lkngro

I know there are a lot of threads about this already, but they are also a little bit old and this is a fast-changing world we live in. You may have seen my thread about doing a full build, and me pretty much deciding what I want/need. But the search has not ended, and I have a more specific question about what frame I should get.

I need to get a frame for definitely under $400, but probably more like $300. At that point my only choice is really Chinese-made OEM aluminum frames. Not that I have anything wrong with that. In most regards, Chinese stuff is getting better and better as the months go by. But I want to know 1) is it worth it or am I wasting my money? and 2) what is out there?

I was almost set on a Scattante XRL Comp frame from PerformanceBike, but I've also heard of Velocite and others. So I'm asking you, the people with more knowledge than I, what's crap and what will last me a decade? I've heard generally positive reviews about Chinese-made carbon frames, but carbon and aluminum are completely different animals.

Keep in mind that I live in the USA and I'm currently riding a 7-year-old BikesDirect bike that weighs about a ton, so almost anything is an improvement.

Thanks in advance!

SSRI

for under 400 you can score a used Cannondale frame with out any problem.

seymour1910

Have you considered trying to get one of the Nashbar Carbon frames? They go on sale about once a month for around $400.

Nashbar Carbon Road Frame and Fork

Have you looked at ebay for framesets?

PiLigand

I appreciate your curiosity, and I'm interested to know how your build goes, but your question doesn't seem to be any different from the others that you seemingly acknowledged were already too high in numbers.

People are going to say its fine. They will also say it's crap. They will say buy used. Your question doesn't seem new.

StanSeven

If you buy from Performance or Nashbar and don't like it, return is easy. They also come with a warranty.

Psimet2001 

There's a ton of stuff out there. A lot of it is great. A lot of it is crap. Do your research and go with what seems to work for people that have already gotten it.

There is a ton of counterfeit stuff out there as well. I would generally steer clear of counterfeit stuff - or stuff that is trying to pass itself off as the source for other stuff. Legit OEM's don't say who they are making frames for most of the time and when they do their own stuff they change it enough to be their own.

I love the idea of used. Cannondale CAAD stuff is usually hella cheap and also some amazingly durable, great performing and high quality stuff. Really can't beat it.

lkngro

Nothing really struck my fancy on ebay.

I don't really want to go the carbon route, but are the Nashbar frames highly regarded.

seymour1910

what size frame do you need?

CliffordK

$300 + shipping for the Scattante with fork and headset sounds like a decent deal. I don't see weights listed on the Scattante which I find odd.

As mentioned, there are a lot of used frames out there. You can often find a good used Trek or Cannondale frame for $100 to $200.

I just snagged used a Raleigh Grand Sport, Chinese Aluminum + CF Fork with a few components for $35.

Just keep your eyes on Craigslist. Including a big city in your searches helps.

Other than "a ton", what is the actual weight of your Bikes Direct bike as built? What tires do you have on it? Brand and model?

A lot of the weight in the bike is in the component set. Perhaps 2/3 to 3/4 of the overall weight?

What is your target weight? Tire size?

The advantage of a custom build is that you can really spec out what you want, and you don't get stuck with cheaper components, and things that a big manufacturer cuts corners on. The disadvantage is that it all adds up quickly.

lkngro

52-54cm. I'm 5'9" with about a 31" inseam. Buy I want a more relaxed fit, so I was going to probably get a 52, a shorter stem, and compact bars.

As for the previous post (I'm on my phone so I can't quote posts), I have a Dawes Lightning 1200 c. 2007 from BikesDirect. I don't have an exact weight on it, but I can say that after riding several bikes at my LBSs (including Jamis Quest series, Cannondale CAAD8 w/ Tiagra, Specialized Diverge w/ Sora) it is significantly heavier. I'd say well over 25 pounds. Target weight for the build would be around 20 pounds. Less would be great, but not necessary.

My buddy is selling me a brand new 105 (5800) groupset for cheapee than market value so I'm going to get relatively cheap, but decent components so that's why I want to do this build.

seymour1910

Vitus Bikes Razor Road Frameset 2015 | Chain Reaction Cycles

seymour1910

Man if you were just about two inches taller, this is a nice frameset.

Ridley Phaeton T 1012D Road Frameset 2012 | Chain Reaction Cycles


In Blue

Ridley Phaeton T 1012B Road Frameset 2012 | Chain Reaction Cycles

CliffordK

I always thought of taller as being "relaxed" (higher bars) and shorter being "aggressive" (lower bars)... although as with many things you can adjust with the height and position of the seat, stem, and the length of the stem.

hueyhoolihan

i've got two of the SS versions. without question, the most cost effective bike frames i've ever owned.

but the XRL looks like a valid alternative. with the headset and fork and seatpost clamp included, it may even be a better choice. IMO, it's an astounding value.

lkngro

Does anyone have any personal experience with the XRL Comp?

woodboy

I built up a Performance (actually SuperGo) XRL frame back in 2004. They were still made in Taiwan back then. It's a really good frame, 7005 Aluminum, pretty light, and nice paint job. If they haven't lowered their standards too much since then it should still be a good frame.

I also built up the Nashbar frame with carbon rear triangle. It's 6061 Aluminum and the all aluminum XRL is actually lighter.