NateRod

So I got some new parts. New crankset as a bday gift from the lady, and new Veeps as a bday gift from myself.

Now... I'm almost ready to use these two new arrivals as an excuse to get me a slightly nicer, not to mention better fitting frame.

My current frame is a 51 cm EighthInch Scrambler V2, which at times has felt like it's one size too small. As I've discussed on other threads, not an EXTREME disparity in size (just one size level), so the ride still feels very good. But then again, maybe one size larger will take it from being a great ride to an EPIC, close to perfect ride.

While I debate with myself over this, I've been checking out some framesets, most of which lie in the $200 to $400 range:
Kilo TT or Stripper
KHS Flite
Pake track
IRO Angus
Leader 722TS
and even a slightly more ambitious Motobecane team track from BD. $350 for that frameset sounds too good not to consider.

The Kilo kind of sounds like the most cost-efficient frame swap, but maybe it'd be a better idea to save up a bit more for something a little "better"? (I say "better" between quotes because, based on the kilo's popularity, it would seem there's hardly any better stuff in the price range).

So... what do the BFSSFG connoisseurs say? Sell the bike with the old parts and use the cash and new parts as an opportunity to start fresh with a better frame for spring? Or maybe something in the price range I specified isn't enough of an upgrade to warrant the expense and I should just put the new parts on the scrambler (continuing to keep in mind that I could use a frame that's one size larger than my current one).

Any other frames I should take into consideration, if indeed you think it might be a good idea to "upgrade"?

Go on. Discuss. Talk some sense into me.

xkillemallx16

I would sell the scrambler and get the angus. It's reynolds 631, threaded fork, though note it sells in 50,56,and 62cm only. The team track is fine, carbon fork and steep geo would be great for the track too.

The kilo, khs, and pake are slight upgrades. The bikebiz has the khs for 205 and the pake for a little more, and they are all good bikes, of higher quality than the scrambler.

Also, see the soma rush. Seems recommended by lots of people. The surly steamroller is 420 for the frameset, which is overpriced but allows wide tires.

edit:
https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...t-my-new-frame!!!
Nice pake build.

May I ask what crankset?

filtersweep

I went with a Soma Rush-- they are blowing out the 2009 models. I don't like the fender/rack mounts that all the BD options seem to have. I don't like IRO's sizing. Not a fan of Leader... If I were spending a little money of a frame, I would want something that clearly offered something of an upgrade--- either better steel, better fit/geometry, or whatever compels you pull the trigger.

Here is the kicker--- I would consider keeping your current bike--- unless you really hate it. An extra wheelset is always nice-- and having a rain bike/extra bike/whatever bike is always good. Of course this is based on your contradictory post that it feels too small, but feels very good. I really don't get that. If you are "close" in sizing, you might consider whether your post offers any setback, and take a look at your stem/bar setup.

NateRod

Thanks. The rush looks good, though slightly out of my range... very slightly so still may consider it.

I don't hate my bike, of course. I have much love for it, as it is my first FG bike. Ideally I'd love to keep it around, if I got a new frame. But I just don't have the space for two bikes. Plus, I'd probably have to sell it in order to justify spending dough on a new one.

And to clear up the contradiction, the bike does feel good to ride, especially after I put on a longer stem. It is stacked pretty high on spacers, however. And isn't it ideal to have your stem sitting as low as possible on your steer tube? I may have misread some info regarding this, though. So maybe it's fine.

Maybe I just don't need a new frame. Maybe I'm just being whimsical and want a shiny new frame for the new parts. Maybe, indeed, all I need to do is put the new parts on the current one and keep on trucking with it.


That's why I post my questions here, instead of making impulse buys I'll regret later


@ killemall, the crankset is an SRAM S300 GXP.

milkcratebasket

A lot of people have Kilo's on here. I am debating getting one but I want to hold out for the lugged version until I decide weather or not to get one. 350 for a complete is decent though. Especially for a beater bike that is all brand new.

NateRod

So after some more riding I've continued to grow more displeased with the fit of my current frame. At first I was less aware of details but now that I'm more familiar and have a better feel for it, it's starting to get on my nerves quite a bit. i've decided that indeed I need a frame that is one size larger than my current one.

I'll probably go for an IRO Angus, though I might hold on for the new batch of Kilos to come in by summer. The recent threads regarding these frames have sparked my attention.

It's just a matter of whether I can wait it out til summer or not.

seedubs1

If you are looking to get an Angus, I've got one in a size 56. it's 52cm c-c seat tube, so it's about 1 size up from what you have now. Really nice condition. Looking to get rid of the frame, fork, shimano 105 BB and 105 crank. PM me if you are interested.

NateRod

Hmmmm. I might be interested, though I'm not sure if the 56 cm might be one step too far for me. PM sent while I investigate.

Thanks

Triple8Sol

Not really. The black frame can be found for $300 + $100 for the fork.

NateRod

Change of plans. I think I'm just going to get a Kilo frame. It's a good balance between cheap and solid. I really don't need much more than that.

I can use the leftover cash that would've gone towards an Angus or Rush to get the few components I'll need to complete the build.