The frame of your bicycle plays one of the largest roles in performance. It makes up the support around which all the other components work, and also takes up the greatest weight -- a direct factor in terms of handling and responsiveness. If you're shopping for a bicycle, looking for those built around specific frames chosen by trusted third-party cycling experts may help ensure you're getting the best ride for your money.
Giant TCR Advanced SL 1
Giant's TCR frame, built around Giant's proprietary carbon composite technology, is "one of the best carbon frames" on the market, according to "Bicycling" magazine's 2010 buyer's guide. It comes in six frame sizes, so it will accommodate most riders, plus it has an ergonomically friendly 300 mm stretch between the seat post and the middle of the frame itself. And while some carbon frames contain aluminum or alloy assets in their stems or bars, which cuts cost but may also lower performance, "Bicycling" magazine notes that this frame is carbon throughout.
Cervelo Soloist SLC-SL
Cervelo's frame ranks as the only road bike frame to earn 5 of 5 stars on Bike Radar. The manufacturer includes features like enhanced aerodynamic performance around its well-rounded tube, an ultralight weight in part due to what the site's editors call an "exceptionally thin wall," and the cushioned feel of carbon. In the end, the site concludes that it's one of the best-riding frames on the market, calling it "ultimate" and "superbike."
Specialized Rockhopper Comp Disc
The Specialized frame got a "Thumbs Up" award from "Bicycling" magazine, with the magazine noting that its alloy frame may not be carbon but is definitely "one of the best-designed, best-handling" frames on the market. The magazine says it's because the manufacturer took much of the frame's design from professional championship bikes. Features include a stiffer stem, which helps with better steering, and forged dropouts for a more stable ride.
Argon 18 Platinum
Argon's frame is 100 percent pure carbon, including its fork, which results in a ride that's both stiff and light while also "shockingly absorbent" when it comes to road vibrations, says "Pedal" magazine. The magazine praises numerous aspects of the frame design, including varying tube thickness sizes that help minimize weight, improved strength from using T700 high-grade carbon and frame lugs forged through a high-pressure milling process that results in better resistance.
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