Aluminum frame
 

I'm looking for an aluminum frame to build up. It will NOT be used for track racing, as I don't have a velodrome within several hundred miles. I will be using it for 20+ mile rides and maybe a few races. I'm looking for a stiff and light frame.

Background: I've already got a steel fixed (steamroller). I had a Klein Quantum back in the day which was STIFF. So I'm used to aluminum frames. I just want something lighter and stiffer than my current steel frame. I've got big hills around me, as I live at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. Mashed up some 10-12% grades this past weekend and wished for something more stiff.

I've searched a bit and can't really seem to find something that is street friendly. Masi Cortello stuck out, but they're no longer made. I believe Bianchi Super Pista, Cinelli Vig are too track-geo oriented?

I'd like to spend up to ~$800 for the frame (or cheaper). Thanks for any input.

Brassknucke?

Wabi Lightening is probably your best choice

the lightening is awesome but i will say, if you're not on a track the visp is pretty awesome for how cheap it is especially with a carbon road fork.

'Lightening' does not mean what I think you guys think it means.

i only secondguessed lightning because i thought i remembered wabi misspelling it on purpose. but you're right. it's lightning.

Leader 725 w/an I05TR.

Masi Coltellos are hideous, plz do not do.

Thanks for the suggestions. I looked at te Wabi. From the reviews, most say that it rides likes steel? That's what I want to get away from. I need stiff and light. Which also throws out Leader frames, as they're 4+ lbs (let me know if I'm mistaken).

Looks like I don't have many choices. Maybe I'll try to make the Cinelli Vig work. Or look into Felt/Trek/Cannondale frames as well.

The new specialized looks good with compact geo

have you ever ridden scandium? it's stiff just not buzzy. when people say rides like steel they mean it feels good, not that it's heavy or compliant.

and it is lighter than most aluminum.
i'd go for a felt or a cannondale with what you want.

the steamroller is great but it's also built like a tank. to me it sounds like you want a cannondale.

+1 on buying a Cannondale.

I was in your same situation! I looked for a long time for an aluminum frame for riding canyons with. Eventually I decided that I couldn't pick one out because there are so many, so the next time I was in San Francisco I went a bunch of shops and called around to find a frame. I came out of it with a Cinelli Mash, which I've been way stoked on. I liked the look of the Vig also, especially because it isn't such a poser bike as the Mash, but I got $100 off so I can't complain. I'd say, if you have a job, wait until you get a couple more hundred dollars, because your options open up even further. The Low/// is a sick bike for $945. Pelizzoli Leggenda is around $1100(?), Dodici Gara or Special (they're going to start making a run of Gara frames in China which might lower the price and make delivery quicker), the Leader Kagero just came out. Lots of decisions, which is why I let "fate" pick mine out. :lol:

Thanks. Max5480, I'm in SLC as well. I'll check out the frames you mentioned. Trying to keep the budget as low as possible to get it past the wife. :)

I did a ride over Suncrest in Draper over the weekend and was wishing for something stiffer and lighter.

If you're on a budget, maybe consider a Leader 721?

Mine built up with a brake and a brooks came in at 18.82 lbs... I highly recommend a Leader if you want a good price, great stiff bike.

I'll check out the other Leader frames. RE: Cannondale - did they get rid of the Capo? Can't seem to find it.

They have them here:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/54-Cannondal...item19c7f2d917

My 55cm 725 weighs 17.66 lbs and Angie's 49cm 721 weighs 16.78.

Pretty sure my frame by itself weighs around 4ish. Light wheels matter more than a light frame.

BTW - Those Capos are pretty nice but should come with a better crankset for that price, no?

Scrod - How would you rate the 725 in stiffness? I've ridden some aluminum frames that felt even noodlier than my Steamroller. And you're right about the wheels.

I'm a big guy and like a stiff frame too. My 725 feels incredibly stiff, responsive and less rattling than other aluminum bikes I've ridden. I know Tejano Trackie uses his 49cm 721 on the track and has said he likes how stiff it is as well.

I will say that the 725 felt more stiff than my Brassknuckle has... but I haven't set the Brass up perfectly yet.

My dream bike is a Pelizzoli Leggenda paired with a carbon fork /homerdrool

Cyclesmith just got a 56cm Black Vigorelli.....................................omg

PS. get a 31.8 handlebar right away for stiffness.
PS #2 Why a fixed gear? You should just get a road bike.

dooood, that is just my size (I think). I'll call them up.

Re: Fixed gear. I've had numerous road bikes, from the Klein to Trek Madone 5.5 with full Dura Ace 7900. Gears just don't do it for me. Like many here, I just like the simplicity and challenge of SS/fixed. My mountain bikes are all SS (not fixed) as well. But I don't race, either. If I were to seriously get into racing, I'll buy another gearie. But I can't imagine that happening anytime soon. I'm hoping that Draper Velodrome will happen sometime this decade. Not holding my breath, though.