Inexpensive carbon road frame?

Hey folks,

I’m looking for a decent inexpensive carbon road bike frame. I’m going to Frankenstein my other less-used tri bike and harvest the Ultegra components. I dont care about the brand, how it looks, or even if its a Chinese knock-off, as long as it isn’t a total piece of shit.

You guys rock, and any advice would be appreciated!

Hey folks,

I’m looking for a decent inexpensive carbon road bike frame. I’m going to Frankenstein my other less-used tri bike and harvest the Ultegra components. I dont care about the brand, how it looks, or even if its a Chinese knock-off, as long as it isn’t a total piece of shit.

You guys rock, and any advice would be appreciated!

Road or Tri frame?

Road frame. I have a tri bike that I train/race with, but want a road bike for some group rides with the non-tri folk…they get a bit nervous when I draft in the aero position…;). I’m 6’1" so probably need something around a 58cm.

…actually for a road frame, closer to 60cm
.

How much do you consider inexpensive?

…actually for a road frame, closer to 60cm

I’ll point you to the Foot in Mouth Aluminum Thread:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=4532204;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

:slight_smile:

Craigslist is your buddy here. In terms of absolute cost, finding a complete bike on Craigslist and selling the parts you don’t need will save some cash. Believe it or not, there is a premium on framesets because there simply aren’t many of them for same (at least, around here). People would much rather buy a complete bike and sell a complete bike.

How much do you consider inexpensive?

Probably under $700.

…actually for a road frame, closer to 60cm

I’ll point you to the Foot in Mouth Aluminum Thread:
http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=4532204;sb=post_latest_reply;so=ASC;forum_view=forum_view_collapsed;;page=unread#unread

:slight_smile:

Craigslist is your buddy here. In terms of absolute cost, finding a complete bike on Craigslist and selling the parts you don’t need will save some cash. Believe it or not, there is a premium on framesets because there simply aren’t many of them for same (at least, around here). People would much rather buy a complete bike and sell a complete bike.

Thats actually a good point. I will consider it…thanks!

Craigslist is a good spot - I purchased a Litespeed frame previous years model and it has served me well - I was closer to $1k, but there are a few bike vendors that have regular sales and there are deals to be had. I’m 6’1" as well and my Archon C1R (size Large) has proven to be a decent ride

I have a giant defy advanced frame for sale in the marketplace. I’m 6 foot and it fits me great, selling so I can pay off my tri bike if your interested let me know and we can make arrangements ! :slight_smile:
Thanks, Andrew
Andrewtafelski at gmail dot com

http://www.velobuild.com/velobuild-shopping-mall/carbon-frames/road-frames/catalog/show/78?catid=15

this is what i have.

My advice is to quit worrying about what material the bike is made of, and worrying about getting the best bike for your money.

The answer may, or may not be, carbon.

Hey folks,

I’m looking for a decent inexpensive carbon road bike frame. I’m going to Frankenstein my other less-used tri bike and harvest the Ultegra components. I dont care about the brand, how it looks, or even if its a Chinese knock-off, as long as it isn’t a total piece of shit.

You guys rock, and any advice would be appreciated!

Just got myself a chinese carbon frame for similar use. Check out Velobuild.com, bought mine and had it custom painted and delivered in ~4 weeks for under $700.
http://oi34.tinypic.com/103hmpe.jpg

Go used for sure.

Maybe try the Neuvation website?

What model of frame is that? Is that the fm098? How are you liking it so far?

If you are in Canada, I would suggest working with http://3sixty5cycling.com/ to get a non-branded carbon item.

Very good customer service and products are checked fully by a local bike shop owner once they come into the country to make sure they are true to spec.

Yes, it is an FM098. I am absolutely loving it. Not the lightest, not the most aerodynamic, not the stiffest but for $700 I feel it is an amazing value as a compromise of the three. I picked up an Ultegra Di2 setup for around $800 total as well. Little tricky to cable route, but is stellar now that it is all setup.

did you buy anything else with the frame? bars?

Bars (painted), Bottle cages (2x, painted), couple extra derailleur hangers and an extra seat post clamp.
.