I am thinking about buying my 1st carbon road frame/bike and the first one with disc brakes. Until now for 20 years I have been riding custom steel frames made by Sven Krautscheid with rim brakes (because there is no mountain within a 200km radius around where I live, and I like simple mechanical stuff). But am looking now for something light (max 7,5kg - getting older. hehe). I might build it myself as I want Campa and there are barely any ready-to buy bikes equipped with Campa (at least none which I would like).
I don’t really care about tech specs (e.g. best stiffness etc). and I really don’t like aero-bombers.
I like classic and light looking bikes with “normal” seat stays which are positioned at the upper end of the seat-tube and not somewhere far below.
I like threaded BBs (but if someone can convince me that pressfit is ok and will not start creaking at some point, then why not?).
I like colours (sorry black and white are not…).
Are there still any frames with disc+mechanical shifting available? What about past frames (buying 2nd hand rules ok)?
Until now my faves are Orbea Orca OMX and Factor O2
Any ideas or recommendation would be highly welcome
I would think a Specialized Aethos would fit your requirements pretty well…classic looking round tube frame, very light and can support mechanical shifting.
Especially if you include the used market, there is a pretty huge range of options to be had. I’ve had really good luck buying used through Pinkbike buy/sell - bikes, frames, and parts. If you’re looking for a high-end, carbon fiber, light, mechanical+disc setup, I would look at top-spec race bikes from 3-5 years ago. Finding one with Campy might be a challenge, though. Building something from a frame, however, will get you exactly what you want.
Although the Ritte Esprit is electronic shifting only, they do offer the option to spec all of your own parts, and they will build it to your preferences. Other than the electronic shifting, the Esprit checks the boxes for a lot of your other preferences - colors!, threaded BB (T47), and non-dropped seat stays. I was fine with a fairly standard build of Ultegra Di2 and their house-brand 50mm wheels, but asked for color-matched bar and post.
I would also recommend an Aethos. Great bike and superb to ride. There’s some real bargains popping up second-hand of late (in Aus at least). Here’s mine which I recently sold for $5500 AUD.
Thanks everyone!
Yes the C64s from Colnago are high on my list. And just because Colnago! Only downside ist the not-so-up-to-date tire clearance of 28mm. Otherwise Italian beauties ftw.
I had aethos also already on my mind but am not so sure about that crazily dropping top tube (u know looks is everything). Otherwise great! What is the frame size on your picture @jasedepuit ?
I have had no idea about Ari bikes until now. So thanks for the hint. BUT: far away. I live in Germany…
And Ritte, yes. Have totally forgotten about them after they were all the hype some years ago
Are you completely set on carbon? Otherwise a modern steel frame would also be an option? Jaegher, ciclo bonanni, FERN are just the names coming to my mind but there are surely much more also in Germany.
2nd @luap on the custom steel route Bonanno is on the top of my list.
If you are dead set on carbon, I think a previous gen Factor O2 Vam would probably be your ideal bike if you don’t like the look of the Aethos (though the sloping TT makes it lighter, stronger and more comfortable) Other considerations would be.
Time Alp D’huez (the most steel feeling carbon bike)
Cervelo R5
Giant TCR
Where you are going to run into trouble is the mechanical shifting. If the cables run through the headset I would not run mechanical even if the manufacturer claims it’s compatible. This basically rules out any 2025 bike (including all listed above) outside of the Aethos.
One thing to note if you’re running Campagnolo mechanical shifting - you’ll need somewhere to include an inline cable adjuster for the front derailleur. If you have a bike with fully integrated cable routing, you’ll struggle to do this. You’ll probably need to use a frame with more traditional cable routing (eg Aethos, although I believe the S-Works model is electronic only), or use a headset which lets the cables pop out into the open for a bit, eg. Deda S-DCR system (I’m using this to run Chorus 12 on a Cinelli ADR). You’ll also need a frame with a cable housing stop somewhere before the front derailleur - some mechanical-compatible frames now assume you’ll be using a Shimano toggle-style mech which has its own cable housing stop for continuous outer.
Yes that are some beauties and I gave them a very brief thought. I have a great custom steel bike from Sven Krautscheid. Wouldn’t change it for anything else. But I would like to go lighter (sub 7,5kg), which will be difficult with steel+disc
That Addic RC is beautiful but I would definitely not run mechanical with that frame.
Depending on your budget, I think you could easily get a steel frame under 7.5kg. Rob English builds quite a few steel road bikes under 7.7kg (Example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
$3500 is the typical price for a Custom Columbus Spirit/Life Frameset
$5000 is retail for Sworks Aethos or Addict RC Ultimate
$1500 extra to spend on wheels/cockpit/drivetrain can save you a ton of weight.
Thanks Kevin!
The thing is that I already have my dream-build steel frame. Nothing fancy, but super-custom, super pragmatic, super ride comfort, super-easy maintenance. but 8,5kg (pic). anf if i go the down the disc-brake-road why not go also plastic?
I have a C64 running Campagnolo Record mechanical with disc brakes. I’m currently running GP5000 30mm tyres on Campy Ultra 50’s and tyre clearance isn’t a problem.
