nealjoslyn

So I know I've never posted before, I guess I can usually find what I want without actually contributing to the forum. Anyway, I've been lurking for over a year probably, and I've been looking to upgrade my conversion to a track (errr "street" track) frame as soon as I have some cash.

I wanted to stick with steel to avoid the type of ride I get with my aluminum cannondale race bike. I like it nice and smooth.

Anyway, I'll get to the point. I decided that I would like to get the Soma Rush, since it's made from fairly high quality tubing (Tange Prestige) and is pretty light for a bargain steel frame. However, I recently stumbled upon this 183rd st. track frame on the net. They claim it is also made from Tange Prestige tubing, and it has sweet dropouts with chain tensioners (I'm a sucker for chain tensioners, I guess). The only thing I can see wrong with the 183rd st. bike is that it has a slightly sloping top tube, not enough to be fugly (imo). I couldn't find any actual numbers for the geometry of the 183rd st. bike, but I'm pretty sure that the angles are just as aggressive as those of the Rush.

*edit* - I found numbers for the geometry, and it appears to be identical to the rush. Sweet!

So, the point is, why would you pay 200 dollars more for a nearly identical frame? How is Soma selling any Rushes when this 183rd st. bike exists? This question is mostly rhetorical, I'm just hoping it'll stir up some conversation.

NateRod

You get what you pay for. The Soma rush is a great frame, and has a standing reputation as so. 183rd st frame? Never heard of it. Is it a new company?

For my second build, I was heavily considering a Soma rush. However, since this was going to be a street build, i.e., a bike that would get plenty of abuse, and would get locked out occasionally, being at risk for theft, I figured I might as well just get a cheapo frame. Ended up getting a Pake', which cost me about half of what the Rush would have.

Get a bike that fits you and works well for you within your budget. Don't get hung up on details like chain tensioners and slightly sloping TT's. But yes, continue to ask around. A lesser known frame, like the 183rd could go either way. Could end up being a shoddy build, or it could end up being a great buy. Do your homework. Try and get as much info as possible on this lesser known brand.

Scrodzilla

183rd St. is another company using Maxway frames. Same as the Fuji OBEY, SE Premium Brew, etc (but without lugs IIRC). Maxway makes good frames.

The Messenger

Is there a list of all the rebranded frames and who manufacturers them?

Scrodzilla

Probably not but there should be.

cleanupinaisle3

Just thought you might want to see a 183rd St. built up:

nealjoslyn

Yeah, looks pretty tasty. I think I'll probably get one.

robotphood

Geometry looks different than the obey/brew. 1 1/8 headtube also. Geometry is identical to the Rush but different dropouts. I wonder if it's really Tange Prestige. Could be a steal?

veganwar

I haven't ridden a 183rd Street but my friend sells them in his shop. They build up nicely. Decent tubing and integrated chain tensioners. I like threaded headsets and lugs so this frame is a non-starter for me.

When Scrod said that it was a Maxway, I don't believe that he meant that it was the same as the other frames he listed. Most all frames are built in a three or so factories in Tawain (although I recently saw a Specialized mountain bike with a sticker that said MADE IN CHINA).

NateRod

So, did you finally go for the 183rd? How was it?

BTW, I'd forgotten to mention:
The Pake frameset has nearly identical geometry to the Soma Rush, save for a slightly longer TT, and is very affordable.

I'm loving mine so far. Holding up great.

xkillemallx16

somafab's website has the new pake's in stock, every color too. 6 frame colors and 12 fork choices. 225 for the frame, 80 for the fork.

https://store.somafab.com/pacrtrfr.html

also worth mentioning... simular to naterod's pake, but a rush.

https://store.somafab.com/soru53oneofk.html

Scrodzilla

Yeah, I should have been more specific. I just meant they were made by Maxway.

nealjoslyn

Nope, I still haven't come across any extra money

NateRod

So, did you finally go for the 183rd? How is it?

BTW, I'd forgotten to mention:
The Pake frameset has nearly identical geometry to the Soma Rush, save for a slightly longer TT, and is very affordable.

I'm loving mine so far. Holding up great.