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Carbon Road Frames
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I'm hoping to elicit a guarded opinion from Gerard here...

Let's say that hypothetically, I'm interested in buying a carbon road frame in the next 12 months, and I've set an upper price limit of US$2500 for the frame only.

As far as I can see, that more or less limits me to the Cervelo R2.5, the Orbea Orca, and maybe the Scott CR1. Those are basically the ones I'm noodling over.

Between the three of them, there hasn't been much written, especially on the R2.5, other than it appears to be hard to find. It's not even clear that the Scott is even distributed in the US yet, and the Orca appears to rate well, if considered a little less stiff than the others.

Or does one wait for the new lighter Look frame - although it will be undoubtedly more expensive than the ones listed.

Given the basic requirements of being reasonably lightweight, pretty stiff, and within the price range, which would you pick?


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"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" - Benjamin Franklin
"Don't you see the rest of the country looks upon New York like we're left-wing, communist, Jewish, homosexual pornographers? I think of us that way sometimes and I live here." - Alvy Singer, "Annie Hall"
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [trio_jeepy] [ In reply to ]
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Don't over look the Giant TCR. It's one heck of a frame. Do some research and you'll find a lot of positive comments from knowlegeable bike people.
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [cerveloguy] [ In reply to ]
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Yeah, I've heard good things about it, but I'm not crazy about the sizing system, and at this point, I've reached the view that fit is one of the most, if not the most important factor...


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"They who would give up an essential liberty for temporary security, deserve neither liberty or security" - Benjamin Franklin
"Don't you see the rest of the country looks upon New York like we're left-wing, communist, Jewish, homosexual pornographers? I think of us that way sometimes and I live here." - Alvy Singer, "Annie Hall"
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [trio_jeepy] [ In reply to ]
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Of course size is extremely important, but, unless you know that the Giant frame doesn't fit you exactly right, cerveloguy's suggestion still stands. They may have a size that's perfect for you! I don't know how the Giant rides, nor it's price, but I did have a Giant TCR once, and if was a surprisingly nice road bike...especially for the money.



Quid quid latine dictum sit altum videtur
(That which is said in Latin sounds profound)
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [trio_jeepy] [ In reply to ]
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You could get a Calfee Tetra Custom for $ 2495. Or if you don't need custom, you can choose between the Standard Tetra at $ 1995 or the standard Luna at $ 1295. Check: http://www.calfeedesign.com/
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [trio_jeepy] [ In reply to ]
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I owned the Giant TCR composite, Kestrel 200 sci and Trek OCLV (3 of them). While I have not rode the bikes you mention, feel that the OCLV is the best bang for buck composite frame on the market, either the 110 or 120 series frames. However, this opinion is in part due to the fact that the Trek bikes fit me like a glove. You could buy a new OCLV frame, get a custom paint job so you don't match all the others and still have money left for a wheelset.
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [trio_jeepy] [ In reply to ]
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I would have to agree. Check out the trek OCLV bikes. Framesets go for $1500 for the 120 and $1800 for the 110. They fit me great and ride even better. I even built a trek TT frameset up as my tri/tt ride. Plus you get a warranty that covers it from defects in the carbon fiber for life as long as you are the original owner. I know a guy that had a hair line crack in his 1999 frameset and they sent him a new 03 framset. For me(5'9" 160lbs), the carbon fiber absorbs so much road shock compared to other materials. Honestly, I would go with the lighter, yet stiffer 110 framset. The 120 has the habbit of swaying in the bottom bracket area when you stand and climb.
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Re: Carbon Road Frames [trio_jeepy] [ In reply to ]
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I'm not sure I understand you correctly. With an upper limit of $2500 for the frame only, you have overlooked several great frames...

Kestrel Talon SL
Kestrel Evoke
Giant TCR Carbon
Look KX Light
Look KG (insert your number up to the 3xx series)

I believe Fondriest and Guru make carbon frames under $2500 as well.

There are plenty more than you mentioned. And they're all going to ride a bit differently...take your time and ride them all before deciding.

ALL of them are reasonably light, most are fairly stiff as well. I can speak from experience that the Talon SL is supremely stiff, yet very comfortable over the long haul. Great bike.
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