I realized the other day that I have enough spare parts to make an entire bike, if I only had a frame. I was going to get a super-cheap frame and build it up, really just for the heck of it. Could be a fun rain bike or maybe give it to a friend who's just getting into cycling.

I don't want to get a nice frame because the parts are all old, worn, low-end components. I was thinking of the $99 Performance or Nashbar frames, or a Motobecane from eBay. Anyone have experience with these frames? Is there any difference?

friend has a moto and hates it. says it doesnt have good geo, then again he is tall and lanky. so who knows.

I'd go with a pseudo-(Kuota)Kredo from a reputable ebay seller. Make sure they are only sourcing from one factory, and talk to someone who recently got a bike from them. The molds are out there and the good factories can make them very well, but they can also be made pretty poorly (which means HEAVY or FLEXY in this case).

to counter point I've had 2 Moto's and like both but i'm pretty short. The one thing I don't really like is that the top tube is longer that proportional for the size so I end up a size down with a longer stem but it works out.

I got a Windsor frame off Ebay. The geometry wasn't wacky or anything, pretty standard sizes and all that (mine was a 52 though, so far from huge). It was also spot-on to what it said it would be on their website. It's been a fine frame, best thing I can say about it is I haven't actually noticed it since I put the bike together. And I think Moto and Windsor are the same frames, or from the same factory at least.

How about a Leader frame? I've heard nothing but good things about those.

My buddy's wife uses a Redline. He says they're hard to beat for the price. You can find those for pretty cheap is you look around. I remember seeing it for $83 once.

The performance frame looks pretty good. I think it has all positive reviews on their website. I think I would grab one of those as most of the BD' frames are pretty ugly IMO.

Like mentioned above leader makes some cheap frames... Not as cheap as $99 though. You could also check Craigslist.

I actually have 2 cheap frames. A Scattante XRL aluminum frame and Motobecane fantom mountain bike frame. They replaced a Giant TCR and Giant NRS respectively. I have to say that I like both of the frames. I do miss a compact geometry as the Scattante is semi compact. The Fantom is better than the NRS but then Im comparing frames that are 7 years apart. Fantom has 100% bearing pivots vs bushings and more travel. Both have decent welds. Paint is mediocre - better on the scattante than the fantom which is crap. The frames are slightly heavier but Im riding just as far and as fast on the club rides. The frame weight increase was worth it IMO, the giants were pushing the limits with my 200lb body and I think I will have a problem with the frame separating from the water bottle bosses like on my TCR due to paper thin wall thicknesses... The biggest problem with going with these frames was swallowing my pride... I actually bought both frames cause money was tight and I had the expectations that they would be "temporary". However, I expect both to last a very long time and I dont expect to buy a new frame unless something unforeseen happens like accident or theft. The ovalized tubes on the scvattante are kind of dorky IMO but ride quality is good - frame is stable at 50 mph plus and carving switchbacks - no perceivable flex when climbing or sprinting.

My experience is starting to change my mind on the importance of the frame. Seems like getting a decent average frame and investing in better components and wheel results in a better ride than spending $$$ on a frame with mediocre components. However, Im sure the guys with the colnagos will chime in to counter my opinion. I unfortunately never owned one but my fingers are crossed!

The performance frames (Scattante XRL) are pretty good, I ran one a couple of years ago for my winter road bike..... was very pleased with it. Now I have the 29er frame for my urban machine.

I just ordered one of those Scattante XRL Comp frames as a temporary crit frame. First thing I'm going to do is peel off those ridiculous logos. I'll let you know how it rides.

My decals are under clear coat so you will not be able to get them off unless you damamge the frame finish. Also, I bet your going to like the frame so much that temporary wll be much longer than you originally expected!

I've got one. I really like it.

It built out at 19lbs with cages and pedals, with that insanely heavy scattante fork and ordinary ultegra stuff and cheap bars/stem/wheels.

I hated the stickers as well, so I stripped all the paint off. I bought a can of spray on paint stripper at Depot and went to town. Then I spent a few minutes with a scotchbrite pad to polish things up. I have had it for about 3 years now. Lots of miles. No problem.

Lots of people think its some kind of high-end Ti bike. Funny.

-Z

Did you put any clear coat on after stripping it?

Why not buy a vintage steel frame and upgrade it like this 1986 Nishiki Prestige. I paid $75 for the complete bike and replaced the parts I wanted to. IMHO it sure beats another me-too low end aluminum bike.

No clear and no ill effects.

It gets a bit of oxidation and ick after a bit and then I hit it with scotchbrite again. Not more than a couple times a year.

-Z

After owning it for almost a year, I decided to dump the heavy ass fork as well. I got a full carbon fork on fleabay and saved 0.5lb. I built mine up with Chorus and Ksyrium wheels and its in the 18lb range. I laugh cause mine is the nicest build Scattante Ive seen in my parts.

BTW, my kids got some electrical tape and covered the logo so it read "Scat Ant" after going on a field trip and learning what Scat was.... Really funny guys!

On my ride home tonight I looked at the finish of the XRL. Its silver metal flake and honestly the paint is holding up pretty well. Id say that Performance actually put a decent - not stellar - finish on the bike. Also, the weld beads after looking at them tonight are actually really good. Cany beieve that you pick these frame+fork+HS up for $150... When building, I didnt have to chase threads or anything. My RD hanger was slightly out of straight but that was quickly resolved!

Performance XRL Comp +1

I bought a Nashbar Double-Butted Aluminum Touring Frame last summer. With 30% off coupon, I paid a little more than $100 for it. Built it up with components out of the parts bin, which in my case meant Ultegra SL, and it's been a fantastic bike! Not the prettiest or the lightest, but a good, solid touring/commute bike. It has more braze-ons and rack mounts than you can shake a stick at, will fit 700x32 tires with fenders or 700x35 (maybe 700x38) without. I put 750-1000 training miles on mine, then rode it from SF to Los Angeles. Still ride it quite regularly...

Another Scattante XRL here. A recent encounter with a car door tanked my carbon frame, and I scavenged parts from my last two bikes to build up the XRL. Only a few rides so far, but no complaints whatsoever.

roccobike, I actually have a couple of nice steel race frames, an '86 Gazelle with a 10-speed Chorus/Centaur mix and an '89 Trek 660 which is my fixed gear commuter/rain bike. They're both set up perfectly for their purposes so I don't want to mess with them, just a build a down and dirty crit bike.