New Frame Comments

[neild]

I'm currently planning a new build to replace my Alu Merida 903 road bike. This will be used for occasional commute, recreational rides and events of 100km+. No racing planned.

I've been looking at and reading about the various builds with the Dengfu FM098 frame. It looks pretty good and has got some good write ups. The other frames I'm looking at are all from Ribble. I really like the R872 and the Gran Fondo frames. Price wise these would be about the same as the Dengfu. I also imagine that a Ribble branded frame quality wise would really be no different to a Dengfu as it's essentially just an open mold frame with their branding (similar to Azuri / MBC etc).

Finally as a cheaper option I also like the look of the 7046 Sportive Ribble frame. Though this is Alu not carbon like the others.

Not really asking any specific questions but appreciate any thoughts / comments you may have.
cheers

[usernameforme]

Planet X has frames at/over your budget. Their frames aren't open mold AFAIK. Worth a look IMO, especially their nanolight if you can find one in your size

[gabrielle260]

I have just bought the 7046 aluminium sportive Ribble frame and fork. Whilst I am a big fan of Planet X/ On One, their delivery costs make their cheap frames much less of a bargain.
The Ribble frame impressed me with how well it was finished - it looked like a much more expensive frame. It's getting built up at the moment with parts transferred from an Alu frame that has given up the ghost. Give me a week or so and I will post a review,
Cheers,
Andrew

[sergiomyth]

Hi. just a query neild, which azzurri frame is open mould? (I'm guessing that means that the frame is used by other companies also?)

[neild]

To be honest not sure which Azuri but I just assumed they were 'generic' frames. I guess I was just asking whether a house branded carbon frame would be any different to an unbranded one purchased directly from Dengfu in terms of quality.

[usernameforme]

My 2c:

Azzuri Frames are open mould frames AFAIK, Not sure about the Mezzo though. In terms of quality I wouldn't think that there are too many differences between open mould and proprietary. Open Mould just means that manufacturers share a shape, but they still spec their own carbon weave (which could result in a difference in ride). An open mould frame should require less money in the R&D department because you get a (hopefully) tried and tested design to spec your own carbon to. Your money in R&D can be invested into what carbon layups are most efficient for that particular frame shape. With a proprietary frame you have to do all of the designing, all of the testing and all of the carbon work yourself. A frame like the De Rosa R838 (Ribble R872, Pedal Force RS2) all share the same shape, but they would have a different carbon layup.

Hope this helps

[sergiomyth]

That sounds interestesting usernameforme, I didn't know that about the De Rosa frame

I've done a heap of looking at every bike brand I know of and haven't been able to find any frames that look the same as Azzurri frames being used by other brands so it seems like (unless I've missed something) Azzurri frames are only being made by Azzurri. I might call them today and ask though... if that isn't too cheeky

[usernameforme]

The Azzuri Forza is open mould AFAIK but I'm not sure about the Mezzo. I can't remember the exact model of mold, but its a trek madone copy IIRC

[_mike_]

was in the same boat as you upgrading the frame on my avanti giro. Was bout to order one of the quantec frames from bike 24
http://www.bike24.com/1.php?mid=19;cont ... 4,34;pgc=0

Ribble has some good frames. Was about to order a mk2 superlight aly planet x frame/fork etc but as mentioned above the shipping was $$$$. $120 to be exact

In the end i found a brand new 2012 avanti quantum 3 frame/fork/post/seat post for $800 from a bike shop. they had stripped the ultegra group etc. Going to use a few bits from my current bike with an ultegra drivetrain. Apart from no warranty i'll end up with the parts/wheels i want with less $$$$ than new.

Mike