Recommend custom frame: calfee, litespeed, ??

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jens
Posts: 19
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 4:26 pm

by jens

My fitter has determined that my weird shaped body needs
a custom frame. What do you all think is the best weight weenie
frame you can get customized. So far I've been thinking:

* Litespeed Ghisallo
* Calfee dragonfly
* Calfee Tetra

Which of these do you think is the way to go? Are there
any other good lightweight custom frame builders out there?

thanks in advance

by Weenie


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Frankie - B
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by Frankie - B

How about crumpton cycles?
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nikh
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by nikh

Moots, Seven or Kish.
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zoey
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by zoey

jens wrote:My fitter has determined that my weird shaped body needs
a custom frame. What do you all think is the best weight weenie
frame you can get customized. So far I've been thinking:

* Litespeed Ghisallo
* Calfee dragonfly
* Calfee Tetra

Which of these do you think is the way to go? Are there
any other good lightweight custom frame builders out there?

thanks in advance


I'd pass on the Dragonfly and Tetra. Also I'd pass on the Ghisallo unless you are below 130-140lbs. Just my .02 8)
Cheers,
:lol:

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Click Here to see my Scott CR1.

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Michiel
Posts: 244
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Location: The Netherlands

by Michiel

Try one of the few carbon-custom made frames of Spin

http://www.spin-system.de/frameset.htm

They look nice are starting at 950 gr.!!!

And for a custommade carbonframe at € 4000, it's not a bargain but also not very expensive!!

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Stolichnaya
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Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2004 6:55 pm
Location: Vienna, AUT

by Stolichnaya

From the bikes you orignally posted, it does not seemthat cost is an issue. Take a look at Parlee frames. They are incredibly light, still use the tried and true standard a-headset and can be tuned to your weight.
www.parleecycles.com

jens
Posts: 19
Joined: Tue Jan 13, 2004 4:26 pm

by jens

zoey wrote:I'd pass on the Dragonfly and Tetra. Also I'd pass on the Ghisallo unless you are below 130-140lbs. Just my .02 8)


Umm, why? What alternative do you suggest? I weigh 147lbs and
expect to be a few pounds lighter by next year. I only do one kind
of road bike race: hillclimbs. I run a low cadence/high torgue.

--Jens

wrtickle
Posts: 12
Joined: Wed Nov 10, 2004 10:36 pm
Location: Boston, MA

by wrtickle

If I could afford one I'd get a Seven Axiom in a heartbeat, and the new Alta is even lighter:). Best frame money can buy and a company that actually cares, tough to beat that combo. I prefer the ride of ti over carbon fiber personally, but all this is just my $.02. For reference I should add that I (am lucky enough to) ride a litespeed.

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cirroc
Posts: 64
Joined: Sun Feb 15, 2004 6:25 am

by cirroc

Ghisallo 2004/2005 (same design) may have improved performance over previous years. Check this 2004 posting:
http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1632&highlight=ghisallo
Here's another favorable review since then:
http://www.roadbikereview.com/2004,Road,Bike/Litespeed/PRD_290597_5668crx.aspx

Summary:
After two years of Colnago C 40 rides (the Ferrari of Road Bikes), the Titanium Day finally came. The bike has the same specs with respect to the C40, which makes for direct comparison. In fact, the two bikes are surprisingly similar. They are both great accelerators and climbers, and are more that honest flat out cruisers (perhaps with higher rimmed wheels thay my Campagnolo Hyperons). In one area, however the Ghisallo excels: confort, confort, confort. It is almost unfair: gone are the road unevennesses, the ondulations, the rough asphalt of Alpine roads. You do not feel anything anymore. Perior. Get this bike if you can!

Strengths:
Light, confortable, yet stiff. Titanium looks. It is probably going to be the only Ghisallo in your riding area.

Weaknesses:
Price

Similar Products Used:
2003 Colnago C 40


I've enjoyed my Calfee Tetra Pro: smooth carbon ride yet stiff in sprints with all those gussets. Visited Calfee factory a year ago, and Stella said Dragonfly has a more "metallic" ride with the Boron/Carbon hybrid tubing. The Seven Alta is impressive, just a few grams more than Ghisallo, and maybe more palatable to the typical WW.

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cadence90
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by cadence90

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spytech
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by spytech

Michiel wrote:Try one of the few carbon-custom made frames of Spin

http://www.spin-system.de/frameset.htm

They look nice are starting at 950 gr.!!!

And for a custommade carbonframe at € 4000, it's not a bargain but also not very expensive!!


Spin frames are very intresting, they can make it as stiff as you want. they start at 930g. they are more than 4000 euros for custom, almost 5000 euros (4980 to be exact).

they have a intro sl. saw it in a pic from the euro bike show, could be under 900g
Attachments
Intro SL
Intro SL

chip42
Posts: 24
Joined: Tue Aug 24, 2004 7:25 pm
Location: Cambridge UK

by chip42

I have a Parlee ,you will not find anything better and believe me i've looked............

Andy
Maybe I should be lighter myself !!

buddyboy
Posts: 86
Joined: Mon Mar 08, 2004 1:47 pm
Location: London, UK

by buddyboy

Chip
You must be one of the v few here in the UK to have a Parlee. Congrats !
Which model?
Have you any direct experience of it vs a C50 or a time VXRS for instance

Did you get it from poshbikes?
I have heard they are very good and have all the trick parts- they just appeare a lot more expensive than shops like Starbike though

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manny
Posts: 55
Joined: Wed Dec 24, 2003 5:12 pm

by manny

IMO if you are looking for ti you go Seven. If you want carbon you go Parlee. Do the research, but I think there is a good chance if money is not an issue you will choose between those two.

by Weenie


Visit starbike.com Online Retailer for HighEnd cycling components
Great Prices ✓    Broad Selection ✓    Worldwide Delivery ✓

www.starbike.com



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