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)