Trying to keep the projects going, so have convinced the wife that she needs a more gravelly upgrade.
She is, just barely, 5’3” and currently rides a cx’d up Isla bike (kids large)
It’s a cool bike but it’s pretty heavy, has rim brakes and is pretty limited on tyre width.
Any thoughts on cheap frames to start a build on?
Ideally, carbon forks, disc ready frame.
Struggling to find anything and ideally it’s not going to end up getting too pricey.
Cheers
Wow, that’s a bargain but also a lot more than I want to spend on just a frame set
Cheers though
Pinnacle do a small Arkrose, lady at the club probably shorter than your wife has one.
Might be 650 wheels, not sure
Find a very small Pompino.
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Been looking for a while for fun, used frames, like the pompino but very little around.
Definitely needs to be an upgrade to the islabike frame though
5' mrs_oab picked up a Giant Liv Invite CX in XS for £175...
We've swapped to flat bar now, I've mudguards to put on and I've faffed to work out I can fit 38 rear and 40 front tyres with guards.
Above 5' you would want a small, not xs.
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I also quite fancy giving spray.bike a go, so initially was looking for a ratty cheap used frame but also wondered if anyone knew where to source, cheap but good, unbranded Chinese frames from, I could then paint it in radness and start the build from there
Thanks but its for 24” wheels and rim brakes
I’m after a nice, proper gravel frame, with tyre clearance for at least 40mm 700c, disc brakes and carbon forks
Cheers though
matt_outandabout
@epicyclo – so no discs or gears…?
Have they been invented yet? 🙂
Posted that Raleigh because no doubt other people will read this thread because they also are interested in small frames. I know it didn't meet OP's requirements.
Sonder Camino frameset in Small for £300 at Alpkit?
https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-g1-tiagra-gravel-bike-2020-147541.html
Is 50cm still too big?
I've got a barely used Pompetamine frame (so disc brakes) in perlescent white that I'm going to sell - can't remember if it's a Small or extra small (if they even did one) - 48cm.
Takes a 700c wheel but maybe no fork (it's currently on my inbred conversion)
Saying small versus x-small doesn't help - it means different things on different bikes, you can usually find a size guide on the manufacturers website.
The Liv bikes are really well specced for smaller people, they have shorter cranks and narrower bars etc as standard.
Saying small versus x-small doesn’t help – it means different things on different bikes, you can usually find a size guide on the manufacturers website.
You're right!
Just been to measure it - 48cm centre of the BB to top of seat tube.
I forgot to add - even with basic Claris and steel bead tyres, the Liv Invite is noticeably lighter than our Boardman CX comp.
They go for reasonable money.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/Sporting-Goods/888/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=giant%20invite&LH_Complete=1&LH_Sold=1&rt=nc&_trksid=p2045573.m1684
OH is 5ft.... something and rides a Liv invite in XS
Norco Search in one of it's forms?
I'm 5'3", the 47cm fits great, they make a smaller one.
Might be a bit out of budget, and the BB30 on the steel as well as the carbon frames is a bit of crap idea. Hoping it was a bad batch of cranks/BB from Praxis that will fix the creaking.
Apart from the creaking really love this bike, running 650b, it's nice and light & the mud clearance is great.
Cheers everyone... some great size info and suggestions
I’m more tempted with just a frame set than a full build.
I may have a set of hope 20fives (if I buy myself new wheels😬) and a few other choice bits
Could be interested in the pompetine, or something similar
Chuck me a message if you want to discuss the Pompetamine 👍
Thanks shark bait... pm sent
