Is the 2008 QR Lucero fram equivalent to the Caliente?
Is the only difference the components, or are the frames significantly different and the components are fairly similar. I have seen the Lucero fram on bonktown for $999 and was curious if it would be worth it to purchase the frame, transfer all of the components from the Caliente over (which is still brand new in the box from bonktown) and sell the caliente frame. Would that be worth it or no? If yes, what would the Caliente frame be worth brand new? Thanks!
AFAIK, the Lucero uses a somewhat higher grade of carbon. Other than that, the frames are exactly the same.
Unless you have the money to blow, or are in need of an upgrade, it would not be worth it, IMO. I doubt the difference in carbon will really make any noticeable difference, if at all.
Now take that Caliente out of the box and go ride the thing! 
Ya, I definitely don’t have the money to just toss around, I’m a college student haha. But I saw that it retails for $2400 which has to be more than the caliente frame so I thought I would maybe be able to sell the caliente fram from $800, getting a big time upgrade for $200, but if it is just a little better carbon then it is not worth the hassel. Especially since it could be very difficult to sell the frame.
Yeah, I’m a college student too, and I ride a QR Seduza. I’ve seen the deals on bonktown too, and have been mighty tempted, but I can’t justify the cost for what is, IMO, a minimal upgrade in frame material. It would be nice, but I’d much rather spend that money on other stuff right now.
What could I sell the Calietne frame for? Close to $1000? It would be awesome to have the lucero frame, it is just so prestigious.
Less than that now, I imagine.
I am in the same situation as you. I have a Caliente, and came within a hair of buying a Lucero Lite off of Bonktown. I had it in my cart and just had to click “confirm payment.” My plan was the same as yours – buy the new frame, swap everything on to it, and sell the Caliente frame.
I didn’t go through with it. On the one hand, I regret not getting a top-of-the-line frame for an incredible steal ($1064, I think, including shipping). On the other hand, it’s essentially the same frame. Nicer carbon, less weight, but does that really MATTER to a rider like me? Other than the bling factor, no.
Bonktown is a two-headed monster. A new 2008 Caliente retailed for $3500. I got mine in 2008 for $2400, and was super excited about the deal. New 2008 Calientes on BT were recently going for around $1300. Up until then, I thought I could ride my bike this year and then resell it, but now I suspect that my resale value has gone way down. How can I ask $1500 for a used bike when BT can sell a new one for less? How could you hope to get $1000 for a Caliente frame when I could get a Lucero Lite for the same price?
The above assumes that you CAN in fact get one of the deals. BT has a limited supply. But don’t tell me that potential buyers will tell you, “Oh, but I saw a better deal on BT.” That lower price will drive down what buyers will want to pay. From a selling perspective, BT sucks.
But that’s the open market. More power to them.
And as for my bike? It’s great, it’s paid for, and now I’m going to ride the sh#t out of it.
mm
I bought the Lucero lite frame from Bt. I thought they forgot to put the frame in the box it is so light .LOL! Going to be building up next week or week after with DA shifters ,DA front and rear derailuirs ,DA chain, kforce 170 mm cranks, k force stem, vision carbon bars, 2 cobra carbon s bend bars, Profile carbon brake handles, Flashpoint 60’s. Deciding on brakes now either FSA k force , D.A. or trc the aero version. All DA is the 7800 model Should be a mean bike just hope my training makes me worthy. I would stay with the caliente since saving are almost nil. I upgraded from the Kilo so I will keep that for training. Oh I think when all said and done I will have built this bike up for about a hundred less then what the Kilo cost me minus wheels. Lots of patience on ebay and ST clasiffied.