Just the Frame or the Whole Shebang?

Yes it was me who built up a bike from pieces. You can do it cheaper by going on e-bay. But you REALLY REALLY have to know what you are doing. And you REALLY REALLY have to know the new prices of everything from tires to shifter and brake cables to bar tape, to wheels handlebars... So I wouldn't recommend this approach (unless you are like me and been working and building bikes for like last 20-30 years) and you've built up bikes before. You also need some special tools.

My k2 mod6 uses SRAM FORCE groupo. Cost of the completed bike is around $1700. k2 frame cost me $200.00 so you can see where the money is going. not the frame.
I saw a k2 mod6 wih lesser groupo with steep discount (50% off) for $1599.

My TT bike Specialized S-works Transition Pro cost me about $2200. also with SRAM FORCE groupo. again the frame cost me less than 1/3 of the total cost. MSRP from Specialized was $4,400 or there abouts.

Buying the groupo at retail is very expensive. Getting the groupo on a completed bike will cost you half as much. but then you have to deal with the frame, seat, handlbar, wheels etc.

Buy a complete bike is much better way for you. Sightly used with less than 1000 miles, no crash, not being ridden in the rain bike is what you should look for on e-bay. Oh and never raced or never used in tri-athalons.

smilingcat

I have to agree with everyone that buying a fully loaded bike is more cost effective than building a bike.

I noticed your speed is really pretty good and you are in the early stages of your training. As you cycle more, you'll build your strength and speed and you can make any bike zoom.

When I labored over choosing my new bike this past year, many TE'ers told me it's not what you ride, it's what's sitting on the bike that makes it fast. With that being said, I did get decent speeds on my 21 lb. aluminum Sequoia but went with a new carbon fiber 17# Roubaix. It seemed to climb hills easier, but I was also nearing the end of my cycling season, when I was conditioned for hills. And interestingly enough, the only difference I can tell between the 2 bikes in terms of weight is during acceleration. The lighter frame of the Roubaix is very responsive.

If you are interested in a lightweight steel bike, say 14-15#, R+E Cycles can custom build one. There are other custom builders as well but this one came to mind.

www.rodcycle.com

Oh, Knot and I had several discussion of steel vs. carbon fiber. I would have bought steel if there had been a steel bike for me to even test ride. Steel is not popular in Arkansas.

before i had my custom bike made, I bought a nice Bianchi on Ebay.
it was "my size" but unfortunately It cost hundreds of dollars in swapping parts and adjustments to make it a better ride for me, so I ended up getting a custom bike anyway; because the Bianchi was never just right.

Mimi, did you see my friend's '84 Bianchi?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...+Celeste+green

He's still riding it with all the original equipment.

I have also done both ways - bought my bike stock and built up my own bike. For price, I agree with everyone that it'll be cheaper to buy a bike with all the components already on - and at the bike shop if you see a bike you like, but maybe they've cheaped out on the front derailleur, ask if they'll switch up for you for a small $$.

Building up a bike is not as easy as it sounds. You have to know every detail of every single component that you want, at the sizes and lengths that you want. Do you know what length stem you'd want? What ratio gearing you'd want? Etc, etc. If so, great and it's fun to pick what groupo set you want. But if you're not sure and don't have much experience, it can be really frustrating and time consuming and really doesn't come out cheaper. And as said above, you need special tools (unless you're planning on having your LBS put it all together for you). The only reason I built up my own bike was b/c I won a new TT frame and fork and so had to do the rest on my own. If I had to choose again, I'd do the same knowing what I know now. But early on in my riding/wrenching experience I would have been really intimidated to build up my own bike not knowing what fits me right or what groupo I'd really be happy with.

But either choice you make, I'm sure you'll be happy with the outcome. Be sure to post pics of your final product! Good luck!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sundial

Mimi, did you see my friend's '84 Bianchi?

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...+Celeste+green

He's still riding it with all the original equipment.

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It's BEAUTIFUL! Yes, I did and I posted on that thread already


and if you hire someone to build you a frame, their shop will help you with the other things, the right sized pieces like stems and stuff.

I've found that proper (amazing) fit has made more of a difference than frame weight, within reason of course. If your Surly fits you well, you can get lighter wheels for it and that would be a very economical way to go in the short run. That way, you could save up for a Luna or something. I got my Luna on sale. It was pre-built, and I happened to be out in New Mexico so I went to see it. Margo measured me up and it turned out that the bike was so close to what a custom frame would be for me, that I bought it. It's wonderful. It's not 16 lbs or anything (it's 18 without the pedals, but I need pedals and two waterbottles, a computer and a bell, so it probably about 22lbs now).

My advice would be to max out your fitness on the Surly (with lighter wheels) while you save for something really nice for later in the year or next year. If budget was not an issue, then I'd say go custom now.