Decided on a frame (I think)...components?

I've been bike shopping for a couple of months and really struggled with finding a stock bicycle that meets my needs. I really want a road type bike that I can commute with, as well as take on longer rides. WSD bikes fit me well, but it seems they are all either hybrids or not fender/rack friendly.

Today, I went to a very small shop near me and found what I think could be the perfect bike. It's a Salsa Casseroll. It's steel, ready for racks, fenders, 2 bottle cages and a frame pump (all at the same time). Plus, it's a pretty color too! Looking at the dimensions online, it looks to be very similar to the Trek 5000 I rode and liked, so I think the geometry will work for me.

The only thing with buying a frame is that I have to/get to choose the components. Let's see if I can even name them all - headset, stem, handlebars, brakes, front derailleur, rear derailleur, bottom bracket, cranks, cassette, wheels, pedals...I'm sure there's more. Beyond searching these forums for each of those things individually (which I'll be doing over the next few days), do folks have any recommendations for what I should be thinking about as I consider these choices? On stock bikes I was looking at 105 level components, but never really paid attention to the details beyond that.

BTW, I'm totally open to critique of the frame if anyone has and positive or negative things to say about it.

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Originally Posted by tjf9

I've been bike shopping for a couple of months and really struggled with finding a stock bicycle that meets my needs. I really want a road type bike that I can commute with, as well as take on longer rides. WSD bikes fit me well, but it seems they are all either hybrids or not fender/rack friendly.

Today, I went to a very small shop near me and found what I think could be the perfect bike. It's a Salsa Casseroll. It's steel, ready for racks, fenders, 2 bottle cages and a frame pump (all at the same time). Plus, it's a pretty color too! Looking at the dimensions online, it looks to be very similar to the Trek 5000 I rode and liked, so I think the geometry will work for me.

The only thing with buying a frame is that I have to/get to choose the components. Let's see if I can even name them all - headset, stem, handlebars, brakes, front derailleur, rear derailleur, bottom bracket, cranks, cassette, wheels, pedals...I'm sure there's more. Beyond searching these forums for each of those things individually (which I'll be doing over the next few days), do folks have any recommendations for what I should be thinking about as I consider these choices? On stock bikes I was looking at 105 level components, but never really paid attention to the details beyond that.

BTW, I'm totally open to critique of the frame if anyone has and positive or negative things to say about it.

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TJF,
The Casseroll sounds like a very good choice to me based on the kind of riding and requirements you stated you like. :) I really like the touring touches it features, and it looks like a lively bike. Very versatile for most any kind of riding you'd want to enjoy except perhaps actual racing.

The Shimano component levels are, from lower to higher end:
105
Ultegra
Dura Ace

I have mostly Shimano 105 components on my steel bike, but if I had it to do over again today I would start with Ultegra level if not Dura Ace. At the time I didn't really know if I would be serious about biking. :rolleyes:
105 work just fine but an experienced rider can tell the difference in shifting between 105 and the others.
Then there's always Campy components but they are pretty darned expensive and might be overkill on a mid level bike. (I'm not sure exactly what the Casseroll costs but I'm guessing it's mid-level somewhere?)

I too like the Casseroll color- sort of a pearly sand? I think you will be very happy with such a bike! :)

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Originally Posted by tjf9

I've been bike shopping for a couple of months and really struggled with finding a stock bicycle that meets my needs. I really want a road type bike that I can commute with, as well as take on longer rides. WSD bikes fit me well, but it seems they are all either hybrids or not fender/rack friendly.

Today, I went to a very small shop near me and found what I think could be the perfect bike. It's a Salsa Casseroll. It's steel, ready for racks, fenders, 2 bottle cages and a frame pump (all at the same time). Plus, it's a pretty color too! Looking at the dimensions online, it looks to be very similar to the Trek 5000 I rode and liked, so I think the geometry will work for me.


BTW, I'm totally open to critique of the frame if anyone has and positive or negative things to say about it.

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Nice bike. I have heard great things about Salsa and that's a fine steel bike.
I just got a steel bike with steel fork myself and I love it. You won't regret it.
Are you going to get moustache bars?

