Inexpensive Frameset Recommendations
04-04-11 | 06:07 PM
#1
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From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: '09 Fuji Team Pro
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?
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?
04-04-11 | 06:15 PM
#2
On the Move
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From: Massachusetts
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Don't over look the CAAD5 on ebay which is a beautiful frame.
Keep your eye on this baby:
https://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Bianchi-Gir...#ht_500wt_1156
Keep your eye on this baby:
https://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Bianchi-Gir...#ht_500wt_1156
04-04-11 | 06:54 PM
#6
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04-04-11 | 06:56 PM
#7
I'm Carbon Curious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,190
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Don't over look the CAAD5 on ebay which is a beautiful frame.
Keep your eye on this baby:
https://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Bianchi-Gir...#ht_500wt_1156
Keep your eye on this baby:
https://cgi.ebay.com/2006-Bianchi-Gir...#ht_500wt_1156
04-04-11 | 07:02 PM
#10
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From: WA state
04-04-11 | 07:14 PM
#11
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From: Los Angeles
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04-04-11 | 07:17 PM
#12
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From: No. Central Ma. USA
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04-04-11 | 07:24 PM
#13
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From: Traverse City Michigan
I now you said Aluminum but...... $300.00 buy it now.
CFR-scattante-carbon-fiber-frame-and-fork-52cm
CFR-scattante-carbon-fiber-frame-and-fork-52cm
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04-04-11 | 07:26 PM
#14
OMC
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: South Louisiana
Bikes: Specialized Allez Sprint, Look 585, Specialized Crux E5 Sport, Trek Domane SL6
If you can bump the budget up to ~$500, try this: https://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.
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.
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Chuck
Demain, on roule!
Regards,
Chuck
Demain, on roule!
04-04-11 | 07:46 PM
#15
I like beans
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From: Meffa, MA
Bikes: Tarmac Pro, Bianchi Zurigo, Raleigh Gran Sport, Fuji Del Rey, Ironman Centurion
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.
04-04-11 | 08:12 PM
#16
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From: WA state
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.
04-04-11 | 08:30 PM
#17
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Last edited by redtires; 04-04-11 at 08:46 PM. Reason: spelling!!!!
04-04-11 | 09:11 PM
#18
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From: Ffld Cnty Connecticut
Bikes: Old Steelies I made, Old Cannondales
Or a Six-13 frame ... Aluminum Carbon mix
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04-04-11 | 10:02 PM
#20
I'm Carbon Curious
Joined: Aug 2005
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What you talking about Willis???
https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-CAAD-...item53e6df3e7e
https://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-CAAD-...item53e6df3e7e
04-05-11 | 12:15 AM
#23
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From: SoCal T.O.
Bikes: CAAD9-6, 13' Dawes Haymaker 1500
04-05-11 | 01:16 AM
#24
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From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: '09 Fuji Team Pro
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
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
