Ok, right now I’m on a Trek 1000 frame, circa 2000. Shimano 105 components, Profile design Airstryke aero bars.
I’m looking for inexpensive frames on ebay to build up, what would be your recommendations? I’ve got probably a max budget for the frame of $250. Suggestions?
John
What size frame do you need? I have one that I am looking to get rid of.
Yeah…size? I may have something as well.
And you are how tall?
Do you want road or Tri?
Is it $250 frameset budget? Or or total Budget (likely changes of Seatpost, HS, F-der, stem etc)
Just Curious
TP
I built a budget TT bike this winter. I bought this frame from chuck’s bikes in LA, a closeout/discount place:
http://www.chucksbikes.com/store/indexfr092.htm
For $385, you can’t beat it. 76 degree seat tube, full carbon fork. I bought on and also a friend did, that I assembled for him. An excellent value.
All the interfaces (seatpost, BB threads, headset etc) are the common standards so you parts should move right over.
And you are how tall?
Do you want road or Tri?
Is it $250 frameset budget? Or or total Budget (likely changes of Seatpost, HS, F-der, stem etc)
Just Curious
TP
I am 5’10.5", with a 32" inseam. IIRC, I used to race road on a 56 Trek frame. The trek 1000 I’m on is a 54, and I don’t really feel comfortable on it. The $250 is max just for the frameset. I’d prefer a tri frame, but with the budget I can’t really be choosy. 
I had a bid on an Orbea frame that had a really bad redone paint job on ebay (I think the auction is still going), but I’m not willing to drop more than $100 on it since I can’t be 100% sure it’s actually an orbea frame and not just some steel thing with a hack paint job.
I have a lot of other bills that I’m paying, so this will be a longer term project, but I’m looking for something decent to start with, I don’t think I’ll be happy with the 1000 on the roads. It’s ok for the trainer, but I don’t think it will be that comfortable to actually ride long term.
John
you could get a Leader frame and fork new, for that price
http://www.leaderbikestore.com/pd_ld-720tr.cfm
Do a forum search, some guys here have built up a Leader frame and were quite happy, also roadbikereview.com has some Leader reviews that are contented.
chucksbikes is good, I’ve bought stuff from them several times.
Otherwise, just hang out on ebay and have patience…
Lots of QR frames on eBay are within that budget. Also, Leader or offerings from Chuck’s Bikes would be a good bet, as already suggested.
Patiently look for a used aluminum frame. If you want road, look for a Cannondale or similar. Tri-as suggested, lots of QR out there. Also lots of 650c deals, if that works for you.
I saw that Orbea paint botch blue frame on eBay and it looks like crap–even on those little eBay pics.
You might also look at Fetish Cycles – www.fetishcycles.com. They have a special right now on 2 different aluminum frames. One is $299 for the frame. The other is $199 for the frame with a carbon fork (it could be the other way around, but I think I’m right about the fork/frame combo being less). Not sure about the geometry. When I looked at it a few days ago, one of the bikes in their “tri” line seemed to have a 73 degree seat tube angle. I think the bikes on special don’t have geometry listed.
Patiently look for a used aluminum frame. If you want road, look for a Cannondale or similar. Tri-as suggested, lots of QR out there. Also lots of 650c deals, if that works for you.
I saw that Orbea paint botch blue frame on eBay and it looks like crap–even on those little eBay pics.
Yeah, and I was thinking of getting and repainting, but not really sure I have the time for that. Plus, you can’t be 100% sure it’s an orbea frame under that spludge.
John
You might also look at Fetish Cycles – www.fetishcycles.com. They have a special right now on 2 different aluminum frames. One is $299 for the frame. The other is $199 for the frame with a carbon fork (it could be the other way around, but I think I’m right about the fork/frame combo being less). Not sure about the geometry. When I looked at it a few days ago, one of the bikes in their “tri” line seemed to have a 73 degree seat tube angle. I think the bikes on special don’t have geometry listed.
Hrm. They’re in Scottsdale, probably pretty close to where I work. Might have to stop by and check it out…
John
You might also look at Fetish Cycles – www.fetishcycles.com. They have a special right now on 2 different aluminum frames. One is $299 for the frame. The other is $199 for the frame with a carbon fork (it could be the other way around, but I think I’m right about the fork/frame combo being less). Not sure about the geometry. When I looked at it a few days ago, one of the bikes in their “tri” line seemed to have a 73 degree seat tube angle. I think the bikes on special don’t have geometry listed.
Hrm. They’re in Scottsdale, probably pretty close to where I work. Might have to stop by and check it out…
John
fortframes.com
because it ain’t made in china
.
What is the difference between being made in China and being made in Czechoslovakia (aside from the chinese affinity for lead-based paints in kids toys and their love of communism)? Just curious.
Great bike frames powered coated hand made.
Ok ok yes I have family over their
I just think they are a very good deal
I have two and like them
I built up my TT bike on the cheap so to speak. Everything I bought was used or surplus from Chucks Bikes and Nashbar. I didn’t know how much I would like TT riding so I was afraid to spend full bore. Thankfully, I love it and even more so knowing that I think I have a cool bike. Be patient with eBay and the classified. I bought my used Leader frame for $150. My saddle went for a whopping $0.99 on eBay. I am using a combination of Shimano 105, Nashbar, and FSA drivetrain components. Works beautifully. My only regret was getting cheap brake levers. Very poor response and feedback.
See if you can reuse some of your components like brakes, pedals, derailleurs, and cranks, etc.
I think my entire setup costs less than $1100 with the H3 wheels.
– Boris