Carbon frame selection
 

I am looking for carbon frame recommendations for under $2k. I have found cinelli ones, but I know nothing about the brand.
Is there a thread/forum for recommendations?

I know about the Chinese unbranded frames, but would like to see if I can find something with better QC and warranty before I take the leap.

Thanks.

I personally believe that most Cinelli carbon frames are just Chinese frames with a Cinelli sticker, for what that's worth. Also, in the case of Cinelli-USA, their customer service is terrible and you are basically buying a bike with zero back up - exactly as you would if you purchased a Chinese unbranded frame, but with a snarky and rude attitude.

With that said, the big difference between a unbranded Chinese frame and a Cinelli is you can but a Cinelli frame from a bike shop and I have a feeling, you will be treated much better.

For example, this is a good bike for the price:

https://mybikeshop.com/products/2020...k-diamond.html

I actually have a Superstar Disc in white that I built with a Campagnolo H11/ Chorus groupset. With carbon wheels I am at 7.4 kg, which is not bad. It is a nice bike that has a smooth comfortable ride but can go really fast when you want to push it.

Cobolt bikes is having a great blow out sale right now. I would look at those as well.

https://cobaltbike.com/shop/ols/products

Thank you for the insight. I want to build this bike myself, so I may go the Chinese frame route and save enough for a real frame if and when it breaks. I'd rather have a cheap unsupported frame than an expensive one. :)

The only thing I would add is that Cobolt has frames for <$1000 right now that have lifetime warranties and good specs.

They have a cyclocross/gravel bike for $900 that would make a killer do everything bike.

That gives me a lot to think about... I found a local shop selling a Canondale on a close out... That may be cheaper than one I would build myself. Decisions, decisions, ...

I hear you. With my Cinelli, I originally thought I would just put on a cheap 105 disc groupset but got the urge to go up at every step. In the end, I would have been much better off buying a complete bike with an Ultegra Di2 groupset and calling it a day.

If you can get a complete bike at good price, I would do it.

Prices are a bit high right now but watch theproscloset. I got my frame there when the prices were not crazy and I got I felt like a great deal on a new carbon frame. I got an Argon 18 NIB frame just an old model for super cheap.

I can't to speak to this maker or that maker but I would certainly buy a frame with a reputable makers name on it. Just my opinion of course.

I would also add that for some places, where you buy it is as important.

caution: pay peanuts, work with monkeys.

a complete bike is almost always less expensive the building your own piece by piece. FWIW

It is indeed. I did the math, even with a chinese unbranded frame a Di2 setup costs well over 3k when you include all the shipping and other little but not cheap hardware and the delays.
Too bad, I really would have enjoyed the work.
I ended up with a 2020 Synapse Carbon Ultegra Di2 from a closeout sale.
It's feels and rides great and comes with free tuneups. It's not exactly the color I wanted, but I guess I should look at it less and ride more. :)

Sounds like a great conclusion to this thread! Enjoy!

Cheap Chinese stuff can be mad bang for buck, but it's more or less dicey.

If you want to avoid all diceyness and be sure you've got world-class quality for a good price, just go with the biggest company - Giant is cycling's Toyota.

Replacing crank arms on Canondale Si crankset
 

I have been looking online but was unable to find a place to get the crank arms only. The full set is a bit too expensive and unnecessary for me.
The OEM installled one is 172.5 and I would like to replace them with 165...

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated.

Finding 165 cranks are hard. Might be best to ask the shop to see if they can special order them.

Here is a Chinese bike that you can rely on. Most of the problems with Chinese bikes is quality control, this manufacturer has good QC. https://www.yoeleobike.com/road/frames.html

There are plenty out there from people who got sensor embedded cranks, just not the pair.
Too bad Canonndale is not selling parts to individuals. I'll inquire and check other sites.