Q&A

A good frame

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Parent Category: Q&A

Category: Q&A Bicycles

Published on Friday, 29 July 2011 07:03

Written by Luca Salvatelli

Dear editor,

Many congratulations for your web site.

I'm planning to buy a new bike, i make a selection: Basso Astra and Fondriest TF2 1.0. Now it's very difficult for me to make a choice between these two bikes. I'm 55 years old, ride 6000-8000Km/year.

 I have performed the biomechanical measure which results in a traditional frame with the following measures : cm seat tube 50, cm top tube 51.90, at an angle of 74. 3 between the two tubes. I'm not a racer for a long time, I prefer the "relax" position.

Can you help me?

Signed letter 

Dear Reader, the best solution would be to have a good steel frame for these measure. The two bikes have geometries slightly apart from its characteristics. Well away the Fondriest TF2 1.0, which should buy for size XXS, one that can best adapt to its characteristics. For Basso Astra, however, the size closest to your needs is 48. So if you look at the geometry model would be the best Basso Astra, while for long-distance comfort model Fondriest 1.0 TF2 is definitely better. Neither bike is therefore perfect for you because of its age, the km that travels in one year, and his preference for ride comfort my advice is to contact a craftsman, if you like Italian, for make a good steel bike with Columbus or Deda tubes, with traditional geometry and measurement. The cost is far greater than what you expected. Zullo, Pegoretti or are just names that may refer to, or alternatively one of the beautiful steel frames with joints like the Cinelli SuperCorsa or Bianchi Dolomiti Steel, even the XCR Cinelli. All models, beyond the fashions of the moment, are best suited to their needs. If you are going to remain firm on his initial choice then go to the Basso Astra.