I like the idea of a white frame with red or black badging or graphics.

just how lightweight is lightweight?

just how lightweight is lightweight?

Size M has been weighted at 1.1kg

for an aluminum frame that is pretty light.

Clearcoat aluminum with muted graphics?

Any chance of getting these in large sizes (64cm ish)?

If this is a possibility, please let us know. If so, I'm in.

Geometry? I'm hoping for longer top tubes.

$400 isn't much of a deal for an aluminum frame (w/CF fork).