Freaking out (a little) about bike being built

[Cataboo]

I bought my carbon frame off craigslist knowing the dimensions - but given that it was only a frame, I couldn't test ride. I brought a set of wheels with me so I could put it on and sort of approximate how the standover was and such... Love the frame, it had the 73 degree seat angle & 540 top tube that I wanted and hadn't actually ridden because my other bikes were 74 degrees or so, but just felt wrong... It was rare in a small frame.

My litespeed I just bought off ebay and the only information the seller had up was "49 cm", i did my best to google the frame and try to figure out what the geometry was... I didn't have much time till the auction ended, it looked like it was going to be a great price, so I just bought it and hoped for the best, figuring I could find it a new home if I had to... I absolutely adore that bike, I haven't had to change anything other than the handlebars and the seat. Stem, etc. were all a great fit for me.


I've bought bikes that I test rode that I eventually decided I hated - just because sometimes you have to go 40 miles or so to really figure out what you don't like in a bike.

[kenyonchris]

I just built my Colnago, I ordered the frame off eBay. I did the best I could with the measurements, Colnagos are weirdly sized too. Then I built the dang thing up going with pretty much all new and different stuff. I LOVE it, but there are still things I need to tweak to make it perfect. My poor Ruby is sitting neglected, I will sell it. Too nice a bike to just sit there.
I wouldn't have done it two or three bikes ago, before I knew what I wanted and, at least, what I DIDN'T like. I am always finding new stuff I don't like, to go with the stuff I do.
And it was an anxious moment when I rode it for the first time....but patience paid off...it fits me like a glove!