Interesting frame! I've been toying with replacing my hybrid with a fatter-tire road bike for winter riding. I'll be adding this frame to the list.

But, regarding components. Given that I'm currently in the planning stages for two bikes, I've been in component-learning mode for a while (so much to learn, but such fun learning!!!). One of the bikes will be a costlier custom roadbike and the other a winter bike for shorter, sloppier rides.

If you're going to let the LBS build it, start developing a working relationship with one of the staff. Determine how much you want to spend by the time the bike is completed. That's going to give the LBS a price point and a point where they can start making suggestions for you.

To begin with, Campy or Shimano as the base component group? The Campy Mirage group's price is between Shimano's Tiagra and 105 and Veloce is kinda in the ballpark of 105. See if you can test ride a bike with Campy. Shimano is the most common component in the US, but Campy brake hoods are smaller and the shifters different enough that some women prefer them (apparently some guys too, but this is TE not TT :) ). Also, if you're going to go triple, the front derrailuer action for Campy is more adjustable--again, it is a preference thing and you want to decide for yourself it is right for you. Oh, and SRAM is gaining ground, but I know even less about them.

OK, so assuming you've decided on the price point and the base brand, now start working with that mechanic. They should be able to help you trade up on the mechanicals that will matter (e.g., wheels and the rear derraileur) and trade down on mechanicals that won't affect your ride as much so you can hit your final price point. It isn't uncommon to see mixed group bikes and I've even seen people ride mixed Campy/Shimano. A good mechanic will build you what is right for what you want.

For me, I've gotten to the point where I know that my custom road will be high-end Campy and that if I build up the winter bike, I'll be going Campy Mirage or Shimano Tiagra. I happen to love the brake hoods and the shifting style of Campy--I've met people who hate it--it is personal and you can only find out by test riding. That gives me a starting point, but, when it comes to actually buying the components, I will work with the mechanic to choose the details. I guess I try to be an educated, informed consumer, able to express what I want, but also willing to defer to the expertise of the mechanic who has been building bikes for 20 years.

Oh, and one thing I've noted as of late...handlebars....don't let the mechanic pick them out for you. I changed out my handlebars this spring and the bars he picked out didn't work. It wasn't his fault, it was mine for not knowing what I really preferred. The bars he picked out are good handlebars and very popular. But, again, it comes down to knowing your preferences and I didn't know.

Learn, be educated, test ride enough to know what you're looking for and, most importantly, find a mechanic who can match what you need with what is available.

Good luck (and when it is done...a review, please?)

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Originally Posted by mimitabby

Are you going to get moustache bars?

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Moustache bars? Are those the flat ones in sort of an M shape? No, I was planning on the usual road bike type bars (drop bars?).

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Originally Posted by Thorn

Good luck (and when it is done...a review, please?)

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Of course! Thanks for the tips. I think the mechanic guy I was working with was pretty good. He actually just finished building his own bike up on this frame, so he's certainly familiar with it. In fact, the reason he suggested it was that he has longer legs and a shorter torso and really loved the fit, so he thought it might be a good match for me.

As with many things, I am a little bit of a control freak ;) , so I hate to leave everything up to the mechanic at the bike shop. But, if I am every to get the bike done and done right, I'm going to have to trust him a bit. I just want to make sure I know enough to speak up if he goes way off base on anything.

Another question that just occurred to me - how long will this whole process take? Will I be able to go to the store for a couple of hours and have all the decisions made, or will this be a multi-step, multi-day process? Then of course there's the ordering of frame, parts, build and fit time too. Will I get to ride this thing in one month? Two? Four? This is the hard part with even the semi-custom route - time. I want it now! :p

Thanks for the input ladies (and keep it coming! ;) ). I'll definitely keep you all posted as to the progress on this journey.

If you haven't, check out Mimi's bike (recent thread with subject line of Cavelletta). She has some interesting handlebars on her new new dream bike. I looked them up. Very intriguing. Mimi--can you post a top view of those handlebars?

