So it took longer than expected to get $$ from my accident, hence Dan @ VV told me yesterday my PV edition frame has long since been sold. :(

Can anyone provide advice on the hundreds of carbon frames/forks for sale on Ebay? Most are not name brands, as far as I know. The prices seem too good to be true - $399 - $600. Some include frame, fork, uncut tube, seat post and handle bars???

Anyways, my Trek Madone has officially been transitioned to a foul weather bike so I am in the market for a carbon frame for 2010. If anyone knows of a good deal somewhere or isn't completely satisfied with their 58-60 PV VV (or even the older red/black ones), ping me. Thanks!

Sounds like you're just in time for the 2nd order of the PV edition VV.   Drop Matt D a line.  

There has been quite a bit said about the frames on www.roadbikereview.com some people really like them, others don't. Most of them are unbadged frames being sold by other "Name Brand" companies...so the frame/fork combo is usually not bad. However since they are basically selling them "Factory Direct" they are sold cheaper.

Also realize with the e-bay frames....there is no warranty. So if you get a bad one, basically throw it away and buy a new one.

For one of the threads go here: http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?t=170798

Also as said....there is another Velo Vie order that is being put together. When the total reaches 15 frames (at a minimum) the order will be placed, but you will have to wait another 90 days for delivery (my understanding). So when you would get your frame is a bit of a question mark. I will say though, they are nice frames especially for what we pay for them.

Don't necessarily limit yourself to carbon if you are on a budget.  Cheap carbon is not necessarily better than comparably priced aluminum or steel.   Although there is some merit to the factory direct discounting, you aren't going to completely escape the "you get what you pay for" addage and carbon still tends to costs more to produce.  If you buy new, the super cheapie frames may have poor alignment, may need facing at the head tube or bottom bracket, etc. which will all add to your build cost and/or frustration.  If you buy used from someone you don't know there are more possibilities for hidden problems on carbon than other materials.

You're also, like me, a pretty big guy and thus less sensitive to a hundred grams here or there on the bike, and place higher stresses on components.  That's another reason not to go with the cheapest lightest thing you can find.  I'm not saying you should avoid carbon, but if you just want a reasonably priced race bike don't rule out higher end used Al or steel.

Chris, hit me with a direct email:  krhea@portlandvelo.net

KRhea

Dan did mention that another PV edition order may be in our future. Thanks for the info Ron, I'll check it out.

I agree with you Bob, the multi material bikes I have previously owned seemed to fit my needs. If a 2nd PV edition VV order comes around, I'll probably still snag one just cuz :)

President K, I'll send you an email

Thanks Everyone!

If you end up moving toward a budget carbon fram via the internet, check out Pedalforce.com.  Good tech, low cost ($800) and low weight.  Their most popular frames are the RS2 and the QS3 (which has BB30 and a tapered head tube).  Both these frames have received great reviews and offer a 5 year warranty.  You can also order misc. components very inexpensively from the site.  There are no fancy paint jobs or advertising on them but they are attractive very good riding frames.