second hand bike/frame to upgrade for road race.

denispearl

Hi all.

I know this topic was around here and there, but couldn't find a specifically narrowed down answer, so hope to get it here.

Looking for the used bike/frame to upgrade for a road race.
There are few nice ones, but I would prefer to hear your advices first.

I've got my favorit brands Scott, trek, maybe specialized, but the offer is so broad. All those numbers such a trek's 2.1, 1.1, Scott's 20, 40 , 60 is soo confusing.

Could you please help me to narrow down the list please? Which one would you recommend and why?

Could be any other brand if its worth it, but I don't want any Carreras, btwins, broadmans and etc cheap stuff. I'd rather buy a good frame and upgrade it gradually with a good stuff.

Many thanks

arlowood

Not sure what size you need but there is the option of a Look 555 frame or frame + components on offer in the classified section

viewtopic.php?f=40091&t=13021715

Alternatively check out Paul Milnes Ebay shop for frames that are away from the normal run-of-the-mill offerings.

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Paul-Milnes-Cy ... 34.c0.m322

iPete

Is this a cat 4 race bike?

I chose my race bike based on a few thing, including the Bottom Bracket type as I was building it myself. Is that a consideration? You've also not mentioned budget.

A CAAD 8 is a good starting point, you may also find CAAD 9 and 10 framesets on the used market.

I like this very much:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cannondale-Ca ... 1820986014?

denispearl

Thanks. Mentioned racing type of bike, but not going for any competitions so far. But will be at some point. I like speed.

As for the budget I would like to spend £200- £800 frame or bike. Whatever nice I would get and cheaper is better. (without compromising quality).

Many thanks

iPete

What are you riding currently? and will you do the work yourself?

denispearl

Nothing at the moment. I have an ok ich set of wheels and don't mind to build it up myself. Thanks

Calpol

I would consider picking up a frame from on of the reputable chinese factories/distributors. The likes of Dengfu, Hongfu, have good reputations and supply good quality frames at a reasonable cost. You are basically talking £350-£450 for a frame that you can custom paint as you wish. Some of the frames are now sub 1kg so plenty light enough. If you are racing Cat 4 etc then you don't want anything thats too expensive as my experience helping a mate who races at that level, is that there are quite a few crashes caused by inexperienced riders and poor bike handling. I think the same probably goes for wheels.

I bought a frame from Dengfu and its been great. Probably got 6000km on it now and in many ways I prefer it to my Wilier as its one of a kind. Dengfu were very good to deal with.

Other options would be just to get a frame from the likes of Planet X. They are decent but quite common which may or may not be an issue for you.

denispearl

No mate, thanks, but I'm rather after second hand Scott, trek or giant.

Calpol

denispearl wrote:

No mate, thanks, but I'm rather after second hand Scott, trek or giant.

Well in that case
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/scott-cr1-pro-hmf-carbon-road-bike-frameset-2013-p213658
They will all be fine.

turbo1191

Not sure if this will be of interest but i'll be selling a giant defy composite frame/forks/post etc in the next week size large??

iPete

Calpol wrote:

denispearl wrote:

No mate, thanks, but I'm rather after second hand Scott, trek or giant.

Well in that case
http://www.westbrookcycles.co.uk/scott-cr1-pro-hmf-carbon-road-bike-frameset-2013-p213658
They will all be fine.

Ah, was looking for that... buy this one.

denispearl

Now we are talking. Thanks mate:) keep posting

iron-clover

A slight departure from your brands- I'm currently planning on buying a Kinesis Racelight 4s frame to swap the parts from my current Trek 1.1 onto. It's not too heavy for an alloy frame (with a light carbon fork), should be stiff enough for racing but also compliant enough for longer rides (but with racy geometry) and also clearance for large tyres and mudguard mounts.

It comes with headtset included and has a BSA threaded bottom bracket so should be simple to build up and service.
I'll be getting mine to use as my racing/ crit bike for races, with cheaper wheels (and mudguards in the off season) for all other road use. I'm looking for an alloy race bike so that I won't be terrified of smashing it in a crash, and if I do will be more easily able to assess any damage to the frame.

They also do the more racing oriented Racelight Aithin which is on a par with the Caad10 and Ultimate Al weight wise, although apparently is a harsher ride being aimed squarely at racing (also no guard clearance/ mounts).

denispearl

Thanks for the input. I have had an mtb frame from genesis I believe and loved it.ill check it but still looking for big brands.

What about foil and 1.2, 2.2 or something series? Which ones are the best? As for specialised I know its an alles sport one of the best in that price range.

Many thanks

denispearl

Hi All.

I just surfed an ebay a bit and got some priorities set. Unfortunately iam still in the dark.

From GIANT, SCOTT, TREK, BIANCHI, CANNONDALE brands or the price between £300-800 , second hand, road racing type, which bike/frame would you recommend?

I have my narrowed down the list to
-TREK Madone 2.1,4.5
-Giant Defy O? TCR composite 2 - any more to consider?
-Scott CR1 - any more to consider?

Any good choice ?
Did I missed something in this price range? from BIANCHI, CANNONDALE, FELT what would you recommend?

PLease help to chose the right second hand, upgradable machine from such a huge variety of offers.


