ghostzapper
friend
Reged: 01/23/05
Posts: 29
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Besides the obvious differences in frame weight, warranty, joint method and aluminum inserts versus ti inserts, can anyone provide some detail on the significant differences between a Calfee Luna and Tetra Pro frames as far as ride quality is concerned?
I'm looking to purchase one in the next few weeks and would like to hear from riders familiar with both frames if these two frames will essentially ride the same. The weight difference seems small and I'm not concerned with the aluminum insert and ti insert differences as it seems like Calfee builds both models well. Would a typical rider doing 150 miles per week notice a difference in handling, stiffness, etc with either ride?
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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I've had two Tetra Pros and a Luna Pro. There is very little difference in the ride qualities of the two bikes. Even Craig Calfee has stated as much. The main difference is the Tetra can be customized to suit you if you do need a custom-made bike.
Both bikes are more than stiff enough. I weigh 200~205# and live in a mountainous part of our state. I've never detected any flex at any time on any of my Calfees, even one that was ten years old.
Most likely the hardest choice you will have to make in choosing your Calfee will be picking the color!
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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dfcas
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 141
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The rear tringle is the same on all 3 bikes,except the dropouts are minimized on the DF.On the larger 1 1/8 headtube Tetras,an AL headtube insert is used for weight reduction.So,the BB shell is ti in the Tetra vs. Al. in the Luna and DF.
My 60cm Luna Pro with the normal extrastiff tubeset came in at 3.1 pounds and I -think- I remember a report of a 60cm Dragonfly at 2.5 or 2.6 pounds.
The Luna has been wonderful in all aspects:I can ask for nothing more.That said,I long for a custom Dragonfly....
Dan Cas
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no signature
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Dave as always is right on. I could not agree with him more. I own a Luna and a Fly.
Craig has said it many times that he builds all his bikes to ride and handle basically the same. The difference is weight, type of mateials, and labor costs.
If money is an issue you would be better served to buy a Luna with a top flight wheelset and parts than a Tetra with lesser components.
Good luck. I love my Calfees.
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specme
new member
Reged: 04/13/04
Posts: 3
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What't the wait time on a Calfee?
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Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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I just this past week ordered a Custom Tetra Pro, serial number 56TC3093. I did so because I am such a body shape that I needed a custom frame for proper fit. I'm over 50 and my torso is short compared to my legs. For this reason I am spending extra for the full custom frame rather than a standard frame. That said I think for my purpose I would choose the Tetra Pro over the Dragonfly for a few reasons that are important to me. For one, I am on a limited budget and had to make compromises. Even if cost were no object, some compromises have to be made anyway. Another reason is that I want a rugged bike that is pretty much bulletproof as a long-distance, every day rider in all kinds of weather. My style of riding is as an enthusiast.
I am certinaly not an elite cyclist. I'm above average in passion for riding and average I guess, for my age. I'm not as fit as I want to be but not as bad off as most Americans my age.
I just thought to chime in on this thread. On another day I will post all the parts I'm going to hang on my bike. I have an estimated delivery day of March 31. I am patiently waiting. I am also going to experience twangs of amazement that I finally pulled the trigger and bought a dream bike for myself.
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 717
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Quote:
specme wrote:
What't the wait time on a Calfee?
Give Calfee a call, they will tell you.
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Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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ChrisVT
friend
Reged: 01/08/04
Posts: 38
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I ordered in mid-September and received in mid-December.
Just one man's story.
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Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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My bike shop guy told me he had talked with Craig Calfee and was told that due to manfacturing improvements the lead time on a custom was ten weeks at the point I ordered it January 19.
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ghostzapper
friend
Reged: 01/23/05
Posts: 29
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Thanks for the information guys. I looked over the Calfee geometry and a 56 is right on for what I usually ride. I'm leaning towards a Tetra Pro. Now I need to decide on paint. I noticed that almost all the Calfee fades involve some clearcoat portions. Does he do fades with the whole bike being covered with solid paint.
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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They will paint the bike however you want it. I have a friend whose Tetra is solid and a fade. It looks very nice. Another friend had his Luna painted to look like his Derosa. You name it and they can do it. Go to Joe's Bicycle Painting and he has some examples.
Joes Bicycle Painting
There are 206 pictures in the photo gallery. I would recommend getting on a high speed connection and brousing through them. My friends solid fade is in there somewhere. He likes it so much he is having it refinished this winter exactly the same way.
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ChrisVT
friend
Reged: 01/08/04
Posts: 38
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Hey GZ, congratulations on winning horse of the year. Can you really ride faster than Smarty Jones?
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ghostzapper
friend
Reged: 01/23/05
Posts: 29
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Thanks for the link Lon, I'll take a look at Joes paint jobs.
ChrisVT, I don't know if I can ride faster than Smarty, but I know I can run him into the ground on a racetrack. I'm the only horse ever to Beyer at 120 or higher 3 different times in the same year. I'm the only horse ever to Beyer over 120 at 3 different distances. Only the wiseguys respected my speed in the BC. I am the modern era version of Dr. Fager.
Edited by ghostzapper (01/27/05 03:06 AM)
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Insightdriver
captain
Reged: 03/07/04
Posts: 472
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Has anyone tried to navigate on Joe's site lately? There are some problems with the site it seems.
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