I'm specifically looking for an aluminum frame, with very minimal or no toe overlap, to run up to 700cx44 or 45, with a longish top tube in relation to seat tube height.
Currently have a size 58cm Scattante CX350 as my only aluminum 700c bike.
Problem is that it's a very short bike, kind of squirrely on steep descents (even on pavement it doesn't instill confidence unless I get way back over the saddle) Have upgraded the drivetrain over the years and am now very pleased with the gearing and other components. I'm looking for a framset to swap over all the parts to.
135mm rear, QR dropouts. Headtube can be tapered or straight since I'm looking to get the fork as well. So kinda "last-gen" specs. Don't want to invest in a whole new modern drivetrain and hubs.
I went down to LBS to check out the Breezer Radar...was too heavy for me. I was hoping my steel bike (MASI CX Comp) with it's larger tubing was heavier than normal fro steel, but the Breezer felt too heavy to me as well. So I'm pretty sure I'm looking for aluminum, but fork can be steel. Already have the other steel bike, wanna stay light with this one.
My only issues with the Scattante are the short effective top tube and the lack of tire clearance, steering squireliness and toe overlap is a function of the geometry...so I'm not sure what numbers to look for, a slack HT angle, a rakier fork, not sure.
I don't see anything aluminum (that's sold as a frame-only) available at any local stores to actually go try out. What I'm looking for is probably weird. Was considering maybe a hardtail 29er MTB frame...
I really like that cheapo Scattante...smoother ride than my steel MASI CX comp (though not as stable on descents) for some odd reason the aluminum bike seems to soak things up way better than the steel bike, feels way faster, but can't fit the tires I want to fit and I feel cramped on it. Bumps really jar me on the steel bike, seems to hit the ground hard, and that's even with balloonier tires.
I'm not a snob for brands (obviously) and would consider all kinds of cheap frames for this.
I put a thudbuster (ST) on my stiff aluminum bike, and it rides great (with appropriate soft 40mm tires). I have some sub 4lb steel frames, so steel can be light - at least within 2 lbs of carbon/Aluminum. Yeah, aluminum is a great material for some.
Something like the salsa Warbird would have the geometry you are looking for. Their Aluminum version (v3) is more compliant than their Titanium Version (V2). They are coming out with a new model in a few months that has even more gravel bells and whistles...
2016 Kona Private Jake was a QR bike I believe. It’s got steep seat tube and long top tube as well. Not “cheap” though but you might find a shop trying to get rid of new old stock. It’s stiff and fairly light too. I have the 2017 thru axle version and love it.
Wikkit Q-bomb frameset would be ideal if you could get your hands on one.
Maybe its too long
Wow, I feel very naive...I didn't even know about the beach bike racing scene, those bikes do look very long, cool tho.
I have some sub 4lb steel frames, so steel can be light - at least within 2 lbs of carbon/Aluminum. Yeah, aluminum is a great material for some.
I love the idea of steel and how it's ride quality is described, I just know that my aluminum bike rides smoother and softer than my steel bike (which isn't supposed to be how it works), and there's what seems like a big weight difference. My steel bike, the MASI, has fairly large tubing, though, so I figured maybe other steel bikes with smaller diameter tubes would be more compliant and lighter. I didn't try the Breezer Radar over terrain, I just sat on it for geometry and lifted it up to feel the weight. It might have a great feel. I'd be open to steel but I don't know enough about the types of steel to guess what's going to be stiffer or cushier. I'll probably have to order the frame without getting to test ride.
Something like the salsa Warbird would have the geometry you are looking for.
I'm wondering what the tire clearance is, the fully built bike says it comes with 38s. I see a frameset for just under $600 shipped with carbon fork (used). It has dents on the top tube though, so I'll probably pass at that price.
Trek Checkpoint probably ticks your boxes too...
Looks like the Checkpoint ALR is thru-axle. I love thru axle, but I'd need pretty much a whole new drive train and wheels...or maybe just new wheels and a spacer under the cassette. I love modern technology just can't afford a complete new bike right now. I checked the Trek archives but didn't see an older QR version of the bike listed there.
2016 Kona Private Jake was a QR bike I believe...Not “cheap” though but you might find a shop trying to get rid of new old stock
I see a NOS 2016 frameset for $549, I'd be willing if it was super awesome, and seems like it is. Has thru axle fork though. I have another wheelset, it's actually an MTB 29er set, 135mm QR rear and 15mm TA front...have to see if the fork is 15mm TA.
I see a NOS 2016 frameset for $549, I'd be willing if it was super awesome, and seems like it is. Has thru axle fork though. I have another wheelset, it's actually an MTB 29er set, 135mm QR rear and 15mm TA front...have to see if the fork is 15mm TA.
You can buy an adapter to change the 15mm wheel to a 12mm.
