New frame suggestions needed please!

12 comments

by The Good Shepherd on January 23, 2012 - 22:36

Evening folks!

I'm looking at buying a new frame for racing, but comfortable enough for longer rides too. My budget is £1200...can anyone suggest anywhere/anything to look at?

Cheers!

Tags

Road.cc bike forum

http://www.enigmabikes.com/bike/bike-enigma-esprit.html

posted by dave_atkinson [4766 posts] 23rd January 2012 - 23:40

http://www.cyclebasket.com/m4b0s222p627/NELSON_R240-1_Carbon_Composite_R...

The budget option, leaves you quite a lot left over for nice wheels. I can only vouch for its comfort over longer distances but as I don't race I can't really comment on that sorry. It is considerably quicker than my kinesis GF though

posted by lazyusername [90 posts] 24th January 2012 - 10:51

The Argon 18 Krypton is a very good frame for that kind of money.

posted by mathewshotbolt [22 posts] 24th January 2012 - 11:32

Many thanks for the input, gents! Currently, I'm looking at a Canyon Ultimate SLX, Argon 18 Krypton, BMC Road Racer SL01, Giant TCR Advanced, and a Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3 (although this is decorated in the Astana livery...).

Does anyone have any experience or input on any of these frames? I didn't think buying a new frame could be this stressful!

posted by The Good Shepherd [37 posts] 24th January 2012 - 19:26

Canyon Ultimate CF SLX was our bike of the year, if that helps?

road.cc/content/news/49650-roadcc-bikes-year-top-10

posted by dave_atkinson [4766 posts] 24th January 2012 - 20:26

That does indeed help Dave, cheers! Incidentally, do you know what the difference is between the EVO and SLX frames?

posted by The Good Shepherd [37 posts] 24th January 2012 - 21:29

The SLX EVO is the team issue frame, the EVO is one step down, IIRC: same construction methods and geometry but about 50g heavier.

posted by dave_atkinson [4766 posts] 24th January 2012 - 22:33

I recommend the book 'Custom Road Bike,' that will tell you all you need to know.

Perhaps a custom frame?

Aldecycle - Its all about my bike

posted by Raleigh [415 posts] 24th January 2012 - 23:18

Custom frame, unless you have a steel phobia. Nothing more comfortable, everything just fitting just right.

posted by localsurfer [34 posts] 26th January 2012 - 20:58

Planet-x? Tend to be very popular with racers, and relatively affordable.

I didn't think you could ride a bike liveried in team colours/logos when you race unless it's your team? I'd avoid the Astana.

Think my colleague paid about that for a kuota kharma frameset.

I love the sound of cleats in the morning

posted by notfastenough [488 posts] 29th January 2012 - 20:01

Thank you for all of the input, folks. I am now the proud owner of an incredibly light Canyon ultimate SLX.

Now, to build it up....

posted by The Good Shepherd [37 posts] 31st January 2012 - 19:40

If your going to race your bike? Are you talking about RR or TT or even both, maybe sportives? and some leisure riding? S/Works frame by Specialised would cover all that! Canyon are getting a fantastic reputation; as are Planet X.

What about a Ridley Frame? Very lightweight! Anyhow, with £1200 to spend on just the frame, it's certainly going to be something very nice.

Good luck with the search; and let us know what you decide to buy.

posted by Mostyn [33 posts] 1st February 2012 - 11:38