Used, Bareknuckle with ChrisKing for $550

or

New, Mark V Pro with ChrisKing for $400ish

I have been riding a conversion for a while and want a stiffer more responsive frame with a higher bottom bracket. I have looked around for a durable, steel, well reviewed, good looking frame for a long time and really like these two. Will I really like the Bareknuckle $150 worth more than the Mark V Pro, or does the Iro service make up for the better qualities of the Bareknuckle? If so why?

I know I will love riding what ever I get, I would just like to make the best use of my hard-earned dollars.

I'd say the bareknuckle is worth $150 more.

I'd go with the new Mark V, more money for nice parts to build it up and IRO has a great warranty. bareknuckles are overrated IMHO, I don't see why they are so appealing to people.

iro mark v's are really relaxed and great for the streets imo.

the bareknuckle is more track oriented as far as geometry goes.

mark v will probably be a more comfy ride unless you plan on taking this to the velodrome.

Not planning on doing any velodrome riding as there aren't any around me. But seeing as I already have my conversion for longer rides where comfort is more of an issue, I wouldn't really mind a harsher around town ride from the more aggressive geo of the Bareknuckle. I am just not sure which would be the better investment as far as quality and durability (also have to consider that the Bareknuckle is used, although looks to be in good condition). Thanks for the advice though everyone!

The geo is my fav part of my bareknuckle. I like the feel a lot compared to my other bikes. It's a fun ride for sure.

If you're concerned about an investment or resale value, the Italian-made Bareknuckle with the higher grade steel would be worth more than the Mark V Pro.

Although, IRO does have the crash warranty policy - if you wreck your frame, you can buy a new one for $150.

Get. The. Bare. Knuckle. I love riding mine everyday! It's not harsh.

the bareknuckle for sure. I have owned both, and as solid as the mark v is, the bareknuckle is lighter and stiffer, and with a higher bottom bracket, so it is sized a little larger. I have a 52cm BK and the standover height was higher than a 53cm Mark V Pro.

The stiffness translates into better power transfer, but its lighter so its much more comfortable, IMHO. The Mark V fork is heavier, Ive tried it on my BK and prefer the BK all together.

Get a Wound Up fork with the 40mm rake, and your golden, its a great combo!!!!

Putting a 40mm rake on the knucle will change its geo. I wish they made a 35 mm rake woundup with no drilling for a brake.

I also had the chance to get a bareknuckle with chris king, but I'm thinking of buying the frame/forkset for $470.

other than the tube set and no braze-ons what's the difference between Mark V and Mark V pro. Does the reynolds tubing of the pro make it closer in quality to the bareknuckle

I thought the Pro is out of production til Spring?

its better steel than the regular one. I'd say the bk also gets a few points for not being made in a factory in taiwan, but i don't know enough about steel tubing types to be able to tell if the pro is comparable.