Ils

My Wabi classic was stolen recently so now I'm looking for a new frame to replace it. The obvious choice would be to get the same frame but I had issues when I originally bought it (2016) with crank arm clearance. Looking at their website now it seems that issue is still not resolved. Although the option of going to a frame builder in my neighbourhood to alter the frame still exists I prefer not to dimple the frame if I can avoid it. I have some parts already and some old parts from older builds so I prefer to stick to frames that have a clearance for track cranks, a rear brake and a threadless headset. I am kind of weary of the all-carbon forks on the cheaper aluminum bike, not sure if my paranoia if founded. Other option is All City Big Block but seems overpriced for a 4130 frameset but maybe I'm not getting something. Also looked at the Surly steamroller but the geometry is not right for me.


So now I'm looking at several options, so far the Dolan frame seems like a winner:

1. State cycles black label

2. Dolan fxe

3. Aventon cordoba

4 Wabi Classic + frame alternation


If there are any other frames please suggest. Looking at specs on paper is one thing but having some perspective from experience goes a long way.

Senrab62 

I've mentioned it before. Spicer custom frame. Will build whatever you want for about $600 shipped. Will have to include fork, but still worth it.

TugaDude

I agree that it seems like the Big Block is a lot of money for the frame-only, but as an owner of one I have to say that it is very nice. The ride, the quality of the build and the paint are top-notch. Personally I don't think you'd be disappointed one bit.
Mine is older so it doesn't have some of the details that they have now. Mine has the bottle bosses on the seat tube, which is not great, but I think they all come that way, Big Blocks I mean.

Good luck in your search!

nightfly

Soma Rush

REDMASTA

mash steel is nice, clearance for track crank and yuuuge tires. but it's even more expensive than the big block...

Ils

Thanks for all the suggestions. Didn't know about Spicer, might try them next time, I just don't want to wait several weeks for a frame, "nice bike season" here is ending and I want to get some rides in before that's over. Soma Rush would be perfect, i just really don't like the feel of quill stems. Those mash frames look pretty good, I just don't get the drilled for calipers fork and not drilled for calipers frame? There is even internal cable routing, I guess with the intended tire clearance canti brakes make more sense.

nightfly

Not sure when they changed, but for the older Soma Rush you used to be able to get either a threaded or threadless 1 inch fork. I bought my frame used and added a threaded fork but they also had threadless ones. You can also choose between curved and straight.

https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/pro...2&category=975
https://www.somafabshop.com/shop/pro...2&category=975

Ils

Oh yeah, I completely forgot about the 1" threadless standard, it's been a while.