I ran into same extra cash last week, literally. Was hit by some jerk. I am okay but my commuter bici is not so good. The hunt for a new frame to build up has led to these three candidates, all around $300. Each have things I like and dislike but I can't decide. I need some second opinions.




EAI Bareknuckle
Likes: good rider reviews, well received geometry, chris king headset
Dislikes: bright green color, not lugged, small dent on top tube (seller says from socket wrench slipping off crank bolt and hitting frame. Only a cosmetic issue), threadless fork (not pictured)



Rich Adams handbuilt frame
Likes: columbus steel, lugged, includes chris king headset and a miche BB, subtle sage/olive color and nice finish, handbuilt
Dislikes: threadless fork, Don't know much about Rich Adams frames?



Ciocc track Frame
Likes: classic italian track frame, threaded fork, campy headset
Dislikes: paint not as nice as other frames


Any input is appreciated, especially regarding the Rich Adams frame. I like this frame but I have a fear of the unknown.

Thanks

i would go with B, final answer.

edit: i know nothing about Rich Adams.

You have some good choices

I would go with the Ciocc if its a true Track frame and not campy drops out. That paint is pretty sweet by old italian standards.

Rich Adams, Ciocc, then Bareknuckle. It'd be good to have some more information though, like geometry and what type of Columbus tubing you're working with.

I really like option b

Rich Adams for sure. Handbuilt, American, nobody has one. Plus, that's a $1500 frame new and it looks like it's coming w a King headset.

if you can really get these for $300 then get option c and tell me where I can get b for that price

do wilkes barre a favor and go rich adams.

also, he is a very nice guy.

Rich Adams. A local builder of fine quality steel frames.

rich adams

BK would not even be on the list.
The other two seem to be way above.

rich adams first, bareknuckle second, ciocc a far distant third.

I would be skeptical of the ciocc. for some reason, that seat cluster looks incorrect and repo decals can easily be applied to any old rusty track frame. the decals look new while the paint is scratched and what's with the cable clamp marks on a track frame? why is a ciocc only $300 anyways? it's either fake or there is something wrong with it. this isnt 2002 anymore where the price of vintage track stuff was very, very low.

so in conclusion, get the rich adams.

Didn't include the picture with the track ends but it is a track frame.

I would ask for a picture of the serial number on that ciocc if that frame is still an option for you. I'm skeptical.

If you are tall, lanky, and can ride a 58-60cm I can tell you where to get what ever frame I don't end up buying.

great idea. What should I be looking for in the serial number? Any other discerning BB cutouts or frame markings that I should look for to confirm its authenticity. I guess I am just trustworthy. My older brother picked an older Casati track from for $100 from some guys garage a year ago and I figured this Ciocc was a similar find.

why is threadless a bad thing? threaded headsets are a pain ad quill stems suck to work with(look nice, though)

ciocc, if you can outbid me! hahahaha (I really do have that on my watch list.. haha)

but for real, I don't know about it, I was looking at the pictures and it seems pretty beat to ****. the pictures don't show much, and the seller hasn't responded to any of my questions about rust/dents. The again it could be fine, but personally I'm not gonna spend cash on a beat up lookin frame I've never seen, and the seller won't tell me if its messed up.

I'd go for the Rich Adams, let us know how that ciocc turns out if you win. and If you do, let me know who to contact about the rich adams.

Threaded headsets are not hard to work on. you must be one of those ham fists.

Id go for the rich adams. The Ciocc doesnt even show you the track ends. Seeing the fade lines in the top tube from cable holders makes me think its a road frame.

I'm terribly biased - I love Italian frames. I'd get the Ciocc, then the Rich Adams, then the BK.

The Ciocc was probably used as a road training frame for a long time and may have either been drilled for a front and rear brake at the factory or done by the owner/at a shop for the owner. I'd ask about that.

The paint, is, well, Italian paint. My pinarello chipped just sitting there but the paint on my de bernardi and my de rosa seem to much better and they are all early/mid 80s frames (though the de bernardi might be a bit older). I had some of the paint stripped off the non-drive chain stay on my de rosa because it was fairly chipped up and chrome under the paint. The painter who works with my local shop said there was a tough tough layer of clear coat on it and it took him a while to get it off. So far, the paint seems pretty durable but it has seen a lot of street use (though no messengering use). A friend who bought a NOS ciocc track bike on ebay in 2003 babies his bike somewhat but he did tape off the bottom of the chain and seat stays, lower part of the front forks, and on the top tube. He never complained about the soft paint either. And that seat stay closer looks much like his frame's seat stay cluster.

Also, find out the threading on the BB shell for the Ciocc. If it is Italian and you can rebuild your own cup and cone BBs and are willing to do so, great, it aleady has a BB. If you don't know how to or aren't wlling to do it, you will have to figure out cranks and BB will work with the frame.

And what tubing is it? Before this modern track resurgency, most track frames were pretty high end.

With the Rich Adams, will the geometry work for you? Remember, custom to someone else, not you. And what is the tubing?

That Ciocc looks real fishy.

I'd go with B

Hard to get specifics on the geometry but I know the top tube is 58.5 cm and the seat tube is 61.5cm center to top so probably closer to 59-60cm. I am 6'2" with a 33.5 inseam so the top tube seems fine but I gotta test out the seat tube and make sure the family jewels are ok.

if you don't end up going with B, i'd much appreciate a heads up, (not interested in A so much, and i saw C the same place you did) i'm in the same situation as you frame and price wise, and have an inch longer inseam (same height). thanks in advance.

spill! i am 6'4 and looking for a good njs or italian esque frameset!