[MtnBikerChk]

nice title, eh?

Anyway I'm thinking about maybe possibly getting a new road bike - I'll be fitted of course and then choose my new ride based on fit and performance. So I'm sitting here making a big list of manufacturers and in my head I'm sort of rating them as to "more bang for the buck" or "BLING" or "OH GOD expensive!"

So everyone likes to give their $.02 so add yours - list a manufacturer and/or frameset and rate it - both good and bad acceptable.

I'll start:
Titus - BLING, including sizing that might fit me (short) but I'm not sure I feel like pressing my luck!

Seven - I've always lusted after the Axiom SG and they have a WIDE size selection but $$$$!!

 

[loco-gringo]

I'm not one to snubb mass produced, so I'd have the big mfg's carbon bikes in there.

 

[woodsguy]

If I were to get a new road bike it would be an American made carbon bike. Carbon is by far the best material for road bikes . It is stiff, light, and shock absorbing. American made because shipping a bike half way around the world is a waste of resources and the health and environmental standards they have over there are virtually non existent.

 

[maddog17]

do you have a preference in material? do you prefer say carbon over steel? you got lots of choices but i guess one of the main factors would be how much do you want to spend on the frame? if it were me my first choice is steel. and there are so many choices of builders if you go with a custom build. my short list in no real order would be Zanconato, IF, Kirk, Serotta. for carbon either Parlee or Crumpton. for Ti i'd go IF, Spectrum, Crisp, Lynskey. i don't like aluminum. for your size i'd probably go carbon or Ti but wouldn't rule out steel. there are some real light weight steel's out there that could keep weight down and give a real nice ride. i'm really lusting after one of Zanconato's Max frames, just don't have the cash to do it.

 

[-dustin]

What are you plans for the bike?

i can also say that after riding a 13 lbs. storck .7, that it's not my thing. it's not for me. they are interesting from a work perspective but nothing really special in my eyes. disposable i'd guess. so in that sense....i'd agree.....race the thing and then toss it out.

Spooky is a fun bike. Stiff. Very stiff. $$
BH G4 is the most fun bike I have ridden, by far. $$$$$$$
BH Connect (Christal for the ladies) is a good, neutral bike. $$$$
Cannondale Super Six...solid, American made....wait....nevermind.

Thanks in part to the quote above (straw that broke the camel's back), I've decided to quit with the games and will soon be owner of a custom road bike. Steel.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

What are you plans for the bike?

Spooky is a fun bike. Stiff. Very stiff. $$
BH G4 is the most fun bike I have ridden, by far. $$$$$$$
BH Connect (Christal for the ladies) is a good, neutral bike. $$$$
Cannondale Super Six...solid, American made....wait....nevermind.

THanks - you're the only one playing the game correctly!

right now - NOTHING is ruled out - so GO!

 

[MMcG]

If you were to go custom - there are a slew of really good custom roab/cx builders in and around CT/MA

Ted Wojcik
Mike Zancanato
Hot Tubes
Circle A in Providence
Chris Iglehart

etc. etc. etc.

But those are all primarily steel guys.

 

[Serial Midget]

Serotta Fierte steel IMHO the best off the rack frame money can buy, 11 frame sizes and geometry to suit almost anyone. They come stock with carbon forks since quality steel forks are now more costly, you used to be able to upgrade to steel. Not sure now.

I suggest you buy the frame and spec it yourself, I know you have the skills and nothing satisfies more than building your own ride.

My Serotta frame is nearly 20 years old - I've done 3 complete kits builds but would not give up the frame for anything newer because I don't care for carbon forks.

 

[CBJ]

I am super impressed with modern carbon so smooth to ride, stiff where needed too and light.

 

[maddog17]

don't forget Waterford either for regular steel and the newer stainless stuff. they've been building for ages and are quite well liked. remember the Schwinn Paramounts? Waterford built. i like steel so go with that first. plenty of builders to choose from like i mentioned before and all offer custom if that's how you need to go. the Serotta Fierte is nice, ive ridden one. pretty smooth and you can get it in either steel or Ti with carbon rear end to keep the weight down a bit. i know Wojcik is offering the same steel frame with carbon rear.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

Ted Wojcik, steel, avoid the racing trap - leave room for fenders, etc.

 

[splat]

I'd go custom. Serotta, Parlee, Wojcik, Hot tubes , IF, Seven, Peter Mooney , Ant Bike Mike, spookey , or a couple really local to you Rich Sachs or Peter Weigle .

 

[proglife]

I might be in the market for a new frame in the next year and keep going back to Carl Strong, because he seems like an open, honest guy and his prices seem relatively low.

i really like the looks of these, too:

http://www.signalcycles.com/

 

[James]

What are you plans for the bike?

Spooky is a fun bike. Stiff. Very stiff. $$
BH G4 is the most fun bike I have ridden, by far. $$$$$$$
BH Connect (Christal for the ladies) is a good, neutral bike. $$$$
Cannondale Super Six...solid, American made....wait....nevermind.

Thanks in part to the quote above (straw that broke the camel's back), I've decided to quit with the games and will soon be owner of a custom road bike. Steel.

Damn dude, you go through bikes like me...

 

[SuspectDevice]

Custom Alu or Steel from Spooky is always an option.
Drive on down and I will even do a full reteul fit before we build the frame and after it get's assembled.

There are lots and lots of folks who build sweet road frames these days in the northeast, for sure.

 

[jonKranked]

I'd go custom. Serotta, Parlee, Wojcik, Hot tubes , IF, Seven, Peter Mooney , Ant Bike Mike, spookey , or a couple really local to you Rich Sachs or Peter Weigle .

I think Sachs has like a 6 yr waiting list.

 

[proglife]

I think Sachs has like a 6 yr waiting list.

i think the list is closed

 

[maddog17]

i heard it was 7 yrs and he's not taking anymore orders. Vanilla is up to 6yrs last time i checked. but there are plenty of others to choose from.

 

[jonKranked]

Check Sachs' site, and what you guys said is sorta true. He's not accepting new clients, however current and previous customers he will take orders from.

edit: he won't even sell you frame lugs or similar building parts unless you're an insured trade builder. dang.


that sach's watch is fly tho. esp for $2500.

 

[splat]

I think Sachs has like a 6 yr waiting list.

hey if you want it bad enough .....

 

[-dustin]

Custom Alu or Steel from Spooky is always an option.

Custom, really? and steel?

 

[SuspectDevice]

Custom, really? and steel?

Oh yes, for real. The new shop even has 480v three-phase power!

 

[-dustin]

Well damn, didn't know that. How long has that been going on? I just put down a deposit on a custom steel frame.

 

[SuspectDevice]

Well damn, didn't know that. How long has that been going on? I just put down a deposit on a custom steel frame.

We've been doing custom steel bikes since before you bought your Skeletor! I just haven't been marketing it much, as our capacity had been so limited.

 

[MtnBikerChk]

Custom Alu or Steel from Spooky is always an option.
Drive on down and I will even do a full reteul fit before we build the frame and after it get's assembled.

There are lots and lots of folks who build sweet road frames these days in the northeast, for sure.

I didn't know you were in Northhampton We drive right through it on our way to VT!

You are officially ON MY LIST! THANKS!

 

[MMcG]

We've been doing custom steel bikes since before you bought your Skeletor! I just haven't been marketing it much, as our capacity had been so limited.

Mickey - your steel frames are those done by Neil at NFG for you guys?

And your AL frames are they now done (welded and heat treated) right in Northampton/Mass? I'm assuming they must go someplace else in state for Heat treating right?