I'm thinking about building up a bike for winter use, and planning ahead so I can collect the odds and ends I'll need over time.
In the past I've used a CX bike or gravel bike but I think I'd like something a bit more akin to my Canyon Ultimate in terms of geometry. I find a slightly racier position more comfy for me as well as being more fun - i previously had a ribble audax frame but didn't like how it handled. I'd like space for bigger tyres and mudguards as well.
So far I've seen the Kinesis R2 which seems decent but I'd like to see what else is out there. So, here's the list:
- space for 30mm tyres & mudguards
- not too 'endurance-y' geometry wise
- I'm material agnostic (although suspect Alu will be the way)
- Less than a grand for the frame would be best
- Frame only (not really up for stripping and selling whole bike unless it's a mega bargain)
Thanks in advance!
You can get a Fairlight Strael frameset for £1400 if steel floats your boat. Love mine. I got a 'tall' frame as I wanted something a bit more upright, but imagine a 'regular' would put you in a fairly racey position. Put some PDW full metal fenders on mine and it's a very comfortable place to spend winter.
I was going to suggest a crosss bike, albeit one with guard mounts. Tend to be more traditionally racey" than a modern gravel bike.
I've always fancied a Condor and they have some frames for around that price that have mudguard mounts.
The new Specialized Allez has gone disc only and has clearance for big tyres and mudguards plus a much more racey geometry than the old (rim brake) models.
Sadly they've only got the one frame at the moment though, £1800 which seems a bit steep when you can get the full bike for only £1000 more. ☹️
https://www.specializedconceptstore.co.uk/product/283006/2023-allez-sprint-frameset/
Worth keeping an eye on it to see if there's a new lower level frame I reckon....
Condor - loved my Fratello Disc though not particularly racy.
Sod the budget - Mason?
Sella kidney - my Laverack J.Ack takes PDW mudguards and 32mm tyres.
Maybe not racy enough but I like mine, can be had for under £400 online
https://www.tifosicycles.co.uk/shop/bikes/rostradisc/
Bike review here:
https://road.cc/content/review/tifosi-rostra-disc-tiagra-2022-293449
Thanks all, the condor looks in budget but I think everything else so far is too many pounds for me.
Good idea to look for a CX bike as I suspect there's some bargains to be had out there.
EDIT - hand't seen the Tifosi. That's on the list for sure.
I like the look of the Tifosi in raw metal, couple of points I’ve remembered from building the frame up is it’s a different standard BB and whilst the Tifosi website states it comes with a headset included mine didn’t (though it was discounted in a sale). I’m pretty sure it’s an alloy steerer fork too if I remember correctly.
Bottom bracket I used for Shimano 105 crankset:
Had to buy a tool to fit it too 😠
Headset I used:
Hope this helps
not too ‘endurance-y’ geometry wise
I'm not a roadie so I don't know much about geometry but I'll recommend what I've got.
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-cgr-al-orange-frameset/
AL version frame and fork is £899. I've got the carbon SL version but it's gone up in price since I bought mine.
Its basically the same geometry as the endurance frame but a bit more relaxed and beefed up. Takes a 50mm tyre, 40mm with mudgaurds. Has a threaded bb and a rack.
Not frame only unfortunately but just a thought to throw in, the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc has room for 30mm tyres and front & rear mudguard mounts. Nice racey geo although not quite as aggressive as the previous CAAD12 from what I gather.
I've searched for something similar in the past...
I had a Kinesis 4S disc which was very good, if a little portly. I'd also like a go on a CAAD13.
Currently using a PX Pro Carbon Disc as a winter bike, which doesn't have mudguard mounts, but I just stick some raceblades on it. Ticks the cheap and racey box though, and fits decent sized tyres.
I'd love a racey geometry carbon frame with mudguard mounts, but they don't seem to exist. If Planet X did something like this, I think they would sell loads.
Tried gravel frames on the road (even relatively racey ones) and I hated it. Stack too high, high BB, slow steering etc. Yawnathon.
Considered a Boardman?
They're good value and tend to be on the calmer side of racey / racey side of endurance.
I've had two and really like the geometry, as someone who appreciates a quick-handling road bike but likes a bit of comfort as well.
They apparently have hidden guard mounts BTW.
https://www.boardmanbikes.com/gb_en/products/2369-slr-8.9-carbon-disc-2021.html
I like the PX Freeranger. Nice position, takes full guard and 40mm tyres easily.
Much prefer it to the Kinesis 4S I had before.
I've got a spare Medium frame in the garage in the funky chocolate brown / orange colour scheme as I now ride a large.
A Giant Defy of some description. The latest versions have room for 35mm tyres and easily take a 32 tyre with guards and there are guards specific to the defy which are easy to fit and also remove if required.
I have an old Boardman cyclocross frame. 56cm and 73 degrees parallel. That's race geometry and will take 32c with guards. None of my Defy's have full guard mounts (nothing at the BB so needs an adaptor around the seat tube) but the Boardman does. Mine is running an old Dura Ace groupset.
I might have a medium Ribble CGR Ti frameset available soon if I can't sort out my fit on it.
Not frame only unfortunately but just a thought to throw in, the Cannondale CAAD13 Disc has room for 30mm tyres and front & rear mudguard mounts. Nice racey geo although not quite as aggressive as the previous CAAD12 from what I gather.
A few people have mentioned this (I've a caad4 which is now retro enough to attract attention and thinking it's time for an upgrade). Seems to be the way 'race' bikes are going. They're now being designed to actually go fast rather than just feel fast. A bit like 29ers. The geometry's getting slightly longer so they're stable at speed rather than the older flicky/unstable bikes that felt racey.
N.b. the "new" disk braked allez is based arround specialized's endurance geometry. The 'sprint' was always a different bike.
I'm tempted by the "Airwolf YFR066" on eBay. Looks to be £580 shipped with duty paid. Only downside would be the fully internal cableing, could be a good excuse to go full Chinesium and get the L-twoo eRX electric/hydraulic groupset though.