Help me decide between these two frames
 

My Zullo is beat up and I'm considering a new frame - and then to transfer the mid 80s Shimano 600 group on the new frame.

My current bike is C-T 57, top tube is 55.
This is me:
http://imageshack.us/a/img689/3801/mjere.jpg

These are the frames I'm considering:
Concorde
Needs paint

Tubing : Columbus Aelle
Frame Size : 53 cm C-T
Top Tube : 53 cm C-C
Lugs : Concorde
Bottom Bracket : Ital thread
Fork : Concorde
Headset : -
Color : Blue White"
http://www.classical-bicycles.com/im...s/SDC15945.JPG
http://www.classical-bicycles.com/im...s/SDC15963.JPG

Duell Proffesional
Extreme light super frame made by Jan van Dalen
Tubing : Columbus slx
Frame Size : 55 cm C-T
Top Tube : 54 cm C-C
Lugs : Cinelli
Bottom Bracket : BSA thread
Fork: Columbus fodori laminati
Headset : Ultech needle
Color : Red/Black
http://www.classical-bicycles.com/im...s/SDC17526.JPG
http://www.classical-bicycles.com/im...s/SDC17537.JPG

....
I don't mind beat up looks of the Concorde and would like to scrape of the paint the put it in orange hehe, and generally would like to have a bit smaller frame than the one I have now. On the other hand Duell is a much better frame and in excellent condition, the price of each frame is not high.

What is a BSA thread? Will my Shimano 600 bottom bracket fit? I have no clue which thread I have on mine.

The frame I currently ride is nice, but I would like to have a more "aggresive" position, with shorter top tube lenght, lower bars and higher seat, think I would benefit from a smaller bicycle. On the other hand, I fear that the Concorde would be too cramped for me. I have a 10cm stem right now, and my current bike is probably a proper lenght regarding top tube and stem, but...

Also I'm currently unemployed so I'm waiting for the next week how my job opportunities will resolve and considering getting a cheaper frame... :crash:

I use my bike for commuting and when I have chance, some hill climbing, though I would like to ride if for longer periods. I'm not a powerful rider, the parts will last forever or until I crash.

Concorde:
+ smaller
+ beat up so I can paint it to orange
+ price
+ it is a cheapo columbus alloy, but still a very nice and light frame
- i don't feel like spending money on chroming the fork
- has custom made cable guide (inside the top tube!) that could be a plus?



Duell:
+ SLX
+ looks mint condition
+ has a nice headset (I don't trust mine anymore, keeps unscrewing!)
+ is still a bit smaller than my bike, but I know it will fit me
- twice the price of Concorde
- sorry, i don't really like the color!

Your verdict?

the first one is too small for you, and its been modified- forget about it, delete it, dont look again!

the second if it is your framesize, is the price very good or fair market value?

if it is a very good price you can live with the paintjob
if it is fair market value- and you dont like the color pass it and wait for your frame to come.

http://www.classical-bicycles.com/Young%20timer.htm
The prices are listed here.

I measured my frame, top tube is 55, but C-T is 57!, hence not alot of seatpost showing.
Yes, the top tube modification on the Concorde is putting me off.
Here's my ride:
http://imageshack.us/a/img684/9166/i...2130337.th.jpg
http://imageshack.us/a/img42/7514/im...2130329.th.jpg

did you look in italy for anything?

but then you can say the price of your frames it would be nice to know what they are asking

The prices are listed on the website nd shipping is 30€
Concorde 100€, Duell 200€

The two frames in question are very different things in my mind. A nice SLX frame in great condition may be worth the 200 euro, but that is on the pretty high end of the scale of what I'd pay for something I can't visually inspect and handle before buying. I doubt I'd pay 100 euro for a rough condition aelle frame.

All markets are to some degree local, so you'd have to see how that compares to what you can find locally. There was a thread on here some time ago where someone in your corner of the world asked over the course of a month or two about bikes they'd found in local sales listings. Some of the bikes were quite reasonably priced for their condition and quality. Considering your employment situation, you may have the time to spend shopping around for a better deal than either frame.

BSA and ISO are interchangeable bottom bracket threadings. See Sheldon Brown's website for a myriad of info about how to identify parts/threading/etc/etc You can usually quickly tell if you have an ISO/BSA bottom bracket because the threads will "oppose" when you put the two threaded parts (facing the same way) next to each other. French and Italian BB's are right hand threaded on both sides, whereas ISO is left hand threaded on the drive side. Chances are your mid 80's shimano BB is ISO, but you should be able to tell quickly (either by it's markings or looking at the threads)

The Duell is by far a nicer bike and looks like it's led an easier life. Size is more in the ballpark too.

I think I would go for the Duell also. BSA is British threading, which anymore is the most common found. As Chrome Molly noted, the fixed cup on British thread is left hand, so clockwise to loosen. This keeps the fixed cup from loosening itself up, courtesy of the Wright brothers, IIRC. Sheldon's link will probably discuss this.

The 2nd one, because it's a professional frame. My senses tell me it's a professional frame, because I have a keen eye for the obvious.

I vote neither!

Keep the Zullo. It looks to be in great shape and I think the reputation and following that Zullo has trumps both the Concorde and Duell. Looking at the pics of your Zullo, the riding position appears to be right on the money. There seems to be the right amount of seatpost showing and the bars seem pretty low, giving you a pretty aggressive position.

What would you do with the Zullo anyway should you get a new frame?

The Zullo doesn't look bad from your pics... I would keep it.

For sure keep the Zullo and forget about the others. I own a mid 80s Zullo Criterium that I love. I currently ride 9 bikes. It is a very close second to my Colnago as my favorite ride. If you decide to rid yourself of the Zullo send it my way. I would like one to build up for my wife or daughter since it is too small for me.

I love my Zullo, but...
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...ool?highlight=

the Zullo was in a bender not long ago-that is why he is looking for a replacement frand and fork

Though its ridable, and I even found a guy that replaces tubes, but he still did not reply with price quote, though he mentioned 100euros max...

Between the two frames pictured, it's a no-brainer for the Duell. Size, condition, tubing. It's a better frame set. 200 Euro's is about $260 USD....... not over-priced at all, IMO.

The big problem here is that you don't like the color on the Duell. If you don't like it now, you're gonna hate it after a few months of riding it.

Duell. Good enough for junkfoodjunkie, good enough for anyone.