Please help me figure out what Frame I’m support to buy-
Gazelle (55cm) is what got me into fixed gear riding. I converted the 1995ish road bike frame to fixed and fell in love.
The Bianchi (61cm) was an absolute steal. I got it for 80€ and swapped all the parts from my first build and loved it even more. Sadly the seat tube on the Bianchi was seized and I recently found a crack behind the seat collar :/
So now im in the market for a new frame. Unsure if I should get Alu/carbon fork or stay with Steel. Also unsure what size I should get (1,88cm)
After budget (400€) have following options-
Tsunami smn100 elite- least favorite option but you just can’t beat the price for what u get imo. Carbon fork cool colors. Stigma around Chinese bikes is also pretty bad I’m guessing
Aventon Cordoba (61) for 400€. They stoped making trank bikes for a reason probably. They look cool unsure how they ride.
BLB Lapiovra (390€) or Viper (200-350€) – integrated seat tube on the Viper is goofy. Lapiovra looks very clean
8bar Kreuzberg (450€) – would like to support local brand but I’ve heard some question be things about them.
All the prices are on Kleinanzeigen (German Cregslist). Would love to hear your input. Open for other brands and frames just not seeming much in at my price point.
by BohlOfPizza
4 Comments
For 400 euro, your best bet would be to find a Dolan Pre Cursa. They are such a good value and genuinely good frame. They can be found anywhere in europe. With some luck and patience you might be able to find a Cinelli Vigreolli (OG).
Tsunami is ass, Cordoba is ass compared to a Pre Cursa, Lapiovra is ass compared to a Pre Cursa, 8bar isnt bad.
Options not yet mentioned include Santafixie Wild for some fat tire action, Fabricbike as a spiritual successor to Aventon I suppose (I own one of their ‘Light’ models – it’s cool but only the frame remains; if I were to buy complete or frameset including fork, I’d go with the ‘Aero’ model). If I were in your position I’d also consider spending a bit more on a Brother Allday. All depending on what you want out of the bike of course.
People will tell you Pre Cursa but imo that thing sucks balls. It just feels sluggish and dead, you’d have more fun riding a boat anchor. I replaced my Aventon Mataro with one back in the day, thinking it’d be an upgrade but out of the two, the Aventon was just a much better ride. I got rid of it _fast,_ replaced it with my Vigorelli Steel and never looked back.
Also, crossposted to r/championmondial
Edit: honestly just have the Bianchi welded lol
8bar makes great alu frames in crit geometry, just remember that they charge like 300€ extra on top of the frame for their carbon fork (if you buy from their page)
I personally have a Seaboard FG01 if you want to use bigger tires (up to ~40mm) and I am happy with it
But personally I really recommend going for something higher quality like an 8bar just because you are used to mid to high end steel frames, you will feel like you bought something bad from china
Gazelle is mwaaa, those old roadbike frames are great 👌 Steel is always a great option but limited in tire size most of the time
Definitely get one that fits you. I can’t imagine how a 55 and 61 with comparable geometry could both fit you with the saddle on the same point on its rails.
The Bianchi is gorgeous, no doubt about it. I’d weld it and be done with it.