[BhamBike]

What do you think is the cheapest CF frame worth buying to race? How does EPX rank up against OCLV and Kestrel?
Thoughts?
Lee

 

[Dave Hickey]

What do you think is the cheapest CF frame worth buying to race? How does EPX rank up against OCLV and Kestrel?
Thoughts?
Lee

EXP, BP Stealth, PedalForce and SuperGo are all variations of the same frame. For the money, they are a good deal....

 

[52-16SS]

If it fits...

you may be interested in Wise Cycle Buys sale page, William has a 2003 Giant TCR Composite Frame, Fork & Headset (XL) $995.00.

http://www.wisecyclebuys.com/id203.htm

No affiliation

SS

 

[bigrider]

A buddy of mine just bought the ultegra Scattante CFR (same at EPX etc, etc.) on sale before Christmas and he paid 1300 dollars. This was a great bargain considering a bike build kit with ultegra is close to that price. To make a long story short, I tried it out yesterday (we are the same size) and it rode great. I didn't get on any hills with it but the BB seemed nice and stiff and it rode smooth. I think it behaved very similar to my OCLV. It is 1/2 pound heavier if that is important to you.

For me, I am starting to diet and exercise seriously and plan on losing a whole bike off of my body so the 1/2 lb. sure isn't a big factor to me.

EXP, BP Stealth, PedalForce and SuperGo are all variations of the same frame. For the money, they are a good deal....

 

[Coolhand]

Used

Cheap CF frame still scare me. Maybe in a year or two they won't- but for now. . .

I would suggest a used OCLV Trek, a used Giant or a nice used Look frame before going cheapo CF. Check the classifieds here and Ebay, of course.

Actually, if you are looking cheapo- a hybrid Al/Cf stayed bike may be a better bet anyway.

Coolhand

 

[Dave Hickey]

Cheap CF frame still scare me. Maybe in a year or two they won't- but for now. . .

I would suggest a used OCLV Trek, a used Giant or a nice used Look frame before going cheapo CF. Check the classifieds here and Ebay, of course.

Actually, if you are looking cheapo- a hybrid Al/Cf stayed bike may be a better bet anyway.

Coolhand

I wouldn't worry about these frames. They are made by either Martec or Advance Composites. Both companies have years of experience in working with carbon. Used Trek, Kestrel and LOOK is a very good option if you don't want to used.

You raised a good point about carbon. I've often wondered about all these frame builders trying to catch the carbon wave. Are we going to see frame failures because of in-experience in working with carbon? Just because some guy can braze tubes doesn't mean he can build a carbon frame.

Personally I'd take one of the mass produced Asian frames from an experienced company like Martec or Advanced vs a builder that builds aluminum or steel frames who is now trying out carbon fiber..

 

[dovid]

bought a new EPX frame on EBay

it came with a carbon fork for only $345 + $30 shipping. built the bike with full Ultegra for a total cost of $1150. can't find a better value than that for a new, complete carbon bike(maybe Ebay). it rides fine, can't compare it to anything else since this is my first high end bike. my previous ride was a 26 pound steel Trek. i'll will post a pic in the gallery in the next couple of weeks.

 

[Kram]

What size are you looking for?

I've got a Look KG 361 size 57cm used only 1 yr that I will be selling on E-bay shortly. It's a great frame and I'd take WAY less than a new one

 

[BhamBike]

I've got a Look KG 361 size 57cm used only 1 yr that I will be selling on E-bay shortly. It's a great frame and I'd take WAY less than a new one

Thanks but I'm 5'8" not tall enough.

 

[Kram]

Oh well! Good luck. I think, like Dave, that if you go the used route, Look, Trek, and others that have been in the CF business a while are safe choices.