2Fer

Looks like the Nashbar aluminum touring frame is back in stock now, but the fork is now sold separately. In addition, the fork is now chromoly blades and steertube, rather than the aluminum blade/steertube that was being offered as the frame/fork combo in the past. Also, the new fork has an additional set of eyelets at the dropout.
I haven't yet built up my frame/fork that I bought in January, and wonder, should I spend the $$ to buy the chromoly fork? I don't need the extra eyelets, but have heard that steel will give a better ride. I'm looking for input from someone that has swapped out an alum. fork for chromoly. Comments?

https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200274_200450

Thanks,
2Fer

TonyS

Sweet! I think I cut my steer tube just a tad too short, and it would be awesome to be able to buy just the fork... especially if it's Chromoly.

Think I might be ordering one of those soon.

ploeg

I have a bike that's based on the Nashbar Touring Frame from two years ago, which came with a chromoly fork. I also bought a Nashbar chromoly cyclocross fork for my aluminum cyclocross bike (when it was $28 with discounts). I like the Nashbar forks, and I prefer the ride of the chromoly fork to the aluminum fork that it replaced. (I'm sure that you can build an aluminum fork that gives you a good ride, but in practice, they generally don't.) You might want to wait until they discount that fork though. Also be advised that the Nashbar chromoly forks are heavy (the touring fork is 1190g).

ploeg

Also, now that I think of it, if it makes a difference to you that this fork is chromoly, you might want to wait at least until somebody else orders the fork and confirms that it's chromoly. It probably is, but the people writing for the website don't necessarily have physical access to the goods. When the double-butted touring frame first came out last year, the copy said that it came with a chromoly fork, when it actually came with an aluminum fork.

NoGaBiker

Wow! That is heavy. I'm used to seeing entire frames under 1000g in the racing world. Had no idea some forks were more than that.

Not that it matters that much on touring bikes. I'm just sayin'.

sonatageek

With the fork not on sale, the cost of full frame set is a lot higher than before.

sstorkel

Steel may give a better ride if you're planning to use 700x23 racing tires.

I put 700x35's on my Nashbar and it rides like a dream with either the standard fork or the Nashbar CF cyclocross fork I normally use. With high-volume tires, fork material makes less of a difference...

ploeg

The price is usually highest at this time of year heading into fall, when people start mucking around with indoor projects. If they still have frames when spring rolls around, then they sell the frames at fire sale prices. Naturally, when they start selling the frames at fire sale prices, they might not have the size of frame that you want, but that's the risk that you take.

As it is, you can get a frameset today for $163.47 with all the discounts ($99.99 + 69.99 - 15% coupon + 18.99 shipping). This compares well with the price at this time in past years. I got my frame and fork two years ago in August for $139.34 shipped, and it was that cheap only because it was a returned item. The going price was $180 plus shipping.

TonyS

That doesn't compare to the sale prices though. I got mine for $80 on sale. These things are SIGNIFICANTLY more expensive now. Glad I got mine while the getting was good.

Sequimite

I need the 60cm frame and need the top tube as long as I can get it, so 61cm is good. However, I notice that the head and seat tube angles are the same for all sizes which sometimes means the larger sizes don't perform as well as the smaller ones. Any experience out there with the 60cm size?

Also, dshack just posted this 25% discount code: NBARLUV

I have a friend who has built a number of bikes and is urging me to get something we can build together so I'm ready to pull the trigger.

---------------------------------------------
Bike Nashbar 25% Off All Orders 25% Off All Orders. Enter coupon code NBARLUV at checkout to receive discount. Coupon cannot be applied to Speedplay products, Fox products, Mavic products, Shimano components, previous purchases, cannot be combined with other offers and is not valid for Gift Certificate or eGift Card purchases. Coupon good for one purchase only. Discount does not apply to shipping, handling or taxes. Offer valid 7/21/10-7/30/10 Only.

TonyS

DUUU EEET!!!!

Great bike.

2Fer

Thanks to all for the great feedback. My build-up includes Bontrager Satellite Hard Case tires (700x32), and am hoping they have enough volume to smooth out the ride of the aluminum fork. "ploeg's" comment on the fork weight reminded me of some reviews I read, prior to my purchase, that complained of the excess weight of the steel fork, so I'll hold off on buying the chromoly fork. Here's my build list of components on my 58cm. Nashbar Touring aluminum frame/fork purchased Jan. 2010 :

• Headset: WTB Momentum "C"
• Brake/Shifters: Shimano Ultegra 10-Speed STI ST6603
• Brakes: Shimano BR-R550 Cantilever
• Crankset: Specilized Triple 175mm (Made by Sugino), square taper, 50-38-24
• Pedals: Shimano 600 w/toeclips & straps
• Cassette: Shimano Ultegra 6700 11-28
• Bottombracket: Shimano UN54 sealed cartridge
• Hubs: Shimano Deore LX, 36h
• Handlebars: DEDA ergo drop bars, 6061 double butted aluminum
• Deraillers: Rear=Shimano 105, Front=Shimano DuraAce triple
• Fenders: VeloOrange hammered aluminum
• Saddle/Seatpost: Brooks B-17 Special (honey/copper), Sugino SP-K post
• Rear Rack: Blackburn Expedition EX-1
• Saddlebag: Carradice Longflap-Camper

I'm almost done with the build... just waiting for the cassette to arrive from Wiggle (due mid August), and still need to pickup a rear brake cable hanger from Salsa and some stem spacers to setup my handlebar height. I've been taking my time, picking up most components from bikeswaps here in Portland.
2Fer

Sequimite

My basic plan is to take all the parts off an old mountain bike with XT components and canti brakes and put them on the Nashbar frame with Nashbar CF cyclo/touring fork. I'll have to add a few parts plus racks and lace 700 rims onto the mtb hubs. Does this sound doable; what may I be overlooking?

As I mentioned before, I've never done anything like this but have an experienced friend who will be doing a lot of the work.

NoReg

I think if I did this I would go with the Nasbar frame and the Surly fork. Currently that should be a pretty viable frame for under 200. Would have to check out the fork specs which aren't online at the moment.

Sequimite

Interesting idea - I see they are $96 at Jensen.

ploeg

I have the 60cm from two years ago, which has identical geometry to the current model. How much performance do you want? The head and seat tube angles are comparable to those on the 60cm Trek 520 and are if anything more aggressive than those on the 60cm Surly LHT (72.0° head/72.5° seat). When unloaded, my bike is pretty snappy for a bike with a 110cm wheelbase.

Sequimite

I ordered my 60cm Nashbar Touring frame today plus the steel touring fork. $100 + $35(the fork is now on sale) x .75% = $101.

Also ordered a headset. I'll start a new thread and post pictures as the great adventure progresses. I'm hoping to have it ready by 8/31 because the group I'm with will be riding to the top of Hurricane Ridge on that date and I'll need the lower gearing.

himespau 

I'm so tempted to do the same thing. Only wish I had the cash sitting around to do so.

williaty

Jesus, I'm glad I was doing more research on the frame I just bought! I'm inside of their 15-day price protection, so I get $35 back on that fork!

Weirdly, the frame has been here for 3 days and the fork isn't supposed to show up for another 2. The fork and frame shipped on the same day from the same place. I'm also only about 2 hours away from them. The bike came overnight, the fork looks like it'll be exactly a week getting here.