General Cycling Discussion - Off Name Brand Bikes.

I'm considering buying a bike frame I'm not familiar with.
Duratec. It is an Al frame apparently they've had some results on the track.

Any warnings when buying such bikes. I know many bikes are made on the same production line and then marketing takes over.

The frame is 7020 T3 Al made in Chech. Republic.

They have a website must mean theyre good right?

Is this the bike frame you are referring to?
http://members.iinet.net.au/~ideal/frame_magnetic1.jpg

Dumb question: Why buy or consider buying something you are not familiar with? Why not go with a brand you know or your cycling friends recommend?

I don't think I would make the assumption that having a web site would equate to a quality bike. Having said that, what is the bike spec'd with? If the price is right and the components are decent (and the bike fits you), I wouldn't worry too much about the frame. If your gonna beat the snot out of the bike, then look for something wth a good reputation so you can do a little research on it...

Originally posted by DC Rider
They have a website must mean theyre good right?

Anyone with $8.88 can get there own .com, webhosting, and website... I dont see how that can say anything about a company.

P.S. Welcome the the forums, the bike ron posted looks nice, but looks have nothing to do with the ride itself.

Yes the above bike is the track bike in question.

FYI: The comment on having a website was offered as humor...

As someone asked why buy an off name brand. Basically, most bikes can be spec out very similar there is no secret design out there.

Also, many of the name brand bikes are sold under other labels for discounts.

I do know several people who have this bike and they are purchansing new 2003s.

The reason one would buy an off name brand is because of price. Again what you give up is assurance that the bike will hold up.
Welding a bike together is rather simple, I could probably do it. However welding it together and not over/under heating and aligning it properly now that is the key.

I was hoping someone would offer some other things to consider. The price is substantially lower because they are trying to make a name. With this goes some unknowns and many variable as opposed to buying a well established name.

Heck, if I knew just one person who had been using one for an extended period and was happy I'd give it a shot for the right price. This from a guy who bought a COMPLETELY no-name frame for $45 just because it was made from Tange Ultimate Prestige steel tubing. I figured that anyone who would use that kind of pipe probably had some idea what they were doing. It seems very sweet, and the guys at three different bike shops have drooled all over it.

I figure if you get a real bargain on a frame that seems decent, why not give it a try? You can always move the bits to another frame if the first doesn't work out.

What's the retail price for this frame?
Regards,
Raymond

There seem to be quite a few new Czech frame builders.
I would have a lot of confidence in Czech engineering, craftsmanship and design. They have a very fine engineering culture, and a history of advanced design in aviation and automobiles.

Originally posted by RainmanP
...and the guys at three different bike shops have drooled all over it.

Geez, I sure hope they wiped that up! :D

One of my other big passions is classical music. I have watched Czech piano makers, such as Petrof and Bohemia, move in to fill the mid-priced market niche largely abandoned by the venerable Austrian, German, and American companies, such as Boesendorfer, Bluethner, Steinway & Sons, and Mason & Hamlin. Today, the Czech Republic is following the evolutionary industrial path of postwar West Germany or 1960-70s Austria. *IF* the craftsmanship is good (and it's probably better than that of my 1980 Peugeot!), I would not hesitate to ride a Czech frame.

Originally posted by AlphaGeek


Geez, I sure hope they wiped that up! :D

Had to clean it up with Simple Green when I got home!

Originally posted by John E
Today, the Czech Republic is following the evolutionary industrial path of postwar West Germany or 1960-70s Austria.
Now, that's insightful. :)

I am so glad to read these forums (I digress...) I can learn much.

I like "off brand" bikes!! My favorite ride, right now, is a Sannino stage frame made by one of the last Italian "old masters". It's fun not to be a "carbon copy" and to be riding a handmade frame. By the way, it's my SECOND Sannino. I've worked in quite a few shops over the years and have ridden many brands and have found few I didn't like for some reason or other. Lots of times the little guys pay more atttention to detail and really make a superior product.

Ride "Rebel"
Pat

Originally posted by RainmanP


Had to clean it up with Simple Green when I got home!


Isn't Simple Green bad for frames?