ArgoMan

Okay good people, I'm going to go "there". What am I referring to? Well here it goes: I see a bike advertised as an "Advanced HYDROFormed AERO Aluminum Design! New AERO Endurance Design Engineered Aluminum" with what looks to be a 105 mixed groupset and DT Swiss 1800 Splines, all for $1,799 from BikesDirect! So, it looks to be a pretty nice set up for the money. Just the groupset components are probably in the $700 to $850 range. The wheels are pretty nice entry, for about $500.

Now, I have a circa 2007 Motobecane Record AL (aluminum) which is built around a very nice stiff 7005 frame. It's a great bike. Just too big for me. But does anyone have any experience or thoughts on the "aero" aluminum frames that BD is pushing? Thanks, and don't hate on me please.......

datlas 

They are likely a very reasonable option as long as you are confident in your size/fit and also wrenching/adjusting brakes/drivetrain etc.

BD tends to be a pretty divisive topic around here.

My feeling is that they should be avoided by novices/newbies but if you are decent bike assembler /mechanic they can be a really good value. Just read the fine print.

ArgoMan

Thanks. I see that BD is a pretty divisive topic, thus my timid approach. I'm pretty handy and well set up to contruct and mainatin my own bikes. Just tru=ying to get an idea if anyone has any info/opinion on the "aero" alum frames.

datlas 

My understanding is hydroforming aluminum tubing is a fairly mature technology. The aero bike frame thing is a bit of a “fad” and will only give you a tiny/minimal advantage compared to round tubes.