Second-hand carbon frame cracked - next steps?

S6Dave

Hi all - long-time lurker, in need of advice!

My mate was selling a Cannondale Super X 2011 (high-spec carbon framed cyclocross) which has had various tweaks/add-ons/replacements to the parts over the years. It was going stupidly cheap, and as I'm looking to convert my current and first roadie (Triban 540) into an all-weather commuter, I thought it was a good opportunity to get my hands on a bit of carbon to use for a fair-weather speedster - despite being a cyclocross frame I would kit it out for roads.

Sadly, it was stupidly cheap for a reason - the bottom bracket has some of that infamously scary-looking carbon damage which is sadly being generally considered either risky and/or very expensive to repair by every local bike shop I'm trying (though I'm making enquiries further afield). The gear on the bike alone is worth far more than the price I paid however, so I've looked into finding another frame to keep myself in for a good deal...

I'm on a tight budget, but have come across the following:

Eastway Emitter R4 frame - £399
Planet X RT-80 frame - £399

They seem well-reviewed and light enough. My questions are: 1. is it worth buying a carbon frame at that price point/are they any good, or would an aluminium frame be a worthier investment? 2. if I can find someone to repair the Super-X frame for a similar price would that be the best option or should I sack it off?

Recommendations extremely welcome for any other frames you know of but getting above £500 will be a struggle for me at the moment. Might just have to save act like an adult and save up...

Thank you in advance for any advice

svetty

The RT-80 is the Planet X branded version of a well regarded open mould chinese frame also known as the FM066. It's a decent frame and would perfectly suit as a fair weather bike. It shares the geometry of the Cannondale SS Evo, has reasonable clearance for tyres, internal cabling but no mudguard eyelets. At the price it's a steal...

S6Dave

Thanks for the input shame that the only colour available in large is black and neon green when the other paintjobs look quite elegant :evil:

DeVlaeminck

Carbon repair is worth looking into, a mate of mine had a cracked frame of mine repaired and it's still in use by one of the juniors in our club. There are several places that do it depending where you are, not all damage can be repaired economically but much can.

londoncommuter

If you're fairly small this is really cheap considering it has the headset thrown in. No idea what it's like:

https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/prorace- ... #pid=17386

What type of brakes did the Cannondale come with? Wondering if you'd also need to budget for some caliper brakes if you do switch to a road frame?

S6Dave

Funny you should post that one, as I'd just looked at that last night - sadly I am pushing 6ft so a 52cm tempting as it is might just be a tad small.

The more I'm reading about titanium the more I'm considering that too - buying bikes on a budget is a pain as you're weighing up cheapish carbon vs cheap ti vs mid-range aluminium, the pros/cons become numerous and the budget silently grows each session of googling...

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRPXTIX1/ ... road-frame

pippi_langsamer-2

I wouldn't write the frame off. It'll probably cost less or IRO those other options you list.

Try:

www.targetcomposites.co.uk
www.fibre-lyte.co.uk

for starters

effillo

I'd be tempted to give it back to your mate and just look elsewhere.

Matthewfalle

S6Dave wrote:

Funny you should post that one, as I'd just looked at that last night - sadly I am pushing 6ft so a 52cm tempting as it is might just be a tad small.

The more I'm reading about titanium the more I'm considering that too - buying bikes on a budget is a pain as you're weighing up cheapish carbon vs cheap ti vs mid-range aluminium, the pros/cons become numerous and the budget silently grows each session of googling...

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRPXTIX1/ ... road-frame

I’ve recently built up one of those there frames - they are really nice. Top value for money - recommended.

S6Dave

Matthewfalle wrote:

S6Dave wrote:

Funny you should post that one, as I'd just looked at that last night - sadly I am pushing 6ft so a 52cm tempting as it is might just be a tad small.

The more I'm reading about titanium the more I'm considering that too - buying bikes on a budget is a pain as you're weighing up cheapish carbon vs cheap ti vs mid-range aluminium, the pros/cons become numerous and the budget silently grows each session of googling...

https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRPXTIX1/ ... road-frame

I’ve recently built up one of those there frames - they are really nice. Top value for money - recommended.

Assuming you're referring to the Spitfire - that's good to know! How have you built it up? You reckon I won't be disappointed if I do it up as a racey speed-machine (to the extent that my budget allows )?

S6Dave

So after all the umming, ahhing, ringing carbon specialists, checking websites daily, etc.... I've taken the plunge on the below:

https://www.startfitness.co.uk/forme-thorpe-elite-carbon-road-frameset-for46fs.html

Everything I've read would seem to suggest this is a very good deal if anyone else is looking for a 56cm frame!

svetty

S6Dave wrote:

So after all the umming, ahhing, ringing carbon specialists, checking websites daily, etc.... I've taken the plunge on the below:

https://www.startfitness.co.uk/forme-thorpe-elite-carbon-road-frameset-for46fs.html

Everything I've read would seem to suggest this is a very good deal if anyone else is looking for a 56cm frame!

I wonder what the 'unique needs of the British cyclist' are?

keef66

Svetty wrote:

S6Dave wrote:

So after all the umming, ahhing, ringing carbon specialists, checking websites daily, etc.... I've taken the plunge on the below:

https://www.startfitness.co.uk/forme-thorpe-elite-carbon-road-frameset-for46fs.html

Everything I've read would seem to suggest this is a very good deal if anyone else is looking for a 56cm frame!

I wonder what the 'unique needs of the British cyclist' are?

Mudguards and a Daily Mail holder?

S6Dave

Svetty wrote:

S6Dave wrote:

So after all the umming, ahhing, ringing carbon specialists, checking websites daily, etc.... I've taken the plunge on the below:

https://www.startfitness.co.uk/forme-thorpe-elite-carbon-road-frameset-for46fs.html

Everything I've read would seem to suggest this is a very good deal if anyone else is looking for a 56cm frame!

I wonder what the 'unique needs of the British cyclist' are?

Outmanoeuvring white van men

Matthewfalle

Svetty wrote:

S6Dave wrote:

So after all the umming, ahhing, ringing carbon specialists, checking websites daily, etc.... I've taken the plunge on the below:

https://www.startfitness.co.uk/forme-thorpe-elite-carbon-road-frameset-for46fs.html

Everything I've read would seem to suggest this is a very good deal if anyone else is looking for a 56cm frame!

I wonder what the 'unique needs of the British cyclist' are?

Queuing up in massive long lines to get into Europe on holiday whilst every other European just breezes in.

But at least they will have blue passports ....,,,