New Frame Considerations
 

I am considering a new frame to build up.

I am thinking Guru Sidero or Gunner Roadie.

Both have excellent reputations. I am having problems finding reviews of the Sidero and Roadie. The Sidero, from what I can learn, is Columbus Spirit and the Roadie is a combination of OS2 and 953 I think. The roadie has stock geometry options which lowers the price and the Sidero is semi-custom geometry from what I can gather.

My current road bike is 853 and I really enjoy it. I could go carbon, but it would be my commuter and an all carbon bike is not something I want to commute on.

Thoughts?

I'd go for a bike more suitable for commuting and one that's cheaper. Those are nice bikes but they are racing bikes, not commuters. Look for something that can take fenders, racks, and wider tires.


Link 1

Link 2

I ride a 1997 Jamis Quest for a commuter. I use a clamp on rear fender for the rainy season. I hate commuter specific bikes. I could perhaps go to a cyclocross bike, but I really like my roadie for commuting. I run a 25 rear and 23 front with no rack or panniers. I will be using it for the occasional race, but overall I am looking for a good investment and a slight upgrade in performance and reduction in weight that new technology will bring. I think the Gunner would be a good investment at $800, but I am little concerned about the mixing of two steels. I like the Guru because of the reputation and the one steel frame, however that comes at a $2000 price tag, but that $2000 also includes a decent fork and custom fitting. The Gunner has stock options and no carbon fork standard. Custom Sizing brings the price to $1200.

Comparing the two it almost seems as though Guru come out on top as far as bang for the buck. The only other consideration is that the Gunner would look better with DT shifters and the Guru may not. However, that is not really a factor for me to consider as long as they both have DT shifter bosses. I do not use STIs.

From what you've said, it's your choice to make. Both are nice bikes. Having two different steels in the tubing mix is not uncommon. Custom builders use what works and depending upon the rider and his requirements the mix could be anything. I wouldn't worry about that at all. I wouldn't expect a size 60 frame for a 200lb. rider to be the same as a size 52 frame for a 120 pound rider.

I don't think you'd go wrong with either bike.

IIRC, OS2 is just Gunnars tube diameter specification of TrueTemper OX Platinum. They've used 853 in the past and may do so again. I doubt there's any 953 used in Gunnars. Waterfords are another matter.