Which Carbon Frameset?

Abingdon77

So, having finally got the green light for my dream frameset, the question is:-

De Rosa Idol?

Look 586?

Cervelo R3?

Monty Dog

I'm presuming your budget is around £1500? It would be also good to know what sort of riding you're planning on using it for - some carbon frames are better suited to certain types of riding than others. Personally, I'd stretch my budget to £2k and go for a C50.

Tom Butcher

Looks wise out of those I prefer the R3 - but then I'm a bit of a traditionalist - no idea as to the ride qualities though I've got a 585 and I'm very happy with it. Each to their own but I'd be a bit cautious about blowing too much money on a bike because you don't want to be too afraid of dropping it - mine cost a couple of grand all in (minus saddle, seat post and pedals) and it took a while before I wasn't thinking about the cost of it too much - noticed you can get a 585 with SRAM Force and Ksyrium SLs from JE James for 2.5k.

Abingdon77

Thanks Monty,

Yes, around £1500 would be ideal but could be persuaded to go a bit further.

It’s going to be used mainly for ‘serious-ish’ recreational rides, around 100 miles at the weekend and a couple of 30 mile runs in the week (once the weather starts picking up!) Mainly in the South Oxon area, so rolling countryside rather than any really testing climbs. Aim to be doing regular sportives next year too, maybe once a month, which should offer more testing terrain.

I want to stick with the new frame for a few years and really, I don’t want to be thinking “if only I’d spent a few extra quid” for the next few years.

I plan to stick my existing Dura-Ace and Fulcrum Racing 1’s on it.

dennisn

Buy the one you like in the color you like. They are all great frames. None have any
clear advantage over another one.

Dennis Noward

giant_man

Personally I would go for the Look, having heard of issues with the Cervelo and De Rosa in the past. I have never heard of any issues, either connected with the manufacturing process or otherwise.

I was thinking of an Idol a few months ago, but was put off after hearing of paint issues etc, so was leaning to a pina prince. Carbon wise for me it's either that or a custom Cyfac, which is more expensive but hey you get what you pay for I feel.

Good luck with your decision.

dcj

I like the idea of the R3 and 585 on this list from a rider experience point of view.

I'd check out the sizes. And of course a test ride.
If that doesn't select a clear winner, I'd go for the 585 which is superb by all accounts.

Also how big a chunk of price of the R3 is going to subsidise the pro-tour team sponsorship?

I ask that because I read somewhere that these frames are produced in a country with very low cost of build, yet I don't seem to see that reflected in the retail price.

Perhaps this strategy works well because the competitor European and American made frames are already strong brand names and keep the prices high without customers asking too many questions of successful new brands (yet).

At least the 585 price seems to be a direct reflection of its true build cost though.