Jaye

I am looking to build up a first road bike for the girlfriend but money is pretty tight right now. I saw this frame/fork combo in another thread and it would be perfect for the task dollar wise, but I don't want to save a few bucks and wind up putting her on a death trap. What does everyone think? Would this be a decent frame or am I just asking for catastrophic failure?

Aurthor A4 Road Frame
7005 aluminum frame. These frame are straight gage tubed frames and are not light. The frames weigh 3.8lb. If you are an avid rider then this frame is not for you. If you are looking for a second bike to put together for bad weather, a comuter bike or are just getting started or have a child or spouse that is just getting started then this bike would work very well. The fork in the pic is not included for this price but if you woudl like to get the fork it will only be another 30.00. If you would like to get the fork please state that you would like to add the carbon fork for 30.00 more on the special instruction line when you checkout.



Frame and fork would be $70 total.

Thanks.

Sprocket Man

"If you are an avid rider then this frame is not for you."

That phrase alone would make me steer clear of this frame. It's like they are admitting that the frame is a pile of garbage.

Little Darwin

I don't know about the safety issues, but I know a lady who has a bike, and her only complaint is that it is too heavy... Not for the reasons that most people on this forum worry about weight...

I don't know how heavy this bike would end up being with the components you want to hang on it, but remember that if you expect that your girlfriend will ever need to move and/or lift the bike that her upper body strength may make a lighter bike beneficial for reasons other than racing and/or climbing.

There are exceptions, but in general, a guy can lift a 30 pound bike onto a rack much easier than a lady can.

Jaye

She is currently using my mountain bike with slicks on it which is a beast (Kona Shred) so even if I hung the heaviest components I could find on it she would actually probably still come in lighter than what she has to work with currently. Although I do understand where you are coming from.

As for components it would depend what I could find but I would probably opt for 9sp 105 in order to save money but still wind up with usable gear.

DocRay

try not to read too much BF BS about "catastrophic failures". The frames are likely safer than most, just heavier than some . 3.8 lbs is not that heavy.
That BB and head weld area is huge.

ImprezaDrvr

I thought about picking one up to use as a commuter. Remember that with basic bikes there's little to no reason to pay attention to the name on the downtube. They mention that the bike's not for an avid rider, yes. But I'd guess that's due to the weight of the frame (3.8 is heavy for aluminum in this day and time) and the fact that it's probably not the smoothest riding bike you can buy. If you can build it up cheap, go for it.

Veloduo

Heavy for aluminum, but doesn't look at all dangerous with those kinds of fillet welds. Ditto the comments regarding "catastrophic" failures. That frameset built up w/105 ought to be decent and budget. Might ride a little harshly, but just make sure her saddle is a good match (to her backside and riding style), and maybe put some bar phat under the hb tape. Good luck. Enjoy riding together!

merlinextraligh

Heck it doesn't look like a half bad frame. It even has a replaceable derailleur hanger!

As for catastrophic failure, I'd honestly be more concerned that a Cdale CAAD 8 would fail. At 3.8 lbs, the tubing's going to be thick enough the beer can effect won't be an issue.

C4Byke

I'd race on this over that bamboo Calfee any day of the week.

Jaye

Alright, good to know this dosen't seem like a horrible idea.....now does anyone know where I can get a 9sp 105 group for cheap, new or used dosen't matter.

Phantoj

I've read several accounts of frame failures, and wrecks/injuries never occur in them.

I'd be more concerned about the quality of the fork... what is it, "Kinetick"?

stickydpaul

I've got a beater built up with that frame and fork, rides a bit harshly, but fine structurally.

pelotonracer

Why Shimano 105? Why not Campy Mirage? $300 from Parker International. Google it, it's an English company so you might get hit with duties and such, but it's only what, 10% at most?

Patriot

I got an aluminum frame from chucks as well for my wifes bike. The frame was only $55, it was straight gauge tubing, and fillet welded. It is indestructible (for aluminum). The reason he says it's not for an avid rider, is because it is heavier, and very stiff and unforgiving. Most avid riders are looking for lighter weight frames that will have smoother riding characteristics compared to cheaper frames. Frames like that are easily worthy of a 9s 105, or Mirage group, maybe even Veloce.

tekhna

qft

Seems like a really good deal at 330 dollars for the groupset.

Chicocreole

Doooooooooooo Itah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

dekalbSTEEL

Unfortunately, they do not ship to US or Canada


SPECIAL NOTES:
We do not ship to Canada, USA and Indonesia or BFPO adresses. We cannot supply Mavic goods to customers outside the EU. Energy foods, aerosols and CO2 pump & cartridges cannot be supplied to addresses outside the UK.
https://www.parker-international.co.u...cle/mcs/art/11

try here:

https://probikekit.com/kitbuilder.php...SPEED%20TRIPLE

pelotonracer

Ah, Touche...

squeegy200

Chucksbikes is a great place to find great deals on some closeout items. The owner often finds closeouts and overstocks in Asia and sells them from his website.

He's very honest and open about everything he sells. You can call him and he will tell you what he thinks about it.

I've purchased a lot of stuff from him. Talk to him and get his opinion.

My wife used to ride with me often but was frustrated because she rode a hybrid. She had difficulty keeping up with everyone else. So when I finally built a true road bike, she was ecstatic.

It was a great way to share the experience and the sport.

Plainsman

I just bought one (check that, TWO) of those frames. I may be the one who started the thread you mentioned. If you want the 60cm frame, I have one (never built) that I am looking to let go. How tall is your girlfriend though? Unless the stock has been updated, Chucks only has 58 cm and 60 cm. I'm not using the 60 cm because it was a little tall for my taste, and I have around a 35.5" inseam.

HolyInstantRice

Here's my story with an Author bike: I'm going as fast as I can at around 400 watts (roughly 19 mph) up this hill. Right when I'm about to crest, a guy with yellow helmet straps and a yellow Author tri-bike appears out of nowhere and drops me. I give chase, but he disappears.

yellowjeep

Nice, unexpected in this thread. but nice.

ovoleg

DEATH trap, IMHO

Jaye

The 60 may or may not be too much for her, she is 6'1" but I am unsure of her inseam and her reach. PM me though, if the price is right I may give it a shot.

fitzdawg

The Men's A division runner up in my local Cyclocross series rides an Author. If it's good enough for him, and he bunny hops most of the barriers, then I would imagine that it would be fine for a beginner.