smallsc111

Hello all,

I am thinking about building an all carbon road bike, I was looking around and I really like the naked carbon fiber look, does anybody have any suggestions on manufactures for frames and forks? I did a preliminary search and all the sellers with an unbranded frame were from China and I'd like to buy from the United States. I Built the fixed wheel that I currently ride but I want to step up to the big boys and go for broke. Thanks for the suggestions.

MC

rms13

Product - dengfubikes

seymour1910

Nashbar Carbon Road Frame and Fork

PiLigand

Nashbar does pretty bare frames. Orbea doesn't do completely naked, but they usually leave a lot of fiber exposed and have otherwise tasteful decals. Plus warranty (though I have no qualms with Chinese frames).
Plus Orbea won't quite break your bank I don't think.

If you go the Chinese route, post back later with your thoughts on the build. I'm very curious about that aspect of the industry.

milkbaby

The Nashbar frame is basically about the same price as the Chinese generics but you deal with an American company and get their support and return policy. I'd do that if I was looking to build up an economical carbon road bike from a new frame.

rms13

Nashbar gives you one option. Dengfu give you about 6 road options with race geo, endurance, aeor and has frames as light as 850 g. I don't have either but I have done a lot of research when I was considering them. The Nashbar seems like it is a heavier entry level CF frame where as Dengfu (and other direct open mold frames) you can get stuff that is close to or on par with high end race frames. They also offer different BB standards and Nashbar has just one. But if OP uses Google he can find hundreds of pages of forum threads and blog entries on the subject and plenty of first hand opinions

milkbaby

I agree with everything you said, it's just that the OP specifically said he/she wanted to buy from the United States.

Carbon Unit

I ride a nude Calfee. It doesn't have paint or a clear coat. I need to clean it with 303 Protectant every six months to keep it looking new.

Calfees are built in California. I have toured their factory and watched them being built.

Www.calfeedesign.com

TrojanHorse

Keep in mind that MOST carbon frames are not produced in the USA anyway, they're just outsourced by an american company and then badged. If you want an american company middle man, there are options. I don't think anybody has mentioned pedalforce yet, but they do periodic group buys that might suit your needs.

CliffordK

I think Parlee makes semi-custom CF frames in the USA. Maybe a couple of other manufacturers too. You should be able to specify the paint.

Most of the cheap CF frames have vertical dropouts which might be a pain for single speed/fixie.

A company like Parlee should be able to install track ends. You could hunt down a track/pista specific frame.

Another option might be to get BB30 with an eccentric adapter.

rms13

Yes, most CF frames are made in china. If Op wants something made in USA like the Calfee that was mentioned, expect to pay 5x amount for a frame that is not 5x better. I am assuming OP just wants to purchase from a US based company for the sake of warranty and return etc

seymour1910

That's how I read the OP. When I linked the Nashbar bike I wasn't suggesting it was the best option out there. I thought it was the one that best fit what he was looking for. Dengfu definately offers more options though.

Carbon Unit

Or do what I did buy a used Calfee. Calfee will let the warranty transfer to a new owner.

A stock Luna Pro frame is $2500 new. I bought my Tetra frame a couple of years old for $1200 and have been riding it for 8 years.

CliffordK

Also, don't forget Titanium which is made by several small manufacturers in the USA.

zatopek

Velovie Vitesse 500 in black naked carbon

Tri4life

I was looking at building as well. Wondering Velobuild or just Dengfu direct?