Road Cycling - Road frame for under 2k

I am looking for a new frame to replace my 03 R600 Caad5 frame, i am looking for a Carbon Frame is 55 or 56cm. It will be used for a few crits and all around riding training etc. I do NOT want a Trek or a Bianchi. Any Suggestions? i would like to stay around 1500 but will go up to 2000 for a nice bike. I have a prett good component set.

Cranks: Ultegra
BB: Ultegra
Front Der: Ultegra
Rear Der: Dura Ace
Cogs: Ultegra
Chain: PC89r
Shifters: Ultegra
Brakes: Ultegra
Seat: Selle Italia SLR
Post: Easton Carbon EC70
Pedals: Speedplay X2
Wheels: Ksyrium Elites

Giant TCR Composite. I swapped out almost identical parts onto one and I could not be more pleased with the end results.

Giant TCR Composite. I swapped out almost identical parts onto one and I could not be more pleased with the end results.

I'll second this. It's one of the lighter frames on the market and for about $1500 (I've seen some around $1200 on ebay) you also get a nice and light fork as well.

I'm at a similar point, and I'm just about ready to get the Argon 18 Platinum frame.

Giant makes most of them anyway. There a couple of Look models that fit the bill. They invented the carbon bike frame.

Giant TCR frame and fork will run you around $1500 at a LBS.

karesz3, where are you getting the argon 18? I've been looking for their frames for a while, ever since i read the review on pezcycling. Is it really from 1500-2000?

I of course feel the need to mention my own personal choice... Aegis (http://www.aegisbicycles.com/). You might also want to check out Calfee (http://www.calfeedesign.com/) and Kestrel (http://www.kestrel-usa.com/). When it comes to CF, you really want to do your research. All of the above manufacturers use different construction methods each with their own good and bad points. Take a close look at their engineering principles and philosophies. CF runs the gambit.

2g to spend on a frame and forks? One word.

TITANIUM.

I was looking at a GIant today, it was like 2500 for the whole bike. The frame is 1500 ?? What is 56cm a Medium?

2g to spend on a frame and forks? One word.

TITANIUM.

over-rated. :D

how many ti bikes have carbon forks?

I have a Kestrel and it's a great bike. A friend has a Calfee and it rides very different from my Kestrel, and he is a big guy.

have you heard of exp? http://www.epxbikes.com/

2g to spend on a frame and forks? One word.

TITANIUM.

I second this. I have both and CF and Ti and they both are awesome rides. Check out the Airborne Zeppelin frame for $1,200.

http://www.airborne.net/eready/janette/store/zpbike.asp

have you heard of exp? http://www.epxbikes.com/

I understand it EPX is only going to sell bikes in the US via Supergo under the Scattante CFR line in the future. A little limiting unless you're close to a Supergo.

how many ti bikes have carbon forks?

Just about all of them.

Just about all of them.

so why not just get the whole bike in carbon? :rolleyes:

so why not just get the whole bike in carbon? :rolleyes:

Because sometimes that's not the kind of ride people want. It's like that question about why they don't build the whole plane like the black box (which is actually orange).

I ride a Ti bike, but the best thing about it is not having to worry about paint chips and minor crashes in crits. Other than that, all high end bikes ride great, so this ride quality thing is way overrated. BTW, Phat, you can get the Argon 18 by calling them and having them ship one to you LBS. If you have a good relationship with the shop, you should get the Platinum frame and fork for about 1700$.

Cheers

Because sometimes that's not the kind of ride people want. It's like that question about why they don't build the whole plane like the black box (which is actually orange).

the black box doesn't fly...most planes fuselage are made out of one material.

:p I'm the first the say that different materiasl have different atibuttes...I have three steel bikes with steel forks, a carbon bike, and a scandium. The scandium has a carbon fork and carbon seat stays. I've seen ti bikes with carbon seat stays, carbon seat tube, and a carbon fork...at what point should it all just be carbon? :rolleyes:

Steel is Real, and won't cost 2K either.

Better ride, less money, bit more weight. I'll take that any day.

Steel is Real, and won't cost 2K either.

Better ride, less money, bit more weight. I'll take that any day.

and what fork do you recommend? ;)

Well, hey, the cranks are made from forged Aluminium, so by your logic, why not get a forged frame, right? :P