Utilitarian aluminum frames for training bikes
01-30-15, 02:09 PM
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Utilitarian aluminum frames for training bikes
Are you guys aware of any relatively inexpensive aluminum frames that are decently stiff out there to build up as a training bike? I want the most generic thing I don't mind getting sloppy and mucky. I've looked at something as generic as the Nashbar aluminum frame here Nashbar Integrated Alloy Road Frame but the geometry is whack.
01-30-15, 02:14 PM
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Are you guys aware of any relatively inexpensive aluminum frames that are decently stiff out there to build up as a training bike? I want the most generic thing I don't mind getting sloppy and mucky. I've looked at something as generic as the Nashbar aluminum frame here Nashbar Integrated Alloy Road Frame but the geometry is whack.
01-30-15, 02:52 PM
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I recently had my steel top tube buckle when I hit a curb. I looked at this Nashbar frame, Scattantes and the Ascent at Performance, some at BikeIsland, (etc.) for a cheap 'beater' to reuse the parts. I ended up grabbing a Motobecane (on ebay) that someone had stripped for parts. Headset and carbon fork included for under $150 shipped:
Seemed like there were a lot of deals out there...for example, something like this:
Motobecane Le Champion SL Aluminum 56cm with Carbon Fork | eBay
Seemed like there were a lot of deals out there...for example, something like this:
Motobecane Le Champion SL Aluminum 56cm with Carbon Fork | eBay
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Last edited by dtrain; 01-30-15 at 03:02 PM.
01-30-15, 02:52 PM
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i see 72.5/74 angles. pretty common. if the toptube is too short get a longer stem. too long? get a shorter one. Performance had one called the Ascent, very similar if not identical.
01-30-15, 02:56 PM
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01-30-15, 03:03 PM
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Well I'm looking at the 60cm and it's showing a TT of 565... that's gotta be actual and not effective, right? That's really short.
01-30-15, 03:08 PM
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New Black 60cm Caloi Strada Pro Aluminum Road Bicycle Frame Carbon Fork Headeset | eBay
__________________
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
"The older you do get, the more rules they're gonna try to get you to follow. You just gotta keep livin', man, L-I-V-I-N." - Wooderson
'14 carbon Synapse - '12 CAAD 10 5 - '99 Gary Fisher Big Sur
Last edited by dtrain; 01-30-15 at 03:25 PM.
01-30-15, 03:16 PM
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p.s. if you buy this frame you have to buy the seat collar separately, it's not included (at least it wasn't last year when I got mine)
01-30-15, 03:31 PM
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Yeah, it's about 2 cm shorter than a common setup like the Giant TCR Advanced in size Large, which has about the same effective seat tube length. If your reach is slightly on the short size and you don't mind using a 110 or 120 mm stem, you should be alright.
01-30-15, 03:34 PM
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I think it's probably too small. I ride an XL TCR actually, and often a 61/62cm in numbered sizes.
01-30-15, 03:37 PM
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01-31-15, 02:22 PM
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Here's some budget frames I've come across in my web hunts.
Scattante XRL Comp:
Scattante XRL Comp Road Bike Frame with Fork and Headset
I road the Team XRL version(Carbon stays/full carbon fork) all last season, very nice ride quality for the money. ~18lbs with Ultegra and a 1500gm wheelset.
The all Alu Comp version is slightly heavier but get's favorable reviews and is the more popular of the 2. Wait for a discount code if you can. I may build one up one day.
Velocite Selene
Some favorable review on Weight Weenies I think on these if you can get one of the limited size options to work.
Velocite Blue Selene alloy road bike frame
or $200 more for cooler paint job
Velocite Selene best alloy road bike frame
These two would also be considered budget frames by many, but prices do start getting close to used Allez or Caad pricing.
Also both well reviewed online.
Cinelli Experience
Cinelli Experience Aluminum 700c Frameset - Outside Outfitters
Kinesis Aithein
Kinesis Racelight Aithein Frameset | Merlin Cycles
Scattante XRL Comp:
Scattante XRL Comp Road Bike Frame with Fork and Headset
I road the Team XRL version(Carbon stays/full carbon fork) all last season, very nice ride quality for the money. ~18lbs with Ultegra and a 1500gm wheelset.
The all Alu Comp version is slightly heavier but get's favorable reviews and is the more popular of the 2. Wait for a discount code if you can. I may build one up one day.
Velocite Selene
Some favorable review on Weight Weenies I think on these if you can get one of the limited size options to work.
Velocite Blue Selene alloy road bike frame
or $200 more for cooler paint job
Velocite Selene best alloy road bike frame
These two would also be considered budget frames by many, but prices do start getting close to used Allez or Caad pricing.
Also both well reviewed online.
Cinelli Experience
Cinelli Experience Aluminum 700c Frameset - Outside Outfitters
Kinesis Aithein
Kinesis Racelight Aithein Frameset | Merlin Cycles
01-31-15, 02:47 PM
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Are you looking for a training bike to compliment a bike you also race? One with everyday components to take the beating?
02-01-15, 09:02 AM
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Used Cervelo S1? I used one as my primary racing bike till last year.
Loved that bike
Loved that bike
02-02-15, 11:58 AM
#15
Aluminium Crusader :-)
I have a Pro-Lite Bella that I quite like. I've raced on it plenty of times.
I think the frame, fork and headset was $350, but was back when aluminium was more desirable.
It's not too heavy: ~1385g, for a 57
I think the frame, fork and headset was $350, but was back when aluminium was more desirable.
It's not too heavy: ~1385g, for a 57
02-02-15, 12:35 PM
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I bought an inexpensive Al frame from Performance to build up for my son. It's nothing fancy but perfect for your purposes. Takes a 1 1/8in headset, BSA bottom bracket, standard seatpost, clamp-on FD. Very straightforward build. Came out to be quite light and a really nice Junior's racing bike.
