Road Bike Racing - need help in frame choice

I have the opportunity to buy one of the following framesets, but not sure whch one to go with: Lemond Ti or Clark-Kent Ti. The lemond is bead blast finish and the CK is brushed. They are identical in all other ways(geometry, etc). Which do you think will have a better ride- they are 52cm

Seems to me that, if they're identical except for finish, they'd have the same ride...

Chuck,

Given what you posted can't really say.
What are the angles, wheelbase etc.
Have you ridden either frame?
FYI Finish won't make a better or worse
ride.

Marty

i know the finish won't affect the ride. But all frames are not the same as far as ride from different builders. You can't tell me the same geometry in an Airborne Ti, will ride the same as a Merlin.

Bead blasting creates millions of little dimples on the surface of the metal. This process actually strengthens the material.

Now, for a bike frame I don't think it has any real effect except for a nice finish.

I think the LeMond is well sorted out with traditional angles. LeMonds in general ride with classic style.

I have never heard of the other brand.

Didn't C-K go out of business? Warranty service would be an issue to consider.

Originally posted by chuck1sd
i know the finish won't affect the ride. But all frames are not the same as far as ride from different builders...
The only factors that affect how a bicycle frame will ride are frame material and geometry. You posted:


They are identical in all other ways(geometry, etc)
Consequently, the ride characteristics of the frames will be identical even if they are from different manufacturers. The reason why frames from different manufacturers have different ride characteristics is that they are made to different material and geometric specifications. In this case, they aren't, so your choice is easy: which finish do you prefer?