mckc

It is time for me to buy a frame that fits me better. I have been riding a size 58cm 2000 Cannondale R600 Caad 3. I found that it's a size too big for me, and that I should be riding a 56cm. The Cannondale came with 105 components, and I will just swap everything over to a new frame.

I have $400.00 to spend on a frame, but don't know what to look for. I have been watching ebay auctions, and checking my local craigslist, and still don't have a grasp on what frames are in my price range. I'm not afraid to buy older models if it means I am getting a better frame for the money.

So what frames should I be looking for in this price range, new or used? I'm 28 years old, and will use the bike primarily for fitness, but have thought about entering into a race or two.

Are there any good sites I'm missing for frame searching? Any suggestions on frame choice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

-Dustin

pdedes

here is one, about 100 more than your range

sced

Do you also want a fork for the $400?

Easily the best deals out there - full carbon fork + headset + FD on the Moto:

https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1041
https://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1716

Some deals here on Italian aluminum and steel:

https://www.smartcycles.com/frame_closeouts_list.htm

There's also a bunch of cheap carbon frames + forks on Ebay

AngryScientist 

yea, this would be a good bet. the only thing budgets are good for is blowing.

carpediemracing 

Post in the for trade thread - if you can get a 56 and give someone your 58, you'd be out just shipping. If they're close by, even better.

As far as race worthiness, the CAAD3 would be fine. I'm essentially "downgrading" to a similar level frame for 2010 (from a SystemSix, and no, it's not a 56). 1500 gram frame, about 3.5 lbs.

You can look for an older TCR. I think they're fine once you swap out the "aero" fork. I have two such beasts in the stable, both circa 4-5 years ago. The compact frame gives you more leeway in saddle height vs frame size (hence the trend to go towards them - cheaper production). A size M TCR is similar to an aggressive 55-56 cm frame:

Giant:
https://archive.giant-bicycles.com/us...&modelid=11157

You should be able to find aluminum ones on the cheap, within your budget. I got one for me, in size S, for $330 or so shipped, a few years ago. I don't think prices have gone up too much.

Cannondale, from here - https://www.vintagecannondale.com/catalog.html - for 56 cm frame (year 2000):
Seat tube 73.5
Head tube 73
Head tube length, 143 mm
Top tube length, 560 mm
Seat tubeoverall length 587 mm
Chainstay 405 mm
Rake 43 mm
Wheelbase 990 mm (hard to read)
Standover 810 mm

hope this helps
cdr

WCroadie

You should be able to pick up a used specialized s-works E5 frame and fork from ebay for less then $400. They are a great frame and definitely race worthy

StefanG

Just for comparison purposes, I picked up a 2006 CAAD8 frame including fork, headset, stem, and seatpost for $435 from Ebay about a month ago.

mckc

I actually looked into the Moto Le Champion frame, but as I continue to look around, I guess I'm getting more greedy. The cheap carbon frames on ebay have actually caught my eye, and i've done some reading on them. It is right at my max, budget wise, and I want to make sure I can't get a used name brand frame that is comparable performance wise, before I seriously consider it.

Thanks for the help and suggestions

-Dustin

mckc

That is the kind of deal I'm looking for. I think the Specialized S-works frame is what I'm hoping for. It seems the 56cm size frames go for a bit higher though, as there seems to be more people bidding on those auctions.

I have been keeping my eye out on the Cannondale frames. That seems like a pretty good deal.

d4c4c8

3 bikes have made it to the top of my short list for purchase this christmas...

1 Colnago CLX 2.0
2 Pinarello FP3
3 Specialized Roubaix Expert

All three bikes are being considered with Ultegra Compact, the italians both come with Furlcum 5 wheels, the Specialized with Roval Fusee EL. The Italians are both being offered at $3600 the dealer is listing the roubaix for $2900.

I'm seriously looking for opinions. I have my own leanings but are looking for reactions as there's a $700 difference in price.

fogrider

the trick to get great deals on bike is to look for small builders. a serotta on ebay is going to have a ton of people bidding on it and you know the price is going to get bid up. I got a rock lobster scandium for $450 on ebay. that's a 2.5 pound frame with a ec90sl fork.

mckc

Well, I ended up winning a 2006 Specialized S-Works E5 frame, seatpost, and fork on Ebay. Here is a picture of the frame and color scheme I won. It's in perfect condition.





I'm really excited to get it, and start the swap. Anyone ever own one of these frames? Thoughts or opinions?


-Dustin

mike868y

Congrats. I've heard only great things about those frames. I wish they still made them.

kudude

mind if I ask what you don't like about the fork?