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how important is your frame quality
NB: Originally posted elsewhere on the Global Riders Network and appears via syndication.
ok here is somthing i have been pondering.
how important is the frame quality .i am aware that in all logic a $300 bike would mean the frame is proberly badly welded and not designed for singletrack riding.what about a $1000 bikes frame which in theory should be built stronger and with better geometry and then anything above $1000 would be the best built frames.
i ask this as i have a monteri 3 avanti 2011(model with setpost support ) which i have updated all parts and need to find out if the frame is good enough
cheers
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and brand are more factors than bad welds. The really cheap frames are heavier and low grade steel and the better the material and lighetr the frame the more expensive it gets (brand also plays a part in price).
You will have seen that the same frame but different components can have a massive difference in the price of a bike. The cheaper versions (of the same brand and model) usually have the same frame just lower grade components.
Avanti frames are not bad and your version of the bike follows what I'm saying above (lower spec'ed) - upgrading would be fine.
A $300 bike is likely to have a heavy steel frame, 1" head tube and no disc brake tabs.
from about $450 up to $1200 bikes in a range will have the same frame, it's just the quality of the parts that hang off it that make up the difference. Because the frame is standard you can up grade as you go but generally speak it will cost you a lot more to buy a cheap bike and then upgrade the components (Bike company buys the components by the 1000s so obviously they get them cheaper)
Hardtail frame over $1200 will more than likely be more race orientated so tweaked angles and trimmed down weight. Or Carbon
The Monteri looks like a fine frame. If you're into hardtails and all
It's really funny, I notice that most people looking to buy a bike concentrate on the componentry as apposed to ceoncentrating on the frame. People buy crap bikes with good components and think that they got a bargain coz they bought it for $xxxx. But in fact, all they did was buy a group set with some extra alloy/carbon orh what ever.
IMO, I worry more about frame design, warranty, and attributes over what the spec is. I'd rather pay say $2k for a bike with an awesome frame (great handling, geo and build quality) with Deore componentry, compared to a frame that will just get me buy but is a bit of a compramise just to get XT or XTR for the same dollars. I can always upgrade the components cheaply, by scouring ebay and the forums for good deals, but upgrading a frame is a costly excersize.
In your case, if you are happy with the way the frame handles your riding style and terrain, then stick with it and do some smart upgrades to the componentry.
If you like the geometry and it's strong enough for what you want ride it.
In the early days Avanti used to flex when you pedalled but now are okay from what I hear and their duallys now look good with FSR on back.
I've bought bikes for the frame and bikes for the components at the right price.
At the end of the day every part of the bike, frame included, wears out or breaks and is a disposable item.