Are there any reasonably priced aero-optimized carbon frames on the market? Something similar to Cervelo S5 or BMC TMR01, but cheaper, under $2,000.

Giant Propel Advanced looks pretty good, MSRP $2300 but maybe I can find some deals closer to winter. Any others?

correct me I'm wrong, but isn't geometry a bigger factor than the bike brand? doesn't matter how aero the frame is, all that R&D goes out the window once you put a human on it.

I think boardman has an interesting Aero frame for cheap. It looks cool too. Not sure how it compares to the big brands. Then there is the dogma f8!

Every bit matters. The human is part of the equation, as are the frame and the wheels. I'm working on the human part, I have the wheels, can't hurt to look into the frame too. There are some interesting design features that might save a few watt here and there.

Boardman Air? I see it on competitivecyclist.com with sticker $2,200 and current sale price $1,760. Interesting option, good to know. Though I'm not sure how I feel about 2-year manufacturer warranty when everyone else gives lifetime. And it has neither the chainstay integrated speed/cadence sensor (Giant's RideSense, Trek's DuoTrap) nor integrated brakes, both of which I can get with Giant Propel Advanced or $2100 Trek Madone 5. The frame itself may be more aero, but I'd still have traditional brakes and a cadence sensor on zip ties.

Dogma f8 is upwards of 5 grand for the frameset.

DH Gate and get a Chinarello for $500 or a no name chinese carbon frame off Ebay for even less

You're right that the rider creates more drag than the frame, but you're wrong to suppose the benefit of the frame disappears with a rider on board. Any reasonably fitting frame can duplicate a geometry so whatever frame is chosen, the rider drag is more or less the same. The question then is how much drag do you want to add from the frame supporting the rider in that position. You can use one that adds more or you can use one that adds less. There's no right answer, everyone will have different goals, desires, and abilities (including the ability to pay) .

If you look around you'd still be able to in some previous model Cervelo S2's still on showroom floors.

Problem with complete aero frame bikes are that they are still fairly expensive...but come with entry level parts. If you're not hung up on new or buying complete...I'd look used.

Ridley Noah on sale at competitive cyclist for under $2000

It's all about making a fashion statement about the kind of person you are. I have a cool looking aero frame bought NOS for a song.

I'm looking specifically for a frameset. I have a tricked-out Cannondale Supersix, I can probably take it apart, sell the frame on Craigslist, add another $1000 (hopefully less), get an aero frame and move all components onto it. Though it remains to be seen what's the most economical route.

I could go pre-owned, but the market looks pretty thin.

Swapping frames would be the best bang for your buck. A clean S3 or CSC graphics SLC-SL would be awesome.

Only thing I don't like about aero frames is the proprietary seatposts. It took Cervelo years to come out with an adjustable (fore/aft) post for the 2013 and older S2/S3's.

How about buying a complete Felt AR5 for ~$2500 swapping on your components and selling the old SS frame and the removed parts for ~$1500. You could also do the same thing with a Cervelo S2 but it costs a bit more. Those two frames (plus the S3) are supposed to be the best riding aero road bikes on the market.

AR5 - Felt Bicycles

S2 Aero Road Bike - Cervélo

Planet X N2A Carbon Road Frame And Fork

/thread

Williams Cycling's Aeros Genesis for $1899: Genesis Carbon Road Frame

You can find an 07+ Cervelo Aero frame for VERY cheap. They haven't changed much if anything in their 2014 models, so it's a great buy in comparision.

Definitely go Felt if you can. The AR5 bike and AR1 frame set both retail for $2500, but if your schedule allows it much better deals can be head towards the end of the season...assuming there's leftover inventory.

Not sure where you've been looking, but the S2/S3 were completely redesigned for 2014.

There are lots of changes - lighter weight, different stays to make the rear more compliant and comfortable, aero seat tube, and completely different geometry

Litespeed C1r is very cheap

Adrenaline Bikes

I have the Giant Propel Advanced and it's the best bike i've riden so far, comparing to bikes i've owned/riden> cannondale supersix di2, specialized tarmac, felt AR2

Awesome! Post a pic. Love that bike. May be my next frame.

My daughter made not so good video of it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcRd...eature=mh_lolz

oh and this i support their claim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4PBFHi-BMII

lol that's cute. Awesome colors too! Perfect bike, enjoy it!