help picking out a new frame

and lets say up the price point to around $5000

Cannondale R900?

Dude, that's a lot of bikes you can choose from!

I'd start with getting a pro-fit done, so you can acuratly figure out what size frame you need, and help rule out any "normal" factory geometry that doesn't suit your body dimentions.

Then go and ride as many bikes as shops will let you ride. When one talks to you - buy it.

HR

jakefm said:

Ive put a fair amount of research into this but have come up pretty dry
Id like a new frame of what i guess you would call club race caliber looking for something that when built up would run $2000-3000.
id like
all aluminum no cf seat stays
1-1/8 non integrated headset
standard geometry ie not compact
replacable delrailer hanger
and for the bonus round id like to see as little brazed on stuff as possible cable stops etc... not a deal breaker I just like a clean frame that you then attach a buch of stuff to. hey everybodys gotta have one stange request.

thanks

also if you guys are in the answering mood. what about a custom frame to fit these needs?

Since you say you have done a fair amount of research I will assume you are pretty much a sophisticated consumer that is just making sure your personal analysis is valid. I have no experience with anyone making custom frames in aluminum. I am, however a strong proponent of custom fit. I'm currently waiting for my second custom carbon frame. Mine, of course is more expensive than your price point. As far as fit is concerned, I advise you get a profesional fitting. Every manufacturer starts with some assumptions when deciding on frame geometry. Much of marketing nowdays focuses on the kind of bikes that racers use. Most of us, however, are not racers and would be better-suited on a different geometry frame.

Seems to me you may find it better to develop a good relationship with an LBS who will aid you in your search. As others have pointed out there are many manufactures of bikes. There is a large cottage industry of custom bicycle frame builders. It's a great experience to be able to sit down and discuss a custom bicycle build. Finding the right bike for you is like shopping for shoes, even though they all are to fit on feet, everyone's foot is different. Bikes are like that for everyone's geometry is unique.

You are getting ready to drop some serious money on this purchase it seems. You want your money to be wells-spent. You are shopping in a price range where many bike shops will bend over backwards to help you get what you want. May you find the right bike for you.

jakefm said:

...
1-1/8 non integrated headset
...

cydewaze said:

Cannondale R900?

I believe that Canny uses only integrated HS.

jakefm said:

Ive put a fair amount of research into this but have come up pretty dry
Id like a new frame of what i guess you would call club race caliber looking for something that when built up would run $2000-3000.
id like
all aluminum no cf seat stays
1-1/8 non integrated headset
standard geometry ie not compact
replacable delrailer hanger
and for the bonus round id like to see as little brazed on stuff as possible cable stops etc... not a deal breaker I just like a clean frame that you then attach a buch of stuff to. hey everybodys gotta have one stange request.

thanks

also if you guys are in the answering mood. what about a custom frame to fit these needs?

Principia Ellipse. An aluminum bike for people who love aluminum bikes.

jakefm said:

and lets say up the price point to around $5000

Why would you want to pay that much for an aluminum POS to race on? If GVH bikes is still pedaling Cdales, get a caad4 or better and go play. Spend the rest on beer and carpet.

Insight Driver said:

Since you say you have done a fair amount of research I will assume you are pretty much a sophisticated consumer that is just making sure your personal analysis is valid. I have no experience with anyone making custom frames in aluminum.

Pegoretti does, but at close to $2500 for the Love #3 in stock geometry it's probably at the high end of the OP's budget. http://www.competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY?PAGE=PRODUCT&PRODUCT.ID=1844

boudreaux said:

Why would you want to pay that much for an aluminum POS to race on? If GVH bikes is still pedaling Cdales, get a caad4 or better and go play. Spend the rest on beer and carpet.

Im not really interested in necesarily spending that much money but thats the frame price point id be looking at, Ill never be an elite racer so i dont see the benefit of buying brakes that are 30g ligher but I would appreciate a well built well thought out frame that I can then build up with components that I can live with. As for why Aluminum I like al, Ive ridden pretty decent steel bikes and havent been happy and am weary of cf that may be an iration fear but if a plecebo helps you sleep better at night I say take two.

btw thanks for all the imput to my post.

jakefm said:

Im not really interested in necesarily spending that much money but thats the frame price point id be looking at, Ill never be an elite racer so i dont see the benefit of buying brakes that are 30g ligher but I would appreciate a well built well thought out frame that I can then build up with components that I can live with. As for why Aluminum I like al, Ive ridden pretty decent steel bikes and havent been happy and am weary of cf that may be an iration fear but if a plecebo helps you sleep better at night I say take two.

btw thanks for all the imput to my post.

Did you check this out? About $2k with a nice fork and headset.