Just found out that the Integrated Alloy/Carbon Frame has been discontinued. Which is horrible news for a cheapskate like me.

Was waiting for the price to drop from $199 to whatever and was going to pull the trigger on the 54 cm frame. Of course when I attempt to do so, it's Out of Stock ! Found out through their twitter account that yes, it is discontinued. So grab them while you can, I'm looking elsewhere. By the way does anyone know where I can get a similar frame?

Just get the all aluminum one. It's often 70 bucks or so and probably just as good as the one you mentioned...and maybe even with better structural integrity.

what's the weight difference? A handfull of skittles? Go alloy or find a used frame you like for 200

That's so tempting at $170. I almost bought one instead of their aluminum frame (which I really like btw) - but I didn't like the integrated headset.

Those are measured C-C btw not center to top if that makes a difference. Some people assume it's the "normal" C-T and look at the wrong size.

I think it is more for the damping on the back end rather than weight. I guess their carbon bike and alloy frames sell so well there is no need for the tweener frame.

This. Spend the extra $ on a lighter fork.

Here is a sweet unfinished 53cm...

In 58cm, the integrated Aluminum is 3.46 lbs, the Alum/Carbon is 3.22 lbs. The ride is significantly different, with no loss of stiffness when hammered. I own both, rode the all alum for most of a year (ok a few months), and then moved all pieces to the Alum/Carbon. Apples to apples.

Yeah I was looking at their 54 as a 58. They just make the size designation off the top tube. And yes it is tempting.. I already have an aluminum bike with an integrated headset...It's not so bad, though that's probably where my random squeak is coming from. No sense in having 2 aluminum bikes specifically. The material is ok, but not like I'm going to go crazy for it.

I actually have an all-aluminum one I picked up last year for 60 bucks (couldn't beat the price!), partially built up but not ridden yet.

It's going to be an n+1 backup bike. I have a Ti and an old steel road bike, so this fits in well with the stable.

Moreso for marketing. Also, allegedly, it's cheaper to build a frame with a bonded in CF stays, than it is to weld an aluminum rear end.

These frames came out when CF was just becoming the big deal. I think they're dying out because people are realizing they actually don't make a ton of sense.

This could very well be true. Good point there.

I would (and did) take the all aluminum frame over the one with carbon stays just because the aluminum version is worry free as far as durability goes. I don't know why everyone is freaked out about the integrated headset, it works perfectly fine and if anything it's more durable than using a normal headset. I've seen numerous aluminum frames cracked at the headset and they all had normal cups. Just saying. I bought a cane creek and it's been flawless since day one. Yeah the frame weighs like 1500g but it's stiff enough and it's practically free.

Not fanatic about it, I just don't like the idea of no cup in the headset. More potential problems, no real upside from my perspective other than a little lighter.

I've never ridden a frame with carbon stays, but I think it would soak up a lot of rumble. It wasn't quite enough to push me over the extra $100 and the integrated head tube though, and the all aluminum frame is satisfactory.

Don't take this wrong, but it was worth the $100. I agree with folks who say the carbon is marketing, but in this case, I have both frames, and there is a very significant difference between them for ride feel. I have been thinking since this thread started that I might have to pick up another of the carbon mix frame, even though I have a spare alum one in the basement (and I just got done building a new bike.. much wife credit would be lost).

If by 'wrong' you mean tempting me to jump on the $170 special, that's how I'm taking it. I just can't really rationalize getting another frame though, kind of like your situation. Unfortunately it seems like having a spare frame would be about the least useful spare part for a bike ...

If we both did it, could we consider it a group buy?

Unless it's like my Tricross - carbon stays with Zertz inserts. Zertz makes you go faster, and also makes you more attractive to the ladies. And it makes your breath minty fresh.