Hello Scrod/Everyone,

Buddy of mine is looking to build up a $500ish frame and wanted my help. I've been out of the loop (last time I was active here, iro was having a hub sale) and unfamiliar with a lot of what is on the market at the moment.

Anyways he was originally looking at a 725, but I noticed that retrogression no longer sells it. A google search made it seem like the seatpost clamp was the culprit. So does that make a 2013 or 2014, the better pickup? Or would these still have some sort of leader creak? Does the 735 have the same issue?

What about the Aventon, Unknown or Thrones? To me they look like they took the market space of Visps with varying levels of quality control. Is one better than the other?

Any thoughts on Engine 11?

If it's worth anything. I originally told him he should be looking at either of the Felt TKs, Dolan Pre Cursa, Dolan TC1, and Fuji Track in that order. Think he wants those sweet aero shapes otherwise I would have thrown a Ridley Oval, All City thunderdome, and Pake French 75 in the mix as well. Used frames are definitely on the table btw.



Thanks in advance, especially for that slog of a post.