Penzoil

Im looking for some recommendations on a new frame, im 6'2 about 165-170 pounds. Riding a 54cm cannondale r1000 aero right now(yea seems a little small for me). Ummm im a fairly newer rider if that has any bearing. Price really isnt an issue as long as its a frame thats gonna last me a while.

roadfix

as in frame material?

sorebutt

If price isn't an issue, go with a full custom steel frame. Find a builder in your area, go meet with him, and you will get the best bike money can buy..
I can tell you that no matter what bike you get now, it will not be your last. So get yourself a classic, custom, personalized steel frame, and in the future, as you become more experienced, you can buy the latest and greatest material frame (probably made of some kind of new, just discovered, obscure element, with atomic weight of 0 ) with the latest and greatest components with 45 speeds...

Penzoil

As in specific frames or companies that would be best for my weight and build, and about what size frame I should be looking at. As of right now my riding area is everything, but will be moving to nothing but flat land in 3 months if that has anything to do with a decision.

fogrider

6'2 and riding a 54cm frame...I'm 5'8 and ride a 54cm frame... do you have short legs or might you need a larger frame? First, I would go get fitted.

Penzoil

I realize I need a larger frame, mostly the reason im looking for a new one. It was a frame that was laying around unused, and something I could learn on.

Lone Ranger

You don't require any particular frames or manufacturers due to your size. Good manufacturers to consider (in no particular order) include Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Specialized, Bianchi, Litespeed and LeMond.

The type of riding you do will have some influence. If you plan on doing really long rides, then you want something comfortable. As you won't be doing a lot of hills soon, climbing ability (a lighter and stiffer bike) are not as critical to you as they might be to someone living in the mountains.

You need to decide on what type of material you want for the frame - titanium, carbon, steel, aluminum or a combination. Ti, carbon and steel tend to give you a softer ride than aluminum, although an aluminum bike with carbon stays and fork can be pretty comfortable.

Next, find a good local bike store (LBS) to look at and test some bikes. The lbs will help you get to the right fit, which will depend on your proportions (are your legs or torso particularly long) and the particular make of bike (i.e., not all 58 cm bikes fit the same - some are measured differently and some have a longer or shorter top tube).

You should have some ideas regarding what you want to spend as that will help narrow your search. You can get an excellent bide for $2K, a nicer one for $4K, an even nicer one for $6K, and you can spend $10K or more if you want.

Not knowing anything about you other than you are not price sensitive (and thus perhaps are not say in your 20s), I say lean towards a nice titanium or steel bike. Look at and test ride the Trek 5500, a LeMond Zurich and Tete de Course, and a Serotta ti and a Serotta steel bike. You could toss in the new Cannondale 613 or one of their pure aluminum frames (called Optimo) if you want. Those tend to run in the $3500 to $5000 range. If you want to compare something less expensive, try the Trek 2200. If you are interested in spending more after looking at those, check out the Serotta Ottrott, something along the lines of a De Rosa (steel, ti or combo) or a Colnago carbon bike.

Come back and keep asking questions here and at the stores as you go through the process.

Most of all, enjoy the process.

SchreiberBike

I think the first thing to find is a shop you trust where they will help you find a bike that fits you and fits your riding habits. Almost every shop has access to a variety of brands and they will have one which fits your needs.

Especially if you don't have a lot of good experience, I think finding a good shop is the first step.

europeugeot

You might concider looking at SuperGO for a good cycling shop that will help with your needs and fit you in something for YOU and only YOU... Having a great relationship is everything when you need answers... Read Further here... You might find this of interest. I bought my Scattante CFR Limited Edition there and has been WONDERFUL... But I went all out and still in love with this bike. You don't have to go full Carbon like I did so I added another bike you might peek at below. *Here is what I got* 2004 Scattante CFR Limited Edition <-- Click Here

Have you checked out the 2004 Scattante R650 Double W/ Ultegtra components...??
To me that is a KILLER bang-for-your-buck... Which I would think would be something to consider when your going to use this as your "pioneer" for racing... Here is where you can find this bike...
2004 SCATTANTE 650 Double- SUPERGO <--Click Here




Take Care,

- JIM

Thylacine

Scattante should do a brown frame. That'd be funny.

Anyway, you need about a 60cm frame. That's about all I can say seeing you've given us little info. Whats your budget? What are you trying to accomplish? What type of riding to you want to do? etc etc etc.

Al.canoe

I'm having the same problem deciding on a new frame. I'm presently riding an '84 steel touring frame which I've upgraded with STI, Ultegra/Open Race wheels, etc. I like the comfort of the tourer, but I enjoy the improved liveliness and speed with the upgrades. I'm leaning to an Airborne Ti frame, either their sport tourer/cyclecross frame (Carpe Deim, https://www.airborne.net/eready/janette/store/cdbike.asp) or the more aggressive road bike (Valkyrie) . You can choose from a wide range of forks. Then Fuji makes some very reasonable steel frames (Robaix Pro, world) which also look interesting. You can order Airborne direct or go through a bike shop. My LBS can get Fuji and Airborne frame sets.

Al

roadbuzz

Orbea's seem to be a good value... quality, light frame with a cool paint job at a good price for what you get.

goldy

Question for bike people out there....
i was just given a road bike - 49cm that is too small. i currently am interested in learning to ride a road bike - i commute right now on my mountain bike and want to do more long rides, possible some touring.
so here's the question. should i just get rid of the thing, can i find a bigger frame and use all the parts - or are those sized differently too. i don't need anything fancy cus i'm just getting into the swing....
i'm 5'6" girl - probably need a 53 cm bike? not sure.
any advice would be appreciated.
thanks

james57

fyi : you might want to try the online fit system of competitive cyclits, it will at least remove some of the guessing .. than go and get a real fitting ..

Lone Ranger

You must have long legs because many 5'8"-9" guys ride 54 cm. I take it you have the seatpost adjusted as far up as it was made to go? You could try adding a longer stem to help stretch you out on the bike, but without knowing what you have it is hard to suggest you start putting money into it.

If you really are going to do long rides and touring, it is worth your money to work with a local bike shop (lbs) to find something that really fits you properly. You should look at bikes whose frame is made from steel, carbon and titanium for comfort. An aluminum frame may be too stiff and uncomfortable unless you are closing in on 175+ pounds. Many manufacturers make women specific designs that may fit you better than a man's bike.

Don't get rid of your gift bike until you have gone through the fitting process and have selected something else.

Al.canoe

If it's a men's frame, you can possibly make do by getting a longer seat post and a different stem. Woman generally have a shorter upper body, so the top tube length may not be far off. Different manufacturers use different top tube lengths for the same size bike, so it's a matter of seeing if it's close enough. There are many sites on the WEB with articles on fitting a bike. Suggest a Google search.

My wife is 5'7', she rides a Trek 520 Touring 48 cm frame (BB to top of seat tube, 45.7mm to top of top tube). She has a very short upper body.

Al