new frame upgrade

[covmutley]

I am getting back into cycling this spring after losing most of the last year and a half due to partial shoulder dislocation from hitting a van (pulled out on me at junction) and the bike not being stored at my house during an extension build.

The accident meant new wheels (fulcrum racing 5), shifters, deda bars and there are a couple of other things I have changed too. Bike is Genesis Aether 20.

I realise that buying a complete bike is cheapest, but I fancy a project also. The idea then is to collect parts looking for good deals and upgrade over time, spreading the cost also. To have something a little different and unique would be nice too. A new frame seems a good place to start and I have identified these:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/principia-ellip...
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FRPXPCRFF/planet-x-pr...

Both of these seem good deals. Im sure this could start the whole aluminium/carbon debate, but do you think these are good deals and which would you go for?

Frame and fork for £250 seems hard to ignore. I wonder if CRC would accept an offer on the principia, which they must have had on the books a long time?

[anonymous-user]

Dont take this personally but there is little to get excited about either frameset to be honest, neither are new nor particularly unique. Newer and more offbeat framesets are closer to £600 for things like the Bowman Palace or £700 for the CAAD10. The PX pro design must be about 6 or 7 years old now, its a good frame and popular but a bit dated as carbon goes hence the price.

I'd look at the Kenesis Racelight, the T2 or 4S dependant upon budget, which are more up to date and popular amongst those who know!

Alternatively, if you want a nice steel frame, how about this.
http://www.ukbikesdepot.com/m90b0s804p15200/GENESI...

[covmutley]

it is the price of the planet x that appealed more, but I had understood the principias to be old but good, and relatively rare. Will check out your suggestions -thanks.