Bike Forums - Best Frame- $700 or less.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Patriot

53-11

I got it under 15lbs because it is not the ZX2 frame. It is the newer ZX3 compact. The frame/headset/forks weigh 3lbs 11oz for the whole thing. Much less than the older ZX2.

He doesn't advertise the ZX3 yet, because when I got it, it was one of the first ones (one of the prototypes they were testing), and that it was just coming in, (four months ago). He only had it 58cm, and wouldn't advertise until he had a bigger selection of sizes available. He may have some more in his warehouse by now.

OK......now I understand (I forgot a few details)

So the new Zx-3 is a little more pricey.....Did you tell me $699 for frame? (not $599 like the ZX-2)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

You mean my LBS? :D Ok.

Trek
Lemmond

I am in the middle of nowhere. One bike shop. Very small. I can travel 90 miles (one way) to ride bikes but with that being the case, it is easier to solicite opinions here first then go ride.

so let's see if we understand you correctly... you will only buy from an LBS -- and yes, the L=local, so yours, not mine -- and the only bikes available are Trek or Lemond?

Quote:

Originally Posted by LordOpie

so let's see if we understand you correctly... you will only buy from an LBS -- and yes, the L=local, so yours, not mine -- and the only bikes available are Trek or Lemond?

I don't have to buy at my LBS. The only bikes available at my LBS are Trek and Lemond. There is only one road bike in the entire store and it is about 6cm to small. So I have to travel a fair distance to ride bikes. I am not opposed to buying online and may do so. Thanks.

I got it for $599, and $100 for the new lighter forks as well. But neither is advertised yet.

They were supposed to replace the ZX2 frame/forks, but I am not sure why he hasn't started selling them yet. Could be a number of reasons. It was a prototype frame at the time, so he may be waiting for production to ramp up. Or, they may have decided to look for other design options to replace the ZX2 for any number of reasons.

He sent me a desrciption of the stress testing they did at the manufacturing plant, and it exceeded all of their expectations. But, I will have to admit, the ZX3 frame is nothing flashy. It is a very plain design, not sleek like a LOOK 486 or the like. But a very stealthy bare carbon matte finish, with some kind of odd angles, specifically for strength and rigid engineering, not for looks.

I wouldn't doubt if they have decided to cancel the ZX3 in order to look for something more asthetically pleasing, ie "prettier".

I don't think anything about the ZX3 frame was designed to be beautiful. It was designed to be very strong and rigid. It looks so neat now, because of my paint job. But, when I got it, I thought it was very bland looking, personally.

Enough about my bike, let's help Ranger get his. :D

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ranger

Again................................................I checked the sticky. There was advice repeatedly given that advised to buy for the frame instead of for the components. IOW, some bikes in this price range will have better quality frame while others will have better components.

The advice given, which i agree with, was to go for the bike with a better frame. I am just looking for examples of $700 bikes that have the best frames out of the lot. The Jamis that was listed would be an example. Any others?

(too bad there isn't a Jamis dealer in the entire state of Kansas. :rolleyes:

For $700 the business of 'better frame' is barnyard waste.Just don't buy any hi-ten crapola. Check Fuji and KHS.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rjtokyo

According to Pedal Force, the ZX2 is made in Taiwan by the same factory that makes some of the Looks (the older KG286, and I believe the current KG386 and KG486). This is not the Martec factory that makes Scattante, EPX, and others. Those are bonded joint frames wheras the ZX2 and ZX3 are full monocoque (one-piece).

The EPX 303 frame (Martec RI02?) sitting in my living room is certainly not bonded, full monocoque construction from what I can tell

a used steel pinarello, with SL or SLX tubing, 56/58cm, can be around 19 lbs and <$700 with a nice wheelset and a carbon fork... that would be my choice, a good used steel bike.

sd

where can you find such a pinarello for <700?

Quote:

Originally Posted by sydney

For $700 the business of 'better frame' is barnyard waste.Just don't buy any hi-ten crapola. Check Fuji and KHS.

while i don't really agree with your repeated use of the "barnyard waste" and "mental ************" terms, i totally agree with the brands you listed. good call.