Buying New Frame
 

Hi All,

I am looking to build up a new fixed gear and am utterly confused as to what frame I should look into purchasing. I am willing to spend a bit. For instance, I have been considering the Cinelli Supercorsa Pista (though I would much rather not spend that much). A more manageable frame price wise for me is the Gunnar Streetdog, though the geometry isn't as aggressive as I might like. I am also interested in the EAI Bareknuckle. Anyone have suggestions within this price range or which one of these three frames is best for what they cost? I am looking for a track frame, but I am willing, as my endorsement of the Streetdog suggests, to consider more laid back geometries. Thanks a lot.

are you more partial to steel over aluminium? Do you want it drilled for front and/or rear brakes?

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I am not really partial to steel over aluminum (though I have mostly seen steel frames, with the exception of the Specialized Langster which I just was glancing at), and only want front brakes.

*maybe I should also mention that I don't intend on riding this anywhere but the streets (if that wasn't obvious already).

Re: Nonemoreblack

That site just makes my head spin. I would have no idea where to start.

If you want a good cheap first bike, in all seriousness, check out Affinity Cycles and Alien Bikes. Either one will work for you, and you'll get a decent bike for pretty cheap. Or you can buy a complete from any number of companies, but where's the fun in that?

Ya, I mean, those are nice frames for the price, but I am willing to spend more. My logic is that, if I spend more now, and take care of my bike, I won't have to upgrade (or feel the need to upgrade) for a while. Whereas if I buy an affinity or an Alien, or even, say, a Sparton, I feel like I won't have the flexibility of putting on better components when I want them (since my components shouldn't be way nicer than my frame, I think). And, I also will probably want to upgrade my frame in a while (if I buy an Alien or Affinity or other comparable frame), making my overall costs that much higher.

Also, it might help to point out that I didn't ask the question simply because I know nothing about frames and want someone to tell me what to buy (I know what I want and some of the more salient features of frame design). Rather, I want to try and narrow the scope of my search to a few frames that are recommended to me and then compare those with each other.

I don't understand why you think you need the best components when you're just going to ride it on the street. I mean, if you're a really good track racer and you need that extra little edge, then you need the best components. If you're some shmoe mashing around town... well, it's your money, but there really ain't a difference between a 3rensho and a kilo tt in that case.

I'm not entirely sure what you're saying. Is it that components don't matter? Or is it that frames don't matter? Or both? I am pretty sure there is a difference between riding a 3rensho as opposed to a kilo tt no matter where you are riding. If this weren't the case, then there would be no market for the, say, Gunnar Streetdog or any other higher end commuter frame. I don't want to buy a 3rensho, that is taking things a little far, but I also don't want to slum it up with any old frame. If it is really the case that there is no specifiable difference on the road between a 400 dollar frame and a 1000 dollar one, I guess I can deal with that. I just figured there is and this is because the more expensive frame either gives a better ride, is better quality (more durable etc.) or both.

*Also, I didn't say best components, I said I'd upgrade components.

I'd say that on the street, the difference between new concrete and old tarmac is way more than the difference between a 200 frame and a 1000 frame. The crap you are riding over is going to completely overwhelm any perceived difference in the ride. It's like the difference between listening to a crappy stereo and a good stereo while standing next to a jumbo jet with its turbines running.

In fact, I'd even say that on the track, unless you are a really good rider in top form, there won't be much difference in your results.

But this is just my opinion, it's your money.

That might be true with regards to the ride, but as far as durability is concerned, for example, that can't possibly hold.

*Anyway, not interested in arguing about this further. I mean, if you don't want to recommend anything, then that's fine.

The superior materials and craftsmanship allow them to reduce the weight. Any old bike from Wally world is plenty durable.

But in any case, if you want a sick frame for the street more power to you. The Bareknuckle is rad, the Cinelli is overpriced, and if you go for the Gunnar you might as well spring for the custom fit.

Ive been looking at the Alien Frames. Decent lugged steel frame and good looking lugs at that. I need to look into the geometry a little more but I wanted to get a bare steel and then use gun bluing agent on it :D The nice option of buying just a frame a building up is the ability to make it yours, can end up being a bit pricier though.

Alright, after glancing through here I'll post my opinion:

I'm not sure what your definition of 'great' is, so you 'won't have to upgrade later' - if you're looking at Steel, there's cro-moly, reynolds 531, 631, 853, dedacciai uno, zero, less-than-zero, it continues.

Alumnium there's 700X, 900X, and so on.

It seems that you're being attracted to a bike where quality and price are maximized (aren't we all?). Perhaps you're willing to drop a little more on a frame. I've ridden both steel and aluminum, and honestly on frames that retail around $1k, prefer aluminum. You'll get Reynolds 531 or 631 in that range. I also saw that you've mentioned geometry, if you want track-like geometry, get a Trek T1 frameset - it has a 74o headtube, which is very track-like. The S-works Langster is only 73.5o (54cm for both), but they're both really nice frames. If you're looking used, the Langster Comp is not a bad option, having an aluminum frame, and coming with sugino 75's, carbon fork, and track drops stock. Hope some of that helps.

Thanks, Ill take a look at those since I havent really been looking at aluminum frames.

BOMBER PRO, SAMSON, GIRO, PANASONIC, GEEKHOUSE....


Look in to those man, they're probably more in the price range you're looking for...

edit- and don't go aluminum. It's far too rigid for everyday use, so it gets a little uncomfortable... and they're just ugly. Trust me, I ride a Langster. ;)

This thread seems ridiculous to me

You're a joke...

Would you like to expand on your comment? I'm trying to give the guy advice. Named a couple cheaper frames, said he wanted to drop a little more, named a couple more expensive frames off the top of my head. What have you tried to contribute to the thread? It's just easier to come in and make some jackass comment though isn't it? :thumb:

have you considered a custom frame?

Re: trons

Ya, I considered it. But if I can find something pre-made that fits me nicely, then Id rather go with that to save the money.

Re: doufland89

I am having a hard time finding the specs on the Kazane frames, do you have a link? Also, I am not sure why they are so much more expensive than the Alien frames. They seem really similar to me.

get the cinelli supercorsa pista. do it.

Its just too expensive for what it is, though it is ****ing awesome looking. The half chrome stays and chrome lugs are delicious.

Have you already been riding fixed? May want to start out with a beater or conversion or something on the cheaper side and see if you like it before dumping 1500 into a bike.