I understand the control freak. I've been plotting the road bike for a year now. It has taken this long because I had to find the right combination of bike and LBS. I want control over my machine (hey, it is my money), but I want someone who will work with me because I know I don't know enough.

It'll be interesting to see people's take on time. I know my frame will be 6-ish weeks in the making. After that, it is a matter of the shop's lead time on parts and their schedule.

But, I expect that the picking of parts, for me, will be a two trip step. Sure, I've done some research, but I expect the shop to "correct my exam" and, then, I'll need to go home, do a bit more studying and come back. If I don't do it in a 2-step visit, I'll never trust that I have everything right (yep, issues).

Having a mechanic on your side who has already built his own bike on this same frame is wonderful! :p
Remember- you can always change components later, but not the frame itself.
If this is a stock frame and not custom, then it should only take a matter of weeks, not months, after the frame arrives at your mechanic's shop. It all depends on how many parts you have there waiting when the frame arrives. Work with the mechanic- he knows all the parts that will be needed and can discuss them with you and order them if you don't order them yourself.

Personally I don't think moustache bars are the best choice if you want to ride long distances as you say you do. Road bars (drop bars) give you many different hand position to alternate while you are riding hour after hour. Mimi has some that are shorter reach than most, and the other type often chosen are Salsa Poco bars or Salsa Short and Shallow bars- all particularly good for average proportioned women with shorter arms than men.
I have Nitto Noodle bars for the past year but am changing them out right now for Salsa Poco bars, hoping I will really like them. :)

LisaSH - synchronicity... I was thinking about switching my Salsa SnS for a pair of Nitto Noodles!

Those Salsa Casaroll frames are just gorgeous. My LBS usually has at least one built up and ready to sell, and I always stop to look. I've seen them build the Casarolls up in lots of different ways, and they always look good.

Nice choice!

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

LisaSH - synchronicity... I was thinking about switching my Salsa SnS for a pair of Nitto Noodles!

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Hmmm.....what width are you looking for? :rolleyes:

12 more hours until the LBS opens. I feel like the woman in those Mervyn's commercials - open, open, open! I want to start the process now!!! :p :D

Thanks for all the advice ladies and I'll let you know how my visit to the shop goes!

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Originally Posted by Lisa S.H.

Hmmm.....what width are you looking for? :rolleyes:

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38 or 40 cm. Actually, I'm more likely to replace my Salsa Bell Laps. They are 42 cm and just a titch too wide. Not sure the ergo bump fits me right.

I have NO complaint about Salsa bars in general. Love them. But those Nittos are pretty. And they have the "old school" drops with no ergo bumps. What didn't you like about them?

I ordered my frame today! :D :D :D I'm sooo excited. I went to the shop and the guy who was helping me on Saturday wasn't there, so I worked with another one of the mechanics in the shop. We talked about how much I wanted to spend, what kind of riding I was planning on doing, if I had any preferences, etc. They will recommend a build kit based on that over the next few days and email that to me. Then we'll go back and forth via email until we get to a final decision. I'm really excited that they work this way - seems so much easier for me and for them.

I am realizing that I have a very important decision to make that I haven't even put much thought into - COLOR! The frame is only available in one color, but there's the headset, seat, handlebar tape, etc. that I have to consider. Time to go peruse all the threads with pictures of bikes! :)

Oh, and, he said I could have it in as soon as 2 weeks! I think realistically it could be more like a month, but I may get it before the rainy season!

In case you all would like to help me with the color dilemma, ;) here's a picture of the Casseroll...

Attachment 3947

Components are picked (mostly)!

Drivetrain: Shimano 105 165 cm triple crank/10 speed 12-27 cassette [I went with this due to cost - Dura Ace and Ultegra were out of my range]
Brakes: Shimano A550 [The frame dictates long reach brakes, so the selection is somewhat limited. The next step up cost 3x more]
Brake Levers: Shimano 105
Handlebars: Ritchey Biomax 38 cm [I'm not really sure if this will be the right width. My shoulders are 36cm, so I figured I'd go with 38 or 40, but they didn't really have any bars in that size for me to try...]
Stem: Salsa MotoAce 90mm
Headset: not on my parts list, but I think it was a Cane Creek C3 - black
Wheels: Handbuilt on 105 hubs. 700x28cm tires
Accessories: Rack and fenders. I need to ask for bottle cages too. All black. The handlebar tape will be black too
Seatpost: ??? They didn't specify this
Saddle: ??? I need to decide this
Pedals: Speedplay Frogs

So I think that covers it. I might have it as soon as 2 weeks from now. Woohoo! Assuming I can decide on a saddle!

