Lightest mainstream aluminum frames

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rpenmanparker
Posts: 216
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:47 pm

by rpenmanparker

I have asked this question (more or less) on another forum, but just realized you guys would be the best resource. What are the lightest aluminum road frames with enough comfort for general purpose riding? It's okay if the geometry is tuned for criterium riding like the CAAD 12, as long as the comfort doesn't suffer. Do you know the weights? Does anything beat the CAAD 12? I suppose my main interest is in major brands, but I wouldn't dismiss an Asian no-name frame. Custom is likely outside my area of interest, but I wouldn't mind hearing about a particularly light offering.
Robert

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superdx
Posts: 524
Joined: Sun Jun 29, 2014 1:27 pm

by superdx

Why not also add titanium or titanium/carbon frames to the selection? But good frames tend to cost kidneys so not sure if cost is an issue.

I have a CAAD10, love it for travelling and done my most extreme rides on it. It's comfortable for me!

naambezet
Posts: 35
Joined: Sat Dec 12, 2015 7:15 pm

by naambezet

Emonda ALR? It's H2 position is pretty comfy..

Jcgill
Posts: 50
Joined: Sat Apr 25, 2015 11:03 pm

by Jcgill

I second the Caad 10 recommendation. The new caad 12 looks promising as well.

rpenmanparker
Posts: 216
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:47 pm

by rpenmanparker

superdx wrote:Why not also add titanium or titanium/carbon frames to the selection? But good frames tend to cost kidneys so not sure if cost is an issue.

I have a CAAD10, love it for travelling and done my most extreme rides on it. It's comfortable for me!

Perfectly valid proposal but I already have Ti and CF frames. Also steel. Wondering about a lightweight 4th material.
Robert

Mackers
Posts: 482
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:02 pm

by Mackers

Easy.

Giant TCR SLR

ghisallo2003
Posts: 742
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:10 pm

by ghisallo2003

+1

Anodised Giant TCR is stunning, simple, light, stiff and cheap. Not particularly comfortable, but a great frame.

ultyguy
Posts: 2332
Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:35 pm
Location: Geneva

by ultyguy

+2 I scored a tcr slr frame off eBay for like $250 a year ago. Absolutely fantastic frame with great handling and pedaling stiffness. Could use a lighter fork and the propriety seatpost isn't light either, but the heart of it is 5*


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ghisallo2003
Posts: 742
Joined: Mon Jan 02, 2006 7:10 pm

by ghisallo2003

Yes - do change fork for an all carbon. Easton SLX works well with the TCR.

rpenmanparker
Posts: 216
Joined: Wed Dec 29, 2010 1:47 pm

by rpenmanparker

Any idea what the Giant TCR SLR actually weighs, frame only. Giant tends to fudge the numbers downward a bit, I find. If it has an ISP, I would want to know what the seat mast topper weighs too. Just asking in case anyone knows. Size M preferably.
Robert

russianbear
Posts: 683
Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2012 3:40 am

by russianbear

Emonda ALR.

mimason
Posts: 654
Joined: Tue Feb 24, 2009 11:43 pm
Location: Florida

by mimason

The Giant is a really good super stiff bike but it beats the shit out of you in comparison to what the newer aluminum from Caad12 and Emonda can deliver. You can, however, get a steal deal on the Giant alu.

ultyguy
Posts: 2332
Joined: Fri Aug 06, 2010 1:35 pm
Location: Geneva

by ultyguy

Fwiw I'm about 180cm, 75kg and never found the Giant harsh. I do ride tubs almost all the time though so that contributes to ride quality a bit.


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Mackers
Posts: 482
Joined: Wed Sep 05, 2007 2:02 pm

by Mackers

Same here.

I took a CAAD12 out for a spin a couple of times this past week, to see if I liked disc brakes and I didn't think it was any more comfortable than my TCR SL or my Canyon F8.

I think Giant is way ahead of the rest when it comes to aluminum anyway, and can't wait to get my hands on the Propel SLR.

Sarz91
Posts: 7
Joined: Fri Aug 14, 2015 1:24 pm

by Sarz91

If its aluminium you're looking for have a look at the Kinesis Aithein frame. Pretty damn light for aluminium but it does have a rider weight limit on it.

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by Weenie


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