Just the Frame or the Whole Shebang?

[KnottedYet]

Who was building up the carbon bike frame a few months ago? Anybody have the link to her thread? I'm computer illiterate and not finding it...

Eden races on Shorty-McShort frames. Her rain bike is a lovely TiCycles Hyak.

Edit: and Trek420 doesn't race, but she's got a short custom Mondonico which is just insanely light (lugged steel)

Can't find a good link for Mondonico, but here's this: http://www.smartcycles.com/about_mondonico.htm

[Trek420]

Eden races on Shorty-McShort frames.

I Googled and I can't find any Shory-McShort frames. Who sells them?

[ehirsch83]

I have bought just a frame and built it up(the litespeed this past summer) and I have also bought full bikes(my first bike and the new tarmac that is on the way). I can tell you that it is going to be cheaper to buy the full bike. And at your level, you will probably be very happy with all stock components in your price range. This past summer I had the opportunity to EP everything, so I opted to build up the bike to my exact specifications, because they didn't sell the litespeed with Rival and there were some things I didn't like on the stock bike(the fork,etc.) But it definitaly cost me more then if I was to have bought the bike complete.

I am now buying a stock Tarmac and there are only 2 things I eventually want to change out on it- the handlebars being the main one(from aluminum to carbon) but that is still going to be cheaper then if I had pieced the bike together.


So I say go test ride a bunch of complete bikes, see if you find something you fall in love with- I bet you will!!

[Pedal Wench]

I've gone both ways -- build up a frame with the components I want, and bought complete bikes. Hands down, buying a complete bike is the cheaper option. You just can't beat the price that manufacturers can get their components for.

That said, I like getting to pick and choose, oh - and if you find a complete bike, but you'll need to swap out a bunch of things to get it to fit, the scale swings back the other way -- it would be easier to start from scratch.

[Thorn]

Who was building up the carbon bike frame a few months ago? Anybody have the link to her thread?

This one?
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=19980

[KnottedYet]

Yes! Thorn, you are my hero! Thank you!

[mimitabby]

I also ride a "light" steel bike which comes in over 20 pounds and under 25.
Unless you throw away your waterbottles and cut off your hair, i'm not sure the 5 less pounds a lighter frame buys you is going to help THAT much. What helps is strengthening your legs.

I had a frame made for me (vertically challenged), and while I was waiting I bought parts - some on sale, some from a swap meet, and some for full price.
Then i had a pro assemble it.

[Mr. SR500]

A complete bike is almost always a better deal, when you consider wheels and components. If you have some parts, or want very specific parts then a frame set makes more sense. But without bike building experience, a complete bike is by far a better choice. Maybe even for only a few dollars more then the frame set.

[smilingcat]

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

[sundial]

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.

[mimitabby]

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.

[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.

[mimitabby]

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.

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.

[JmcG]

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!