Hi Guys - newbie here so hope this hasnt already been asked/answered elsewhere on the forum....
As title suggests I'm looking at a new bike build - intending to hopefully fill the job of 2 of my current bikes. Ive a light weight bike (sworks SL6) which I use for hilly races (and its decent on the flats aswell), and easily comes in <= 6.8kg limit, and Ive a Vitus ZX-1 Evo which I use for fast rolling courses as its more aero, but about 1kg heavier approx 7.8kg+
Was hoping to source a frameset that would give me best of both worlds - aiming for a realistic complete build (inc pedals,cages, mounts etc) 6.8-7kg (without needing to use weight weenie parts/components other than a light crankset) and also being a well proven/performing aero frame ie at least as good as my zx-1 evo.
Had been researching a few options already as per below - but the the more I read around the china bike scene (which is all new to me) then more other alternatives crop up - so wondering if Im missing any obvious alternatives.
the ones Ive already research as below (with comment)
1. Winspace t1550 inc Gen2 - prob not much lighter than my zx1, but guessing slightly better aero
2. Seka Spear RDC - prob too expensive (ie close to recognized 'big brand') and concerns around reports of frame cracking
3. Evolve Cima - this is the one I think ticks the boxes
4. Winspace SLC5 - prob ticks boxes but again bit too expensive
Think my 'loose' criteria - is the frameset (inc cockpit) should be <$2500 and needs to be well regarded as being of high quality - eg the likes of the ones above have all got a seal of approval from likes of Hambini/GC Performance etc - so trusting their experience/knowledge. So am NOT gonna consider all the random AliX gerneric cheap framesets or copy/clones of high end brand/models. Im wanting a frameset/build that will be stiff and fast/responsive but compliant/comfortable - not asking much I know!!....
The Evolve Cima is the one that is probably closest match - but the only reviews (other than 'positive' build quality) seem to be 'first impressions' type reviews rather than more thorough ride testing - so suspicious these are mostly reviewed by 'influencers' who might have other agendas on promoting the brand. But Evolve seem to directlly tested agains the SL8 - which again they say the data shows is improvements over the SL8. But those results are just one aspect - not much info about on real ride quality, only think Id stumbled on is it feels preety quick but short wheelbase marks it feel a bit twitchy, and the cockpit isnt the stiffest (not sure if the Kreuza cockpit if not the stiffest ou th these but Im sure easily sorted by using a stiffer one instead.
Anyway if anyone has and advice or esp any real work ownership experience of these (or an other good options) esp in direct comparision to the likes of SL8 - id be interested to know... Cheers
