Carbon frame upgrade?

[jimo746]

Thinking of upgrading from my alu road bike frame (well over 10 years old now) and going for something in carbon.
Anyone suggest a suitable frame for training/sportives?
Or any options on the 2nd hand market?
Road forums with active Classifieds sections?

Unfortunately I am far more of MTB'er than a roadie, so my knowledge is somewhat limited.

I'm looking to spend up to around £400 new or used, but £200-300 would be the "sweet spot".
I'm 5'11", with 32" inside leg (if I had my current road bike to hand I could have got the framesize).

 

[hamster]

Ribble do a variety in your price range - you probably will get it in your price range with forks. You will probably also need a new headset, front mech, seatpost and a couple of other things to get your older bits to fit.
http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/sp/road-t ... ibbfrar933

Think carefully about what it will achieve though...you might save 400-500 grams only...instead a new lighter set of wheels and tyres may be a more effective upgrade.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

Thanks, I had previously looked at Ribble but somhie managed to miss the frame you linked to.
Frame & forks would be ideal as current frame is 1" headtube.
I currently have fairly modern components on an older frame, so I'd like to upgrade the frame, I have spares eg seatpost so swapping all the bits over should be manageable.

 

[grogee]

Re: Re:

Thanks, I had previously looked at Ribble but somhie managed to miss the frame you linked to.
Frame & forks would be ideal as current frame is 1" headtube.
I currently have fairly modern components on an older frame, so I'd like to upgrade the frame, I have spares eg seatpost so swapping all the bits over should be manageable.

There was a cracking deal on Planet X road frame a while ago, I think frame only was £200, but it was clearance so one size only (large perhaps?).

Alternatively their superlight frame is £500 inc forks but given the changeover faff and need for new suitable components (seatpost, stem, BB etc) you might find a whole new bike better value? £1000 for the Ultegra superlight - I've just ordered one on the Cyclescheme (actually £1100 inc admin fee).

 

[carlrh]

You havnt said what your old alloy frame is? what tubing is it top end ?
If you swopping a top end alloy frame for a budget carbon, the surgestion of upgrading your wheels could be better option. Remember theres different grades of carbon same as alloy or steel.

 

[jimo746]

Re:

The alu frame in question is the KHS Flite 500 in my signature, so not really a top end alu frame, but not too bad, it is however pretty retro now with it's 1" headtube
Wheels are Shimano R550 and seem ok for what I do (training, the odd Sportive or club time trial).

Good news (I think :? ), just picked up a 2nd hand Planet X Pro Carbon frame and forks for around half the new rrp, they seem to get favourable reviews, the only parts I will need for it are a front mech, and cables (need longer outers for the gears I think).

Anyway, I'll see how well it fits when it arrives,