Online store to buy just the "frame"?
07-22-17, 06:51 PM
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Online store to buy just the "frame"?
Hi
I'm looking to build my own ride; is there a website(s) that is(are) known for having a good frame selection?
I'm looking to build my own ride; is there a website(s) that is(are) known for having a good frame selection?
07-22-17, 06:55 PM
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Really depends on what you're looking for, but...
Competitive Cyclist
Wrench Science
R&A
Competitive Cyclist
Wrench Science
R&A
07-22-17, 08:37 PM
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Nashbar, Performance, BikesDirect, Western Bike Works, Colorado, Excel Sports, Jenson, Adrenaline, Cambria,
Then Dengfu, Hongfu, Flyxii if you want direct from China.
Then Dengfu, Hongfu, Flyxii if you want direct from China.
Last edited by Steve B.; 07-22-17 at 08:41 PM.
07-22-17, 09:34 PM
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Budget?
07-22-17, 11:36 PM
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I've bought frames from Performance, R&A, Ben's, Nashbar, and of course EBay.
07-23-17, 08:32 AM
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07-23-17, 07:17 PM
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Chinese tend to be in the $350 - $400 range, with fork, shipped to the US.
This is why they've gotten a lot of buzz. Many concerns about build quality, but most owners seem to find they are decent bikes and great value (I have 1600 miles on mine). Others are concerned by the potential for failure.
Many online dealers sell the next tier up, Kestrel, Fuji, Felt, etc.. as well as badged house brands from Nashbar, Performance, Bikes Direct, etc... which are typically the same as Denfu, Workswell, etc.. with paint and labels and known warranties. Typically in the $600 range, frame and fork.
Lots of top name brand frames available as well, Colnago, Specialized, Scott, Willier, Look, etc.... often costing upwards of $3,000 for the frame and fork. In my mind you are paying about $2,500 extra just for a lot of marketing on these.
This is why they've gotten a lot of buzz. Many concerns about build quality, but most owners seem to find they are decent bikes and great value (I have 1600 miles on mine). Others are concerned by the potential for failure.
Many online dealers sell the next tier up, Kestrel, Fuji, Felt, etc.. as well as badged house brands from Nashbar, Performance, Bikes Direct, etc... which are typically the same as Denfu, Workswell, etc.. with paint and labels and known warranties. Typically in the $600 range, frame and fork.
Lots of top name brand frames available as well, Colnago, Specialized, Scott, Willier, Look, etc.... often costing upwards of $3,000 for the frame and fork. In my mind you are paying about $2,500 extra just for a lot of marketing on these.
07-24-17, 06:22 AM
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Think about it. The Workswell 066 is a fantastic GP road frame for $450. Most times you pay more than that to have a name-brand frame replaced under warranty. The warranty on name-brand road bikes is mostly a sham.
07-24-17, 06:24 AM
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Chinese tend to be in the $350 - $400 range, with fork, shipped to the US.
This is why they've gotten a lot of buzz. Many concerns about build quality, but most owners seem to find they are decent bikes and great value (I have 1600 miles on mine). Others are concerned by the potential for failure.
Many online dealers sell the next tier up, Kestrel, Fuji, Felt, etc.. as well as badged house brands from Nashbar, Performance, Bikes Direct, etc... which are typically the same as Denfu, Workswell, etc.. with paint and labels and known warranties. Typically in the $600 range, frame and fork.
Lots of top name brand frames available as well, Colnago, Specialized, Scott, Willier, Look, etc.... often costing upwards of $3,000 for the frame and fork. In my mind you are paying about $2,500 extra just for a lot of marketing on these.
This is why they've gotten a lot of buzz. Many concerns about build quality, but most owners seem to find they are decent bikes and great value (I have 1600 miles on mine). Others are concerned by the potential for failure.
Many online dealers sell the next tier up, Kestrel, Fuji, Felt, etc.. as well as badged house brands from Nashbar, Performance, Bikes Direct, etc... which are typically the same as Denfu, Workswell, etc.. with paint and labels and known warranties. Typically in the $600 range, frame and fork.
Lots of top name brand frames available as well, Colnago, Specialized, Scott, Willier, Look, etc.... often costing upwards of $3,000 for the frame and fork. In my mind you are paying about $2,500 extra just for a lot of marketing on these.
07-24-17, 07:29 AM
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I'm selling my Workswell R-066 for $250 if anyone is looking. Size 56.
07-24-17, 07:32 AM
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The main thing with generic frames is that you can't test it.
07-24-17, 07:33 AM
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No need ... if you know what you're looking for.
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07-24-17, 08:35 AM
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07-24-17, 10:20 AM
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Geometry charts don't tell you everything, especially with carbon fiber. With carbon fiber, the layup matters far more than anything else. One frame can be brutally stiff, while another can be smooth as glass while outwardly looking very similar. Think of it like a steel bike where the manufacturer doesn't tell you anything about the tubing used. You can guess as to the feel, and it'll probably be fine, but if you're looking for something specific, then you need more details.
07-24-17, 12:16 PM
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I have always been tempted by frames direct from China. What worries me is the QC. Not just cosmetic but structural.
I *supposed* with branded frame, there are more QC on the frame going on. And some frame may fail branded frame QC but direct-from-China may feel it's "OK" to ship to customer.
I just don't want to be thinking about the frame (or the fork, or the rims) when I am on a 40mph descent and hit a bump.
and if I ever buy a China frame, I would opt for Aero or something with more meat, instead of WW. I would want more R&D and QC if there is less material to support the weight.
I know I worry too much in general.
I *supposed* with branded frame, there are more QC on the frame going on. And some frame may fail branded frame QC but direct-from-China may feel it's "OK" to ship to customer.
I just don't want to be thinking about the frame (or the fork, or the rims) when I am on a 40mph descent and hit a bump.
and if I ever buy a China frame, I would opt for Aero or something with more meat, instead of WW. I would want more R&D and QC if there is less material to support the weight.
I know I worry too much in general.
07-24-17, 12:35 PM
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07-24-17, 06:16 PM
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07-24-17, 08:07 PM
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Okay i have thought about it some ... it's a good deal but not the right deal.
If no one else shows interest in a few weeks maybe I will reconsider ... but I have one already and don't need another ("Need" and "desire" being unrelated terms.)
I assume Someone will snap it up ... it's a good deal.
If no one else shows interest in a few weeks maybe I will reconsider ... but I have one already and don't need another ("Need" and "desire" being unrelated terms.)
I assume Someone will snap it up ... it's a good deal.
07-24-17, 08:42 PM
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Geometry charts don't tell you everything, especially with carbon fiber. With carbon fiber, the layup matters far more than anything else. One frame can be brutally stiff, while another can be smooth as glass while outwardly looking very similar. Think of it like a steel bike where the manufacturer doesn't tell you anything about the tubing used. You can guess as to the feel, and it'll probably be fine, but if you're looking for something specific, then you need more details.
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