Sounds great!

How exciting, getting a bike built just for you! (I've modified bikes, but never chosen bits and pieces from the ground up.) Of course, you will give us lots of pics when you get them, right?:D

Time to go hang out in the Saddle thread and get saddle ideas!

I reckon red bar tape to go with the little bit of red on the frame. :)

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Originally Posted by DirtDiva

I reckon red bar tape to go with the little bit of red on the frame. :)

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Actually my bike mechanic has his bars taped red, so I didn't want to be the same. I imagine that I'll go through a few iterations of bar tape as I tweak the set up over time. Maybe my next color will be red - or black and red - that might be fun!

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

Sounds great!

How exciting, getting a bike built just for you! (I've modified bikes, but never chosen bits and pieces from the ground up.) Of course, you will give us lots of pics when you get them, right?:D

Time to go hang out in the Saddle thread and get saddle ideas!

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Yep. I was thinking Brooks, but they pointed out that it takes forever to break in. Since I'm new to a road bike, I'm thinking I want to start in a saddle that will be comfortable right away...I'm going to have enough adjusting to do without breaking in a saddle too. ;) I'm pretty sure I'll go Brooks later though - maybe for Christmas! If nothing else, I think a Brooks would look beautiful on the bike.

My Brooks (both of them) were comfortable immediately because I finally had saddles that fit me right, and took about 100 miles to get broken in to the point they felt "made for me."

I've heard some folks say it takes about 400 miles to get that "made for you" feel.

Brooks does make a mighty fine x-mas present! (btw, the saddle in the Cassaroll pic? I'm bettin' that's a honey Brooks B17 Pro. with the nose tipped up too high.... :D )

Nice bike! Component-wise you have gone for something good and sensible - 105 is nicely made, reliable kit and very good value for money.

A pedant writes: have you given much thought to the rims, # and type of spokes and spoking pattern? How about Mavic Open Pro rims, 32 holes, 3x pattern, DT stainless double-butted spokes? A bit vanilla, but simple and strong - I ride that sort of wheel with no problems and I weigh 190 lbs. You can go for much lighter but more fragile wheels... It's easier to get the tires off and on Mavic rims than a lot of other brands (like Reynolds!). Velocity rims might also be great, never used them though.

Bit worried about those forks though. I had a Dawes with straight steel forks and the jarring from the front end was horrible. However I had it converted to curved carbon forks and it is still jarry so maybe it is more the frame - cheap plain-gauge steel, yours should be much more comfy. My nice bike, also with curved carbon forks, is a lot more comfortable.

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Originally Posted by KnottedYet

(btw, the saddle in the Cassaroll pic? I'm bettin' that's a honey Brooks B17 Pro. with the nose tipped up too high.... :D )

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Yep, I think it is. So pretty!

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Originally Posted by Christopher

have you given much thought to the rims, # and type of spokes and spoking pattern?

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I haven't, but my bike shop did. I don't remember the details of what they did, but told me what they were doing, and it made sense at the time. ;) I'll definitely find out what kind of rims they used-that's a good tip about some being easier than others.

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Originally Posted by Christopher

Bit worried about those forks though. I had a Dawes with straight steel forks and the jarring from the front end was horrible. However I had it converted to curved carbon forks and it is still jarry so maybe it is more the frame - cheap plain-gauge steel, yours should be much more comfy. My nice bike, also with curved carbon forks, is a lot more comfortable.

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I did not get a chance to ride this frame before buying - although my bike mechanic loves his Casseroll. I hadn't considered that I can swap the fork if I don't like the ride - I'll keep that in mind if I find it to be too bumpy. Thanks for the tips!