I mentioned in yesterday's post how you would be hard pressed to find an interesting, well-made production frame for $200. But I forgot about the Pelican frame. This frame has been discussed on the iBOB list from time to time, but it popped up today in a bunch of threads.
On paper, this looks like a great frame: standard-diameter (9-6-9; I wish it was 8-5-8) tubing, low trail, different wheel sizes (650b and 700c) according to the frame size, powder coated; fits fattish tires, lots of braze-ons for stuff. All for $300. Pretty sweet deal.
UPDATE: indeed, too sweet. $300 is the deposit! Total price is $1160. My bad! Still a sweet frame. And not a bad deal, just not a steal.
I'd like to ride one of these. It's a pretty perfect urban commuter, very similar to my hacked RB-T, which I ride more than any of my other bikes.
$300? Who has it for that price? BDB has it for $1160.
ReplyDelete$300 is an amazing deal on a very interesting bike I'd love to ride.
According to the spec sheet you referenced, I understand the $300 is for a deposit, and the total price for frame and fork is $1160.
ReplyDeleteIs that Pelican a 54cm seatube size with 700c wheels? If so, I'll buy it if you can stand to pack and ship it.
ReplyDeleteWhoops!!! That wasn't a for sale offer. I thought you were selling someone's Pelican. My enthusiasm got the better of me.
ReplyDeleteThat Pelican is a terrific frame. Kind of reminds more of the VO Pass Hunter (which isn't offered any more).
The Pelican is a nicely laid out frame, but it's nowhere near US$300; the $300 is the (nonrefundable) deposit on the $1180 frame.
ReplyDeleteUm, I think you mean $300 deposit. The link gives total price of $1160. Still reasonable, but not a steal.
ReplyDeleteI'm a boob. I fixed the post.
ReplyDeleteTurns out that Ahren Rodgers, who makes the Pelican, is the same guy who made the VO Pass Hunter. Top notch work from what I hear. I guess the resemblance isn't just coincidence. For those looking for a good deal, the VO Polyvalent is $400 and has similar geometry and features. Boy, do I sound like a Velo-Orange dork or what?
ReplyDeleteHey John, I'm working on a used Trek 400 frame at the moment ($120) to which I'll eventually mount a Kogswell fork ($80). Throw in a fresh powdercoat ($150), and I'll still be under the $400 mark. Does that count?
ReplyDeleteAnd yes, the Pelican is a very nice, handmade-in-USA frame. For slightly more money, you might also consider an Ebisu All-Rounder with custom geometry -- Hiroshi will design them with low trail for use with a front bag. Or you might consider a Boulder Cycles frame, or a full-custom from Coho.
Jim: The Trek sounds like the best value there to me. Though I'd be happy with any of the frames you mention. There was an Ebisu on the iBOB list a while back that was gorgeous -- rando with 650b. Pretty much perfect in every way, if I recall. I remember seeing a Coho at NAHBS a few years back. It stuck out -- he just had one bike in a non-bling booth and the bike was really nice. Understated with smart finishes.
ReplyDeleteJohn, thanks for the kind words on the Pelican. We are pretty happy with how it has turned out. It is true that Ahren builds/built both the Pelican and the VO Pass Hunter; but both bikes were designed by different people, different places, and at different times.
ReplyDeleteGabe