Different 'grades' of manufacturing?

Jon Cope

I seem to be the only poster on this forum whose two previous questions have received no replies at all. Still, possibly third time lucky.

Does anyone know anything about the fact that similar frames are made in different 'grades' of manufacturing facility, which can therefore affect their price (and performance?). I am being told, for example, that Kona bikes are made in grade B factories, Tifosi in grade C, Colnago in grade A. Does this mean anything to anyone?

Cheers!

cougie

Who told you that ?

Are we talking about CF frames in Korea ? If so - I believe that one factory would make a wide range of frames.

Jon Cope

I was told by a local bike shop in relation to a question about the pricing/desirability of four bikes, the Kona Zing, the Colnago Primavera, the Cinelli Xperience and the Tifosi CK7 Audax. The Tifosi aside, I had been under the impression that the Kona, Cinelli and Colnago were all pretty comparable Taiwanese made frames with different paint jobs and badging, though I know the Kona is 7005 and the Colnago 6000 series. I just wonder if it matters, given that I am basically a commuter with £1000 Cyclescheme voucher to spend!

Jon Cope

Sorry, just realised, obviously these are aluminium, not CF frames

acorn_user

Not all Taiwanese factories are equal. I guess that is what they were trying to say. It may be that Colnago insists on higher tolerance for their frames or better finishing.

cougie

You will pay a premium for the name. I doubt you'd be able to tell the difference in a blind test between frames. Maybe just test ride them and see which you prefer ?

incog24

I think the Colnago will be made by giant, I'm not sure about the kona or tifosi though.

gabriel959

Orbea is made by Orbea in Spain