Interesting Frameset under £400 ish

Andyh4324
Andyh4324 Posts: 58
edited March 2014 in Road buying advice
As title, I'm looking for a frameset to build up to teach myself more about the mechanics of the bike. The idea will be to build a nicer bike than my basic trek 1.1 I have now. Don't mind what material but the lighter the better if possible, not the end of the world if it's not though. The only other thing I'd like is something a bit different from the normal bike you see about.

Comments

  • arlowood
    arlowood Posts: 2,561
    What about a Genesis Equilibrium frameset. Just about within your budget and well regarded. A steel framed bike would be just that bit more special than any alloy or carbon frame in your price range.


    http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m90b185s804 ... wgodihIADA
  • Have a look at Planet X. They have loads of frames, from their current bikes to some lovely looking "new old stock" vintage steel frames.
    Some frame sets, some frame only for you to spec up with carbon fork.
  • diamonddog
    diamonddog Posts: 3,426
    ^^This, Pro Carbon frame & fork, Sab frames etc.
  • DKay
    DKay Posts: 1,652
    Chinese carbon open-mould frame would be my obvious choice.
  • DiscoBoy
    DiscoBoy Posts: 905
    DKay wrote:
    Chinese carbon open-mould frame would be my obvious choice.

    From somewhere like Ribble if you don't want to chance one from ebay.
    Red bikes are the fastest.
  • StillGoing
    StillGoing Posts: 5,211
    Or Dolan.
    I ride a bike. Doesn't make me green or a tree hugger. I drive a car too.
  • Andyh4324
    Andyh4324 Posts: 58
    DKay wrote:
    Chinese carbon open-mould frame would be my obvious choice.

    I see Flyxii sell through Amazon now. Not that I know much about them. Any good?
  • Andyh4324
    Andyh4324 Posts: 58
    arlowood wrote:
    What about a Genesis Equilibrium frameset. Just about within your budget and well regarded. A steel framed bike would be just that bit more special than any alloy or carbon frame in your price range.


    http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m90b185s804 ... wgodihIADA
    Like the idea but don't fancy red (other colours are more expensive)
  • napoleond
    napoleond Posts: 5,992
    I'd go scouring eBay. Some absolute gems come up once in a while. (I had to wait 7 years for my dream frame to come up but when it did...)
    Insta: ATEnduranceCoaching
    ABCC Cycling Coach
  • Calpol
    Calpol Posts: 1,039
    NapoleonD wrote:
    (I had to wait 7 years for my dream frame to come up but when it did...
    ....it was so dated that everyone laughed at you for riding an old bike? :-O ;-)
  • term1te
    term1te Posts: 1,462
    I'm with NapoleonD on this one, for £400 you could get a quality frame on eBay, even factoring in a complete respray. A "vintage" steel frame done up with modern kit can make a very interesting and quality bike. I've done it with a Reynolds 653 frame, which came in at around £250 with respray. I've also picked up an immaculate Columbus SLX frame and forks with great chrome for less than £400.

    The problem is finding one the right size. Don't compromise on the wrong sized frame for a good price, if you intend to ride the bike much.
  • If the size is right then this might be wothwhiile investigating: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Genesis-Croix ... t_94wt_962
  • passout
    passout Posts: 4,425
    Kinesis Decade Convert: http://www.tweekscycles.com/Product.do? ... wgod0RYAPA ...in red...? Or: http://www.fawkes-cycles.co.uk/1481985/ ... wgodc7QAWg Can't be too many of those about.

    Or there are a couple of principia frames at CRC and some more expensive Vitus limited ed ones which look good. I like this one: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/prin ... prod107243
    'Happiness serves hardly any other purpose than to make unhappiness possible' Marcel Proust.