What are some of the unanimously loved frames?

[reckonair]

Hi all,

I’m new to the scene, I know Winspace, Elves and Yoeleo produce decent stuff, I’m also aware of Velobuild and their offerings but what are some of the more universally loved frames? I’m predominantly looking for a aero frame set but I’m interested in anything really, so what are the more popular and commonly loved framesets?

Thanks

[hazzer19]

For me the lightweight/aero VeloBuild VB-R-268 paired with Magene EXAR Ultra wheels has been awesome so far.

[reckonair]

For me the lightweight/aero VeloBuild VB-R-268 paired with Magene EXAR Ultra wheels has been awesome so far.

That looks ace!

Is that a magene crankset too? What group set are you using?

[hazzer19]

That looks ace!

Is that a magene crankset too? What group set are you using?

Yup it's the Magene P325CS dual pm crankset. So far that's been great for me, might be reporting a little bit higher number at the moment but I will "eventually" get to calibrating that Also using the Magene L508 radar light which has been great as well.


Groupset is 11sp Ultegra Di2 R8070 I think. L-TWOO carbon OSPW which seems to still be going, although the jockey wheels are probably done, and they are replacements too...

[Serge_K]

Nothing is going to be unanimous.
However, people who ride Carbonda are quite consistently happy with them, but they're more on the gravel end of things.
Over the years velobuild has been improving their game a lot, doesnt seem to be the gamble it may have been before.
Lightcarbon generally has very good reputation, Yishun too. They are / were / still probably are the same group somehow, or at least related parties, and Yishun OEMs for big names (it's spelled out on their website).
SP Cycle /  Tideace / Haideli are about the same price point as velobuild, it's a bit confusing because they do open mould frames and i think they're all related parties but i'm not sure, it gets confusing. Either way, they dont seem to be very popular here because few post about them, but i havent found anyone saying bad things. The R025-SL for eg looks like a VERY compelling bike (but is 30C only). I may have bought one had it taken 32C.

[Sebastian]

I think SergeK pretty much sums it up. At this point, there’s a few proven and reliable options when it comes to sellers.
Most of them offer one or multiple aero frame options. The rest is personal preference with respect to geometry, weight, aesthetics and paint options and so on.

IMO Velobuild is a no brainier these days if you don’t want to dive down the rabbit hole and are just looking for a decent frame and lots of Color options for the money.

[Takiyaki]

I hope Tan Tan is decent, just bought an FM639. I feel like brands have got better in general since things slowed down from COVID.

[dsveddy]

I think the only one that has really built an enduring reputation is the Winspace T1550. But you'll find a lot of people say it's overpriced at this point.

The nature of the space is that new bikes are released every year so by the time a bike is "vetted", it's pretty much an old design and there are fancier/shinier frames replacing it.

I think the best way to find the most vetted/discussed frames on this forum is to sort by the number of replies.

This will show you that the VB-R-168, Carbonda CFR1056, and Lightcarbon LCR017 are the most discussed frames.

Of course, you might find that a bike is highly discussed because it is problematic (see the VB-R-268), so really if you want to vet the frame yourself you'll need to read the whole thread.

[Serge_K]

I think the only one that has really built an enduring reputation is the Winspace T1550.

I would strongly disagree with that. I wouldn't single out any company or frame, as there's absolutely no GOAT on Chinertown. The likes of Cam Nicholls, one of the few guys who created content about that bike without getting stuff for free / getting paid has been rather vocal how much he disliked that bike, and he's reviewed a LOT of bikes. So it's not just price that's questionable.
The one thing winspace has done very well is influencer marketing. Doesnt mean their frames are better than peers. Joe from Panda was there between 2019 and 2023 as VP of marketing, and the rest is history...