A couple weeks ago, I noticed that I was a bit of a tard and didn't get my rear wheel centered after replacing the tube. The result, a worn spot through the carbon fiber of the chain stay. To replace it, was ridiculously expensive, to repair it wasn't in the budget, but a new Nashbar frame was.

I got the frame today and started building. It came with Frame' stickers, but those are staying off.

Here's what I started with. A Trek 5200.


Here's the Nashbar frame. First impressions were really nice. It's aluminum, so it's going to be a bit heavier, but I'm definitely not a weight weenie.


The biggest gripe I heard about the frame is the welds. They're not hand welded frames by any stretch, but they really aren't that bad in person. The bottom bracket is the ugliest and it's not that bad IMO.






And here it is so far. Still have to run cables, get the crank off the 5200 and onto the new one, get a new seat collar (the old one is too big), and get a shorter bolt for the rear brake.

I like that paint. Congrats!

So do I! I was worried it wouldn't match the fork from my 5200, but it matches perfectly.

I didn't plan on keeping it. I'm willing to sell it. Not sure what to sell it for, but I'll entertain realistic offers. FYI, Calfee will repair it for at least $450 plus shipping.

What the? How the?

How bad is it?

Can we see photos? How far did you ride before you noticed?


New frame looks sweet, very similar colour to the 5200.

Thanks. I'm really happy with it so far. I can't wait to ride it this weekend. For $80, you can't beat it.

Here's the link to the post about the damage.

Make sure you get the BB shell faced if you haven't already. Your LBS should be able to do this for a nominal fee.