Inexpensive Frameset Recommendations
 

Hi everyone,

I'm looking to build up a bike from scratch for the first time. I've managed to score most of the components pretty cheap off of eBay/CL/Bonktown but the main piece I'm missing is a good frame.

I'm looking for any recommendations on a good, not super expensive, aluminum frame.

Since this isn't my primary ride, I'm not looking to break the bank. My budget is around $300 for a frame and fork. I hope that's reasonable. I don't race, but might some day. I consider myself a "serious recreational" rider. Looking for more of an aggressive frame than a comfort frame.

I've been trying to find a CAAD 8/9/10 but the local shops can't get any frames until June, CL don't have any, and the ones in my size (52, or 54) on eBay seem to be out of my price range. Haven't seen many Allez frames show up on eBay or local CL either.

What other frames would people recommend?

Don't over look the CAAD5 on ebay which is a beautiful frame.


Keep your eye on this baby:
http://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Bianchi-Gir...#ht_500wt_1156

Nevermind. Missed the $300...

You could get the nashbar road frame and fork for that much. Other than that you're looking at a random old frameset from ebay, probably with a 1" fork.

I've seen CAAD 8 sell for around $300 on FleaBay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-CAAD9...item3cb6958ad3

http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-Super...item35b1082936

<Lisp> OMG!!! It's Celeste!!!! It'll go so well with my turquoise man scarf and rhinestone studded bike jersey. </Lisp>

That's unusual

^ none of the ones you guys posted will go for $300 or less :/

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...0_10000_202337

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_511632_-1___

OOOOOH it even comes with a front derailer

http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1041

front derailers are incredibly over-rated

I now you said Aluminum but...... $300.00 buy it now.
CFR-scattante-carbon-fiber-frame-and-fork-52cm

If you can bump the budget up to ~$500, try this: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bc/...01&scname=Road

I got one when I discovered I needed a larger frame than the 58cm CAAD9 I was riding. It's one of the better aluminum framesets out there.

Agreed with revchuck, but I did recently score a 2005 Sworks E5 frame for $140. Got an easton fork for another $75 and I'm good to go.

I recently bought a frameset with columbus aluminum and a CF fork (1") for $300 shipped. Probably paid too much but it's a European frame at least, not something generic. Depending on how easy it is to get frames in the size you're looking for, finding a good deal is pretty much luck and timing. $300 or less does not leave a lot of options but it can be done.

Actually.............................I built up one of those, and for LESS than 300 bones (free shipping you know) they really build up into a pretty decent bike.
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=196483

Or a Six-13 frame ... Aluminum Carbon mix

My Specialized E5 came to around 300 on eBay, but then I had to ship it.

What you talking about Willis???
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-CAAD-...item53e6df3e7e

dont those have a tendancy to explode?

I kind of really want to buy that even though I don't need it. It would be nice to have sitting for a future build. If I wasn't waiting on some Soul wheels right now, it would be on its way to my door.

Thanks for the replies, everyone.

The Bianchi would be seriously sweet, but I doubt it will end up in my price range. It's the perfect geometry, too. Though in the close up picture of the fork, it looks like there might be a crack. But it could just be a scratch.

The Motobecane wouldn't be a bad deal. Just not a fan of the style.

The Scattante is tempting but without knowing the year or geometry, it might be too much of a gamble. Am I being too paranoid?

The Nashbar frame/fork would be my fall back choice. I'm doing this as a learning experience but had hoped I could score a decent frame that I would want to keep around and one day build up with really nice parts (which is why I was initially looking for a CAAD). If I end up going with a Nashbar frame, I might ride it for a while and sell it at a loss to a friend just to get another person on a bike.

neneboricua

Up your budget a little and get a Planet X. Good product, great value, great service.