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Decent CF road bike frames for $1500?

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Decent CF road bike frames for $1500?

Old 06-16-20, 05:40 PM
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Decent CF road bike frames for $1500?

Does it exist? I have an aluminum frame road bike that I have updated basically every component on it with higher end stuff, and I think I want swap it all over to a carbon frame. I would love to stay below 1500. What are some decent options, or is there? I ride mostly flat with some small climbs here and there, all for fun so no competing really.
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Old 06-16-20, 05:48 PM
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Lots of options but swapping parts is a PITA and you may even have compatibility hassles (brake mounts, BB, etc).

But if you are inclined, go for it.

Might be cheaper and wiser to get a 105 level CF bike with a good frame and swap over cross-compatible parts to your old bike so you have a backup bike.
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Old 06-16-20, 05:57 PM
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unless you're going from calipers to discs and your aluminum bike is within the last 10 years or so, it's not that much a PITA. *do* pay attention to the bottom bracket spec. Either look for the same, or be prepared to buy a new BB/Crankset to accommodate. Other than that, it's very doable (and since you've upgraded stuff already, I would guess you kinda know what you're doing and have the tools)

as far as what frame for $1500? I got nuthin. My last build was a $600 steel frame
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Old 06-16-20, 06:27 PM
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I got my Cervelo R3 frame from Excel for $1200. Awesome frame.
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Old 06-16-20, 07:10 PM
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
I got my Cervelo R3 frame from Excel for $1200. Awesome frame.

I got my Cervelo c2 for 500 more. Awesome bike.
105 too.
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Old 06-17-20, 04:18 AM
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Originally Posted by WhyFi
I got my Cervelo R3 frame from Excel for $1200. Awesome frame.
If you aren't in a hurry, Excel will, from time to time, run sales on older (but still brand new) frames. If you aren't on their e-mail list, you should get put onto it. They carry Cervelo, Pinarello, a couple of others.
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Old 06-17-20, 04:55 AM
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You might want to take a look at Merlin's website:

https://www.merlincycles.com/road-bi...sort=price-min

DeRosa, Merckx, Pinarello, Colnago, Ridley, Willier....there's got to be a decent frame among those
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Old 06-17-20, 01:11 PM
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You can go a lot cheaper https://forums.roadbikereview.com/bi...346068-49.html
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Old 06-17-20, 01:54 PM
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Originally Posted by InvertedMP
Does it exist? I have an aluminum frame road bike that I have updated basically every component on it with higher end stuff, and I think I want swap it all over to a carbon frame. I would love to stay below 1500. What are some decent options, or is there? I ride mostly flat with some small climbs here and there, all for fun so no competing really.
https://www.yoeleobike.com/road/frames.html Hambini rates these with Look and Time for quality. This is definitely not cheap Chinese junk.
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Old 06-17-20, 09:59 PM
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Thinking of these three options:

https://www.competitivecyclist.com/c...0c6da5140f1bcc

https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/c...et-139894.html

https://www.merlincycles.com/en-us/a...et-122296.html
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Old 06-18-20, 05:27 AM
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All good choices. All you need to do is figure out which has a geometry that meets your riding style, and body specifics. all being equal, Italian bikes are cooler, but I just ordered a (different) Argon 18, so I like that choice too!
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Old 06-18-20, 06:40 AM
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I bought two Colnago C-RS frames, new in the box, from different sources for an average of $800 each. Retail was $1700 each. There are some still available at bikeexchange.com. The seller wants $900 for the frames he has in stock. I've been riding this model for almost 2 years now. Works great for me.

These frames are rim brake models. I built my bikes up with Campy chorus 12 for under 3K each. I ride the Colorado mountains with mine.
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Old 06-18-20, 07:08 AM
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Originally Posted by DaveSSS
I bought two Colnago C-RS frames, new in the box, from different sources for an average of $800 each. Retail was $1700 each. There are some still available at bikeexchange.com. The seller wants $900 for the frames he has in stock. I've been riding this model for almost 2 years now. Works great for me.

These frames are rim brake models. I built my bikes up with Campy chorus 12 for under 3K each. I ride the Colorado mountains with mine.
I was looking at that frameset as well. Thanks for the review on it. I would love to see a pic of your build.
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Old 06-18-20, 02:33 PM
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Originally Posted by InvertedMP
I was looking at that frameset as well. Thanks for the review on it. I would love to see a pic of your build.
Here it is. Zonda wheels, Easton EC-90 bars, FSA K-force 25mm setback post, SMP Stratos saddle,Zipp SL stem (-17 degree) Michelin power endurance tires.


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Old 06-21-20, 08:51 PM
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OK so I think I am gonna do a Cervelo R2 frameset. Unless I am talked out of it for some reason.
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Old 06-22-20, 05:01 AM
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Originally Posted by InvertedMP
OK so I think I am gonna do a Cervelo R2 frameset. Unless I am talked out of it for some reason.
The more I've ridden mine, the more I've liked it.
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Old 06-22-20, 08:58 AM
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Well, I got hosed, I was going to order the R2 this morning from Competitive Cyclist and somebody had bought it literally at 3am (I chatted with support). So on to the next idea lol.
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Old 06-22-20, 10:56 AM
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Ok so I pivoted and went above my 1500 dollar limit and bought a limited olive Cervelo R3 frameset. Super excited!
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Old 06-22-20, 11:10 AM
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Sweet.

You didn't get a disc frame as pictured, though, did you?
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Old 06-22-20, 11:12 AM
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No I got a rim frame. Just posted a pic for reference
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Old 06-22-20, 11:43 AM
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Oh man, congrats! Post up pics when you get it. That looks like a great paint job. I didn’t even know they’d made that.
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Old 06-22-20, 12:23 PM
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Great looking green 👍
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Old 06-22-20, 08:10 PM
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That olive/orange R3 is da schnizzle. You MUST repost a pic of the final build. Have fun putting your new bike together and then, ride it like you stole it.
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Old 06-22-20, 08:55 PM
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Will do!
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Old 06-23-20, 04:12 AM
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congrats!
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