Open moulds/clones??
johnboy183
Posts: 832
Morning all. Just read the following article http://road.cc/content/review/222447-ti ... -aero-2017 and it reminded me of something I meant to ask a while back. The frame is described as open mould. So which bike(s) have the same frame but different brand? And what else is out there? I believe the Beacon bikes are an open mould available to anyone, as are 7vrn track frames. I've also end De Rosa bike? seen it elsewhere that many Planet X & Ribble are also open mould/clones of other, more expensive bikes. Indeed isn't there at least one Ribble bike supposedly identical to a high end De Rosa?
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It's an interesting subject. I don't see a reason why something described as "open mould" is worse than anything else. In the article, it also says that Tifosi have UK exclusivity on the mould. So, you won't find another UK brand selling the same shaped frame if that bothers you at all. Surely the thing that matters the most, is how well the carbon fibre is laid up (?) in the mould, the amount of defects and QC. I'd rather whoever makes the frame gets these things right than have some 'exclusive' frame design. I've seen it mentioned a few times that e.g. Dolan frames are open mould. I've not actually seen any frames that look the same as Dolan models, but they might exist. I care more for whether the construction is overseen by someone that knows what they are looking for. The fact that there is a UK brand name willing to vouch for the frame, wherever it is made, means something.
You will pay more for the branded model - they have more overheads. Personally I'd always go with a company rather than someone on ebay who has no reputation to protect.
Here's a thread on here discussing the Ribble Stealth v De Rosa 838 - viewtopic.php?t=12829744
I suppose it's the same as cars and vans these days. We had 2 small cans at work one a Citroen and the other a Peugeot (I think???) and both were absolute identical apart from the front grille and badge.
The sentiment is correct, but specifically not with those brands though. Giants are made in their own factory, Specs are made by Merida, I believe. Happy to be corrected.
I believe Cadel Evans rode one, badged as a Ridley
I don't believe the stories of the factory making a few extra frames at the end of the day and selling them off thru Ebay. That's an easy way to lose a contract. Just because it looks similar doesn't mean its the same.