TrippleB

Like many, I don't assume $$$ = performance, but I do realize that you usually get what you pay for. I recently oooed and aahhhed at a Max Lelli Tiburzi Pro at a local race (the same one where my wheels were thrashed...if you read that thread). While trying to do some research on the frame and the company my suspicions of a new company "producing" a new race machine were (most likely) proven correct....

Take a look at the $2K Max Lelli Tiburzi Pro frameset and then take a look at the 2009 $700 Pedal Force ZX3 frameset and I think you will agree they look alike.

Now my gut reaction was to laugh and put off the company, but then I decided to dig deeper into the world of bike manufacturing, and the Pedal Force frame designs (built in Taiwan by ADK) closely resemble many european brands who charge well over $2K for the frames. Take a look sometime, the pictures may amuse you.

Now carbon molds are expensive, and there is a real chance that while the molds are the same, the layup of the carbon and the quality of the modulus may vary, but what I want to know is if any one else gotten on board the cheap carbon frame bus for high end riding and racing.

Does anyone have any experience with the pedal force frames? How do they handle sprints, hard paced out-of-the-saddle climbing and descents?

My plan has been to buy a Spec. SL2 this winter and pimp it out, but in my search for new wheels today I managed a HOT deal from a direct seller to get a set of new Hed Stinger 6s for $725 with an offer for 2009 FSA components at 50% off retail (I am talking K Force Light for $400!!!!!), and I got to thinking...damn this stuff can be cheap if you get around the advertising and big retail prices.

Now the money spending side of me looking for every edge on my quest to rock CAT 3 in one year and move to 2 is telling me to spend spend spend on the "best" (SL2 with Reynolds DV46ULTs and Red...or insert your choice), but the same rebelous voice in me that gives me the nerve to force my way into a sprint and brake late into sweeping descents has me thinking I can get damn close performance for 1/2 the price easy....hell I am not Sparticus whay not? I am willing to work hard and ride enough hrs per week to invest a lot, but I think my victory smile would be even bigger if I could do it on the cheap.

(I know the engine is key....I have been cranking on "budget" bikes until I hit the Cat 3 mark...but I am looking beyond 105 and aluminum)

Val23708

'10 force + Wilier Izoard. bling and not expensive

MONGO!

Fact is, if you're strong enough to be cat 2, a Pedal Force frame won't hold you back.

allez

I've been riding a Pedal Force RS frame since '06 and I can't sing it's praises enough. Stiff BB, light, looks sexy, and I got it for a steal. Wonderful frames.

ericm979

I have been very happy with my PedalForce QS2. It's not as stiff in the BB as my Cervelo R3, but stiffness is overrated, and in any case it's not a noodle. It descends just as well as the R3. Or maybe better- I have been showing up on it at the regular group ride and a couple of the guys have commented on my increased descending speed. I think it's in my head and not due to the bike but who knows.

The first QS2 I got had a big blob of stuff in the head tube which prevented seating the fork. PF was good about sending me a replacement immediately- I think since I asked for a no-logo frame they accidentally sent me one off the reject pile. The replacement has been just fine. I have used it for some big rides- I did this year's Death Ride on it- and raced it. The frame is not why I am slow.

The only problem with it is that the tire clearance around the BB is very tight, so I have to run low profile 23mm tires. I don't know if their newer frames have the same problem but I expect not. The headset uses the Campy standard which is kind of hard to find. Their newer frames use a more common standard.

I would get either the new QS2 or the CG1, both with BB30. Those look pretty cool.

I am less enthused with the fork I got (an ID14). It's not that light and is flexy.

dgasmd

I had a ZX3 for about 8-9 months. Awesome bike. Very very nice to say the least. Light, nimble, stable, extremely stiff everywhere, and reasonably comfortable. An way you look at it, it is hard to beat. Especially for the money. I would not hesitate to get it again in a heartbeat.

slimvela

ADK makes frames for many. PF is but one storefront using their products, you will not be disappointed.

songfta

Been riding a 2008 ZX3 for over 20 months now and it's been superb! I'm a tall guy with a decent amount of power and the frame is stiff without being punishing, and it's light for the size (61 cm frame). Customer service from PF has been excellent (rec'vd new seat collar as a courtesy when the original collar spec'd with the frame was deemed less-than-safe, and an order of replacement derailleur hangers was simple and quick). I wouldn't hesitate to buy again.

I'm running an Easton fork, so I can't speak to the ride quality of their house-brand fork.

sjumper

I've a ZX3 from the original group buy. It is a stiff frame. I've PF RS also and the ZX3 is much stiffer. Based on just the shape of the frame compared to their other frames, I wouldn't be surprised if it is the stiffest of all of them.

I got a full carbon fork (including dropouts) from EBay that goes with it perfectly. I notice a big difference when riding hard and going downhill at speed compared to the RS. It is a tad heavier but I prefer it over the RS.