nemeseri

I'm slowly upgrading my old litespeed road bike (al-ti + ca fork) and after upgrading the groupset (Ultegra 6800) / wheels (mavic ksyrium elite s) I'm thinking about replacing the frame too.
It's a little bit trickier than the other parts, because the frame itself is quite light and stiff. I only want to see my options.

I use the bike for commuting and going on longer on 50-100-mile rides on the weekend. Overall I think I ride around 4-600 miles a month. I'm not really stressed about weight, but of course the lighter the better.

I had a hard time to find good frame manufactures and I find it interesting that it's really hard to find something between cheap commuter frames and high-tech carbon/titanium frames.

Any suggestions are welcome. Thanks.

link0

Which litespeed do you have currently?

You can buy a brand new Chinese "open mold" carbon frameset for $600 shipped.

nemeseri

I have a 2003 Litespeed Antares: https://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/B...ntares+Ultegra

link0

If you are willing to buy used, you can find some killer used frames on CL or eBay for well under $1000 also.

Giant TCR Advanced
Specialized Tarmac SL3 or SL4
Cannondale Supersix
Trek Madone
etc.

Homebrew01

I thought CAAD 10 was the official answer.

e_guevara

Ditto with the CAAD10.

rpenmanparker 

OP, there are some dynamite Giant frames on ebay these days, TCR Advanced and also the SL versions. Do keep in mind that you will likely need to adapt your crank set to just about any modern frame made for press fit bearings. That should involve only a small added expense.

Kopsis

How about a hand-made fillet-brazed steel custom road frame from Curtlo Cycles for $990? Tough to beat Curtlo's combination of comfort, quality, and fit in your price range.

caloso

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/ri...2NDYXQxMDAxNzE

You are welcome.

rpenmanparker 

Nice and unbeatable for the price. So far, anyway.

BoJaffa

How about an Allez frame..Under a grand and seems to get good reviews.

nemeseri

Thank you for all the suggestions! I noted all the brands you mentioned I'm gonna look into it.
It's amazing that how easily I can get relevant and good advice on this forum. Guys, you're awesome!

lesdunham

If you know your size and have even a little mechanic ability this is worth considering -
https://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...strada_xiv.htm

zymphad

Lightest and stiffest frame I can find without being ugly.with the sloped tubes like Specialized is Velocity Selene. I am considering buying one.

Chi_Z

How does caad10 compare to regular super6 or giant tcr carbon frame

SirHustlerEsq

I rode a family member's 2012 Super 6 and it's a miniscule smoother on junctions in the road but gives up a touch more stiffness when you're on the pedals or cornering hard in a banked corner. I could just barely feel the Super 6 compress in the corner (I'm splitting hairs) where my CAAD10 is ultra-rigid. I don't know that I understand the logic in buying a base-Super 6 over a CAAD10, but I know the hi-mod bikes are another world. I cannot comment on the Giant frame. Specialized also has a $880 "smart weld" Allez frame, which ironically is cheaper than the CAAD10 frame.

The Fuji GEOX frame is $849 at a ton of different places. You can also find 2012 Scott CR-1 frames for $800 at a few places.

zymphad

It seems easier to get a Allez frame from LBS and official sites than a CAAD 10. For me I can't find CAAD 10 from an internet authorized dealer so far. But the prices direct from Taiwan on Ebay are about the same as Allez from an LBS.

Also in the CAAD 10 thread seems the posters in there are in agreement that the CAAD 10 is a stiffer and faster ride than the Allez.

SirHustlerEsq

I just had to ask, the shop pulled-up the frame, and that was it.

I agree with that assessment, even though I thought the Allez looked way better. BTW, the geometries on those frames are different and should be ridden before purchased.

WhyFi

I haven't ridden either, so I can't comment on whether or not those claims are true, but the CAAD thread is hardly the place for unbiased opinion on CAADs vs their competition. Don't get me wrong - I'm sure that the CAAD is a fine ride, and all opinions should be taken with a grain of salt, but the CAAD hype machine runs overtime in the 41 and the CAAD thread is it's beating heart.

nemeseri

Very good suggestions, just in my price range. Actually after all the ideas in this thread I feel that indeed there are options very nice options out there under $1000. Thank you!

milkbaby

WOW. That is a nice deal on a new frame. Only available in XS, M, or XL right now though. Almost tempted to get one and swap part off an old bike on to it... Very nice looking frame!

caloso

I should have noted that Ridley has weird sizing. A small is 54.5 effective top tube, which most would call a medium.

SirHustlerEsq

The hype machine is strong for a reason. I know it's a frame for poor people, can't be respected because a pro isn't riding one, and it's not sexy carbon, but I couldn't bring myself to buy anything else after riding it and a few other bikes.

WhyFi

If you want to try to put words in my mouth, go right ahead, but that's not what was said or implied. People are welcome to sing the praises of their particular bike all they want - I'm happy that people are happy with their purchases - but it gets downright farcical when people recommend a particular product for everyone and every intended use.