new bike

I've never ridden either Landshark or Serotta, but I do have an Independent Fabrication steel crown jewel. Reviewers typically say IF frames corner like they're on rails and it's true. I think it will really come down to which one you have the most inclination towards because they're all going to ride great. You can't get carbon stays on IF frames, though, if that's what you're looking at.

http://www.ifbikes.com

Hey Dorian
Thanks for the reply. What is it (characteristics ? ) that makes your ride corner like its on rails? I would like that kind of performance out of my new ride.

Jeff

Jeff,

When I lean into a corner the bike just zips around. It's almost scary. It responds very quickly and is smooth and stable. I had a nice tailwind coming home today and I felt like I was just humming along. I was riding with three other guys and I didn't see every bump or crack in the pavement (some of them large), but it was never a problem. Bumps feel dampened and the bike is extremely quiet. I don't feel any harshness through the saddle, but the frame is also stiff enough for the bike to accelerate well.

The guys at IF know their stuff and can build a frame any way you like. Their customer service is top notch and the more input you have into what kind of riding you'll be doing and how you want the bike to feel will produce a better frame in the end. Check out the fit form you can download from their website. I would encourage you to call each frame manufacturer and ask them questions about how they can tailor the frame to your needs or why their frame is better than another. Then go with your gut on who you liked.

I bought a used 56cm stock frame and they were very helpful with my endless (and sometimes daily) phone calls. I know I sound like a sales rep for IF, but I love my bike. When this one retires I'll get a custom steel IF with painted logos (maybe ti if I've got the bucks, but I think steel is pretty cool). I bought my frame used. It's a stock 56cm with a reynolds ouzo pro fork and 32h mavic open pros. Their are a couple of used ti bikes on roadbikereview http://marketplace.consumerreview.com/cgi-bin/classifieds/classifieds.pl?db=Road&website=RoadbikeReview search for "independent" the compact one has sweet painted logos.

here are some links to reviews on roadbikereview.com
http://www.roadbikereview.com/Frames/Independent+Fabrication+Crown+Jewel/PRD_32363_2493crx.aspx
http://www.roadbikereview.com/Road+Bike/Independent+Fabrication+Crown+Jewel/PRD_49952_1610crx.aspx

Sorry I wrote at such length, but hopefully this helps.

I got so caught up in my IF I made the post very one sided. I think Landshark is also a good frame and have only come across positive comments about them. If I were in the market for a new frame, they'd be a serious consideration for me. Granted I've never ridden one myself so I would try to do that before buying one if I could, but being custom you can get a landshark made to order so this probably isn't as important as with a large manufacturer and stock frames.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by oroboy
Hey Dorian
Thanks for the reply. What is it (characteristics ? ) that makes your ride corner like its on rails? I would like that kind of performance out of my new ride.

Jeff

She was probably riding a Huffy before,and anything would be a step up. Serotta,Landshark and IF all make rides that will make you grin,if they fit right. FWIW, I have one very fine steel ride that was described as 'cornering like a cat on velcro'. Ya know what? Can't tell the difference between it and any of my other quality rides.

I'm sure certain frames sport geometries that feel more stable than others during scary maneuvers, but as for strong cornering... good tires are your best bet.

I've got no doubt the frames discussed above are wonderful, though.