Another what frame and where should I get it thread

[squirrelgripper]

Hi Guys,

Looking to drop the hammer on a new frame in the next couple of days. I've checked the specs for the IP-256 and it looks impressive. it's also ~$410. What separates this frame from a $280 carbon ebay frame (http://www.ebay.com/itm/FR-202-Full-Carbon-UD-Matt-Mountain-Bike-MTB-29ER-Frame-Headset-15-5-17-5-19-/251641721547?pt=US_Bicycles_Frames&hash=item3a9703f2cb ) ?

I should add that I'm 5'11". and a 210# Clydesdale racer. I'll be running a 1 x 10 drivetrain and may run a front chainring as big as 36 teeth.

If i go with the IP-256, who should I order it from?

Any help would be appreciated!

thanks
Iain

[MTB2223]

Some benefits of the IP-256 are:
- Weight!! This is really the lightest MTB carbon frame, T800 carbon.
- All internal cables
- Direct mount for the FD (Down pull)
- Down pull FD needed, which means no cable from the top seat tube to below.
- 142x12 rear

Benefits of the FR-202:
- Price
- All intern cabels except the last end of the FD cable, which comes from the top of the seat tube to the FD.
- T700 carbon. Slightly heavier ( http://forums.mtbr.com/29er-bikes/chinese-carbon-29er-640919-173.html )

For me the direct mount, weight and the all internal cable routings (incl. down pull) was the breakdown.
And together with the service of Peter (XmiPlay) I decided to spend some more bucks. And I don't regret it.

There's also another vendor which have this 256 frame, don't remember the name, but that's also a reliable vendor.

But $410 for a 256 frame is very cheap and I don't believe you can get this frame for that price ...

[snipe]

I was just quoted $560 for the 256 from Peter.

I have seen some reviews on the IP 033, FR-211 and the LTK-023 which appear to be the same frame.  I see the differences in geo and wonder how this rides in comparison to the 057.   On ebay the fr211 is quite a bit cheaper.   Anybody have any experience on these frames?

[brmeyer135]

In the past, those frame(LTK-023) seemed to have little issues here and there.  The first part of the big chiner thread is all about overcoming troubles on that. 
Also, it has been talked about that the ebay stuff are like seconds....meaning, having flaws, blemishes or some such little issue.  I believe lots have gone with those just fine though before these newer models came out.

[brmeyer135]

Also, a 36t chainring may be an issue on the 256.  There was some talk that some were having trouble getting over 34t? on the 256.

[adym]

A 36T on a 29er?? That's some impressive legs! I race with a 34t on my 650B and my recently built 29er uses a 30t! I guess it depends on the racing of course but 36 is big!

[Andy]

Even if it costs a bit more, whatever you do order from Peter at XMIPLay.  Great service, great product.  I can't say enough about him.  Highly recommended.

[Ken4]

Be careful if you order the xmiplay headset, they come with missing silver washers, making it virtually useless 

[MTB2223]

Be careful if you order the xmiplay headset, they come with missing silver washers, making it virtually useless 

I agree. But that's why I asked Peter for a set of extra shims when ordering the headset. And he added one shim to the headset. But i needed some more and found two shims in my toolbox. I installed this today and now it's perfect.

So, my advise, ask for extra shims. Just in case.