thisisbenji

I'm thinking about getting a new framset, specifically a carbon one. I'm rocking a Trek 1.2 with SRAM Force right now. The two frame sets that I'm currently considering are the Pedal Force CG1 and the Specialized SL3 Pro. Currently, if a group buy for the PF doesn't pop up I'm look at about $1200 out the door, and I can get the specialized for about $1575 out the door.

Is it worth it to spend the extra almost $400 on the Specialized? Any other bikes in that price range that would be better?

bonz50

aren't PF bikes just painted/branded versions of the generic ebay carbon frames?? if that is true, why not just buy one of those direct on ebay and save a few hundy more??

this looks like its the CG1 frame, just with no labels... https://cgi.ebay.com/Brand-new-full-c...item336633adb2

given that, if you aren't sweating spending $1200 i'd get the Spesh

gospastic

That isn't the same frame. Also, why bother with eBay when PF offers some type of warranty?

Anyway, in that price range, I would probably get a Felt FC.

chadteck

It looks pretty similar, but that frame is about 300 grams heavier than the CG1. The generic carbon frames I see on eBay are generally much heavier than Pedal Force frames, although it might be possible to find an exact match.

I'm very happy with my QS3. It's stiffer than my old frame and almost a pound lighter. I got in on the last group buy, so the price was great. I was also considering a Felt FC and had the price difference only been a couple hundred dollars, I'm not sure which I would have gone with (at group buy pricing, the QS3 was about half the price of the Felt).

yzeater

Are you set on buying a brand new frame? Great deals can be had on used frames...

bonz50

most of the generic ebay frames offer some type of warranty as well, in case you didn't realize.

chadteck

Link a generic eBay frame with weight and warranty similar to a Pedal Force frame.

RMMJ

https://www.novemberbicycles.com/frameset/

bonz50

5yr

https://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Road-Bike-Fr...item2ea9042fc7

manufactured by ADK

I also want to make note that ADK also build the PF frames... and a disclosure statement, I do not own of these and really have no interest in buying either... just believe in doing some diligence on purchases like this...

edit - some quick google-fui produced this archive from BF https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-233230.html regarding the PF<->ADK link

JTGraphics

ADK builds a lot of frames but all are not the same just because ADK makes it specs are different material and lay up of the fiber are done to a manufactures specs.
Manufactures are responsible for checking what is coming out of those factories and are built to their specs.
PF has their specs and the frames are built to it which is not the same as those Ebay frames, one reason for the weight difference.

thisisbenji

The Felt FC looks like a good frame, I'd like to check one out. The closest Felt dealer to me is about 50 miles which is a little problem to just check one out, but I'll consider it I'v always liked felt. That being said it's also slightly more money than the spesh.. I think I'm going to demo a tarmac for a day in a couple of weeks, and then I'll go and see if I can ride the felt too. I'm not really in a rush to get a frame as I want to get something that I really love.

Probably going to stay away from ebay, but I am considering going used as well. I'v been keeping an eye out at the usual locations.

X-LinkedRider

I would consider this a better value than all of the fore mentioned on specs alone. But I have a bit of a biased opinion being that I have had the opportunity to ride one, where many people have not. Something to throw into the mix anyways. https://superiorlitebikes.com/slproframe.php

chadteck

That frame + fork combo is ~500 grams heavier than most current PF frames. Additionally, the latest PF frames use BB30 which results in further weight savings from the crankset.

bonz50

ok, fine, 500g, is 500g worth ~$700?? just curious, cuz if that's all the difference is, well...

edit - doing a bit of homework, the weight diff is only ~100g, so lets talk facts not fantasy... sorry if that sounds snooty, not intended to be...

edit2 - don't get me wrong, I'm not tryin to poo-poo the PF bike, I just am trying to make damn sure that it is indeed different enough to warrant such a cost difference... facts yo!! its a compulsion of mine... haha

Elvo

CG1 = 880g + 379 g = 1259g (most mid-range CF frames by themselves weigh this much)
Ebay = 1238 + 588 = 1826g (average weight for a mid-range CF frameset)

Your homework is to calculate the difference.

JTGraphics

Heres fact I have PF RS2 Frame: actual weight 827.3 grams = 1 14.60 lb. and it's been fantastic! total weight of bike with pedals and cages 14.11 lbs.

learnmedia

Why the CG1? Is a group buy on for it? (Sry, too lazy to look.) I believe the QS3 is closer to the Tarmac SL3 Pro as it has the tapered head/steerer tube for a stiffer front end. CG1 does not.

gospastic

Also, if you go to bikeisland.com you can get it cheaper.

bonz50

doesn't seem to be what I'm finding on various locations... easy to find many of the generics that list their weights in the 880-950 range... forks in the 330-350 range as well... like I said, some simple google-fu is turning up weights comparable to what you are quoting on the CG1...

JTGraphics

Listed weights are almost never reality!
They will always be more but in a few very few will it be correct.

chadteck

The frame you linked with comparable warranty to PF is $589. A QS3 and fork costs $1000, for a difference of $411. A decent amount, but hardly $700. You've already been corrected on the weight.

The point I am trying to make is that I bet you can't find a frame on eBay that matches the specs and price of a PF - and we are talking about regular PF pricing. The group buy price on my QS3 was barely more than the boat anchor you linked. The other problem with generic eBay frames compared to PF frames is that you have no idea if the claimed weight is accurate. With PF frames, most users have verified that they are actually conservative with their claimed weights and most actual weights I've seen are below claimed weight. Additionally, it's pretty easy to find actual user feedback about PF frames and pretty hard to find feedback about a specific eBay frame.

I'm not trying to say that PF frames are the best thing since sliced bread, but I think they represent a great compromise of quality and price.

eippo1

FWIW, that's a great price for the SL3 Pro. I love how mine rides and covet its looks. Only issue with it is that it has a constant stream of drool on the top tube from every time I ride it or even look at it for that matter.

Steve90068

Go with the November.....such a rad frame for the price https://www.novemberbicycles.com/frameset/

eippo1

Holy crap, $945 for that bike? That's an awesome price.

pdedes

I've got a cg-1 w/SRAM red and a boydcycling 50mm clincher wheelset. It's a fantastic frame. I picked out an easton ec90sl fork and handlebars and an easton ea90 stem.