BikingViking793 

I really want to build a bike just for fun and to work on my mechanical skills. Since I don't really need a bike and am not sure how this will turn out I want to keep it on a pretty good budget. I figure I'll use ebay to search for good, but well priced parts. But I'm really stuck on what to do for a frame. I've run into this Evo Vantage 5.0 frameset for sale all over.
https://www.randombikeparts.com/prod...tras-black-new
I know it is for a really cheap road bike, but is it a decent frame? Or would I regret using this frame? Any good frame options out there on a budget? I'd prefer to be able to build something more like a gravel bike, but am not going to be too picky. Just thought maybe others have done the same and could have some good tips. Thanks.

Miradaman

There's a guy on youtube who did exactly that with that very frame. He's posted several videos about it.

BikingViking793 

Thanks for sharing. Looks pretty good in his videos. One thing that I thought of while watching is if I'd ever be able to find a new derailleur hanger if it broke....

BikingViking793 

Well I went with this frame and just completed the build. Frame seems decent enough, but the spacing in the back limited the wheels I could go with because of 135mm spacing. It's real cold here in WI so I haven't done much of a ride, but everything seems to be working well and I really learned a lot. I am hoping to try different things with this bike and then maybe implement changes on my Felt. For instance I read up and I guess a 165 crankset should be a good fit for me so I'm trying it out on this bike. This bike is all Sora drivetrain. Really cheap brakes as I think it will mostly be my trainer bike. The rest of the parts are whatever I could find cheap. Think I kept it around $500, but need to go back and add things up.

Miradaman

Nice! Any idea what it weighs?

BikingViking793 

I just weighed it. As pictured with the pedals it is about 22.6lbs. That is probably about as good as I would have hoped. Because it's going to be mostly a trainer bike I didn't put much effort into weight loss. It is an aluminum frame with a steel fork.

Miradaman

22.6 lbs is pretty darn impressive for a new $500 aluminum bike. Trainer or not, I'd ride the heck out of that thing...