Thanks for the input.

daniel_b

I think I must have missed something.

Further up the thread there is a posting of a brand new frame (In a brand that you like) for £499 (Available in 6 out of 7 sizes), and yet you are still surfing ebay for second hand frames, that might have an unknown history, and may or may not be packed well enough to survive a courier journey to your house.

Surely that is the obvious choice?

denispearl

Yes you right, as for the frame. Its perfect for the frame only. There are however a number of second hand bikes on ebay with good frames and components which are of a great value. I'd rather to pick ready to ride decent bike, than a frame only, to be honest.

matt-h

Do you know Manc33?

denispearl

Noo. Who/what is it?

daniel_b

denispearl wrote:

Yes you right, as for the frame. Its perfect for the frame only. There are however a number of second hand bikes on ebay with good frames and components which are of a great value. I'd rather to pick ready to ride decent bike, than a frame only, to be honest.

Apologies Denis, didn't realise you were looking for a complete bike for the money.

The 105 5800 11 spd groupset can be bagged for about £265 at the moment from Merlin with cashback, and I think that frame could be had with cashback for effectively £490 - which puts you at £755.

You could go super cheap on the handlebars, stem, seatpost, and saddle, or you might have some knocking about you could use?

And any wheels on a shop bought bike you will probably want to replace anyway, so you could always nab a pair of WHR500's (For £60) to get you going and later to use as winter wheels, and then upgrade later on.

So by my Rachel Riley maths, I reckon you could get seatpost, handlebars, saddle and stem for £120, wheels for £60, plus the frame and groupset, and you are a shade under £950 - might be worth considering, as they are lovely frames, and new.

letap73

On your criteria you won't get much better than this:
http://www.paulscycles.co.uk/m7b0s6p522 ... MPACT-2013
If you venture outside of your criteria and stump a £99, this is very difficult to beat:
https://www.canyon.com/en/roadbikes/bike.html?b=3577
And this is under your limit:
http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/bike/rose-pr ... aid:745547

All the bikes will have a warranty which a second hand bike probably won't

denispearl

Great post. Thank you very much for it.
I will surely keep in in mind.

YEs, I would rather have a second hand bike. You know there are plenty out there. Also frame only with an option to build up on it is also considered. So all your answers are welcome.

As per above posts, Iam on search for £500 second hand bike, i would be able do build up on. I like Trek Madone tho. Spec allez sport is good, but sooo common.

Matthewfalle

I can do you an unused Planet X super light team ali frame in light metallic blue with an unused uncut full carbon fork if you want. Comes with unused but fitted headset as well.

Light, stiff, brilliant to ride, no longer available - only bought it as my other one is so nice and wanted a spare in case anything happened to that one but let's just say that funds have recently become a tad tight ........

letap73

I think you are stuck with looking at ebay where you might get lucky. If you have the opportunity inspect the bike/frame you want to buy and if you don't know what to look out for take a friend along who might be able to help out. Good luck.

denispearl

Hello everyone.

Thank you very much for the input here.

I have narrowed it down to TREK madone bike. I like it.

Would really appreciate for few more nice answers for a few remaining questions in regards to it though:

1. What are similar Bikes to Trek Madone in geometry or quality of ride?

2. Which from Madone's range would you recommend? I do understand the quality of the bike goes up with the number of the series, right?

Im 5'10' 32 inseam, average body/hands lengths - any ideas as for the frame size?

Many thanks in advance.

chadders81

Trek Madone comes in different geometries.

H1 is the raciest, H3 is the most relaxed.

You'll probably want H1 if you're going to race on it I'd have thought.

chadders81

Also - have you even sat on a Madone before deciding that's the bike for you? You might not like the fit.

denispearl

Yes I have had a short ride on H1 type. Liked it a lot.

denispearl

I dond mind h1 or h3 really. I would like them both. Size is the question for me now

t4tomo

denispearl wrote:

I dond mind h1 or h3 really. I would like them both. Size is the question for me now

56 would be bang on in most brands, as you are similar measurement to me, but I would definitely test that before you buy. I'm 5'11" and 32 IL, and a 56 Trek Domane fitted me fine when I hired one last summer. My Bianchi is a 57 but it's TT length is 56.

t4tomo

Daniel B wrote:

denispearl wrote:

Yes you right, as for the frame. Its perfect for the frame only. There are however a number of second hand bikes on ebay with good frames and components which are of a great value. I'd rather to pick ready to ride decent bike, than a frame only, to be honest.

Apologies Denis, didn't realise you were looking for a complete bike for the money.

The 105 5800 11 spd groupset can be bagged for about £265 at the moment from Merlin with cashback, and I think that frame could be had with cashback for effectively £490 - which puts you at £755.

You could go super cheap on the handlebars, stem, seatpost, and saddle, or you might have some knocking about you could use?

And any wheels on a shop bought bike you will probably want to replace anyway, so you could always nab a pair of WHR500's (For £60) to get you going and later to use as winter wheels, and then upgrade later on.

So by my Rachel Riley maths, I reckon you could get seatpost, handlebars, saddle and stem for £120, wheels for £60, plus the frame and groupset, and you are a shade under £950 - might be worth considering, as they are lovely frames, and new.

That would be a nice bike let down by cheap wheels.