Carbon Frame for New Build
 

I am researching the option for the new build bike this year.

The reasons why I would like to build are:
1. Better wheels. I already have two sets of wheels, and don't need another average ones. That is why I will not go for BD bike.

2. I already have some used components that I would like to use: crankset, saddle, seatpost, and wheels that I can use.

3. I hope it will be a little cheaper than buying a new bike. Beside, I will not need to spend all money at once, I can buy missing "links" whenever they are at the good price.

Since I already have CAAD, I am looking for more speed oriented geometry, like Tarmac(?) or something similar.

So, the main thing would be the frame (besides the wheels). Carbon frame.
I looked at Planet X, but their frames do not have brazed-in FD that I would like to use.

I am not looking at eBay frames, because Bob have scared me away from them. I understand that eBAy frames are cheaper, but I am willing to pay the price to have a warranty.

Do I have right reasons for build vs complete bike?

and Where to buy carbon frame for a good price?

I picked up one of these after a crash-out early last fall and I'm very pleased with it:
http://www.carbonroadbikebicyclecycl...e-frame-58cm-0
The price includes the frame, fork, headset, seatpost & clamp, and shipping. It is similar to my buddy's Trek Madone 6.9 frame - not a noodle but still comfortable.

I've put 1600 miles on it, and I think it's a great frame at a killer price. I'd do it again in a minute.

One caveat, it does require a clamp on FD.

Real Cyclist has the Litespeed Archon C1 and C1R on sale, cheap. The C1 would be a little more than the Stradalli frame just mentioned. You'll get the aero advantage, BB30, Tapered headtube, internal cable routing, and it looks pretty sweet.

If i was in the market for a new carbon bike, I would serious consider the November Cycles Wheelhouse, either frameset or complete build.

http://www.novemberbicycles.com/frameset/

Buying frame separate is not a great way to save money in general, just going off MSRP and what you can get locally. For instance, a Felt F5 runs $2100 and the frame runs $1650. The even tougher part is that the second a bike hits your local shops floor, you can bargain with them. Whereas a frame is almost surely to be an ordered item.

Anyway, it can be a good way to save money if you shop online at some past year frames. Some frame dealers that come to mind are gvhbikes, racycles, competitive cyclist, there is more also. Glory cycles, U.K. sites, etc

One frame that comes to mind, thats kind of a compromise between the blank $600 ebay specials and the $2K you'd spend on something from a LBS is the various renditions of the Deda Scuro RS. It's about 1050 grams for the frame, tapered steerer fork. Ribble carries it for around $1200 for a frameset I believe. It's been rebadged by Guercotti and a few others and gets good reviews.

http://www.rossettibike.com/frames/road-frames.html

You mentioned you are looking for speed oriented geometry...the Murcielago is their top racing frame. This is the frame that a lot of the pro teams they sponsor ride.

Small size 52 is out of stock :(((

Looks really good, added to my list to consider, thanks!

Not in stock until April :(

True, but I don't want stock wheelset, standard length stem (not all LBS replace it for free), and some parts I already have, other I can buy used. Also, I can spread the cost over longer period of the time :)))

Thanks I will look into the sites you mentioned!

Then try the Trebisacce: LINK

It is essentially the same as the Milano only with a flashier paint job.

Good luck!

neither of which are actually anything close to a madone SSL.

True, they sell for ~$3800.:rolleyes:

and weigh more than 300 g less than the frame you posted, utilize completely different carbon (a 3k weave vs the proprietary unidirectional fabric that Trek uses), have infinitely more hours of development and a whole bunch of other features that the Milano Strada does not have.

the material and construction couldn't be more different between the two bikes. that's why one costs $3900 and the other costs $1000.

Geez, lighten up Francis. All I was saying is that for me a Stradalli frame had been a very good value, has provided great performance and is similar in rigidity to my riding friends Madone. If you check the OP's original comments he (or she?) was interested in a value oriented frame with race geometry at a good price. I don't think an SSL fits the bill - not because it isn't a great frame, and not because it isn't worth every penny to a competetive cyclist, but because it doesn't seem to be in the price range he wants.


Lemme guess, you own an SSL frame, you have been sleeping on the couch ever since you bought it, and you're reassuring yourself that you still did the right thing? ...Or you're that guy at our local Trek store.

Go to bikeisland buy the carbon moto frame with fork and be done with it. A very light frame, known source despite the opposition, and great price. My BD Moto Immortal S weights 17 pounds loaded in a 59 cm. I would love to buy the frame and fork and build another to exact specs. I also build my own wheels.

don't have an ssl. don't sleep on a couch. don't work at a trek store. but hey good job making assumptions and being rude.

if you would've said "my cheap generic carbon frame is similar to (insert any reputable manufacturer)'s (top end model)" i would've objected. it's not similar to any of them. except that it's a bike.

My comparison was in the rigidity and comfort of the frame, "It is similar to my buddy's Trek Madone 6.9 frame - not a noodle but still comfortable." I never said that it was "just as good as" or "the same as". And I'm the rude one? :rolleyes:

I will say, again, that mine is a very nice frame that has proven to be a great value. Haters gonna hate. End of story.

i built up my Argon 18 Krypton using ebay.

frameset was completely new and professionally packed.

oh, and it had a braze-on