Should I build?

TopCat01

Hi all.

Been trawling through this section for a while now and seeing some great advice, so hoping you can help.

I’m looking at upgrading (had a Defy 4 for the last year and a bit), what I’m wondering is, for a budget of around €1200, is it worth building or am I way better off just buying off-the-shelf.

I like the idea of building one so I’d get to know the mechanics of my bike a bit better, and also that it’ll be a one off.

But my concerns are;
1) It might be a bit too ambitious for a relative novice, and
2) I might end up with a lesser bike than I would get off the shelf.

While I don’t have any issues going to the LBS for help, I’m wondering if I come in with a half finished bike with pieces I bought from the internet, are they just going to tell me to f’off for not buying bits from them?

And also, even if the parts (frame, wheels, gear sets, etc) work out similar price, will it cost a small fortune to get any specialist tools (I have the basic ones, I think) required for the build?

Thanks in advance,

Tom

bcmf

Buying the tools needed for a one off build may be a bit expensive. You will use one or 2 of them again for the odd bit of maintenance.

Dubba

I've no experience with a bike build, but looking a the Planet X self build vs off the shelf for example:

Opt 1.
Off the shelf option Planet X Pro Carbon Rival Road Bike €1,235

Opt 2.
Planet X Pro Carbon Road Frame €250
Planet X Pro Carbon Road Fork €60
Planet X Model B wheelset €150
105 Groupo €500 est.
Saddle, stem, headset, etc €200
Total €1,160

In this case the small saving isn't worth the hassle imo, might be if you had spare wheels, finishing kit lying around.

TopCat01

Thanks guys.

Yeah, it was actually the Planet X frame that caught my attention. It seems like a good price, but I read somewhere about Planet X frames not being very stiff?

With the example you give Dubba, it is questionable, and some of those part prices are sale prices.

While I don't have a lot of parts I'd be carrying over to the new bike (only pedals and saddle really) only thing I'm thinking is that I could keep an eye out for bits on the adverts section here. Saw a nice set of Dura-ace wheels yesterday, but I think they're gone now.

I'm not in a huge hurry to build, I'm concentrating on running for the next few months, so have that time to spare.

bcmf

Well if you have the time you can pic up bargains as they pop up/or as someone points out a bargain of a gruppo online somewhere and start the build from there but i am not sure whether a lbs will be happy with you arriving with a box parts and a frame and saying I will be back in a few days.
There are so many bits and pieces involved it will be headwrecking.

TopCat01

bcmf wrote: »

... i am not sure whether a lbs will be happy with you arriving with a box parts and a frame and saying I will be back in a few days...

Thats exactly what I was thinking, and to be fair, I completely see their point.

I've one lbs I know who said if I bought the groupset off him, he'd fit it, so that might be an option.

bcmf

Yep thats another option.

AstraMonti

I know a couple of LBS (Joe Daly and Fitzcycles for example) that would be more than happy to put your bike together. If you are in no rush, then buying bargains when you see them you can make a pretty decent bike at a low cost.

fat bloke

Cyclesuperstore have what I think is a very good deal on a Ridley frame at the moment. Orion 901r, it's one size only (M, ca 55), but it's full carbon fibre frame and fork for less than 500 quid. I've just bought one myself, so my money is where my mouth is. There's a sram red special ed groupset on here for 800 quid. That's a pretty frickin decent headstart on a build for 1300 quid. Pick up any ol wheels for the moment, you've the rest of your life for wheel shopping, chopping and changing. After that you'll easily pick up cheap bars, post, saddle etc, on here if nowhere else.

Generally I think the pendulum in the last few years has swung from build to buy. There's so much competition in the bike sales market now and so many big companies with super aggressively priced and spec'd packages that it's hard to compete with that as a lone purchaser, unless you're willing to wait and do the legwork and internet clickwork, and be wise enough to spot and grab a bargain when they arise.

TopCat01

Ok, so hopefully final build won't be a problem.

That Ridley frame seems like a great deal. The sram is probably outside my budget for now. I would plan on upgrading the wheels in future, but I really would like to have enough in the budget to get a reasonable set of wheels start off.

Oh, this is all very tempting...

07Lapierre

If your motivation is purely economic, then buy a complete bike. Building your own bike will cost more, BUT, done right, you'll end up with a really nice bike.

The hardest part of a bike build i suspect, is fitting a headset. to do this correctly, you will need a headset press. I suggest you buy a Frame with a fork already fitted.

TopCat01

Its not purely economically driven, in that I don't mind paying a bit extra, but if it cost, say 20% more, then I'd probably leave it. Part of why I love cycling is the machinery. I'm kinda into cars too, and like doing odd bits and pieces on my own, and I suppose this is an extension of that.

That's good to know about the headset. Probably obvious to you guys, but really appreciate that kind of advice.

dave_o_brien

07Lapierre wrote: »

If your motivation is purely economic, then buy a complete bike. Building your own bike will cost more, BUT, done right, you'll end up with a really nice bike.

The hardest part of a bike build i suspect, is fitting a headset. to do this correctly, you will need a headset press. I suggest you buy a Frame with a fork already fitted.

Good advice; fiddly, a tool you'll get very little use of, and so many different headsets that if it doesn't come with the frame, it takes knowledge/a mechanic as a mate to find the right headset.

Whether it be a self build or an off the shelf bike, if you're into machinery, the bike will change through swap outs and upgrades over time anyway. A bike is never finished, and anyone who says otherwise is riding for a pro team.

chakattack

Yeah if you can get a frame/fork with either integrated headset or ask the seller to fit it you'll be grand. After that cutting the fork is the only tricky bit but a bike shop will do it for about 10 euro.

Much better to get good wheels and an average groupset than a bling groupset and basic wheels.

Depending on the parts you get you'll need allen keys, chain tool, cassette tool, cable cutter and maybe a torque wrench. These are all handy to have for bike maintenance anyway.

If you have time I'd say get the best frame and wheels you can afford and then look out for bargains on everything else second hand.

happytramp

I went from never having owned a bike to building my own. I did it one piece at a time, learning everything about the part in question, doing my best to make sure I got the right thing and then moved onto the next. Even tried building the wheels! That said you're bound to make a few mistakes first time out, like getting something that doesn't quite fit or turns out to be incompatible for some reason. Over all It was a fantastic experience and i learned a lot about bikes and built up a decent tool set. 100% reccomend it as long as you're not in a hurry. Also recommend getting a lbs or bike savy friend to give it the once over when you're done.

manwithaplan

I wouldn't worry about finding a shop to do a build without supplying parts - in Dublin city centre alone, Cycleways, Cycological and Eurocycles all do this. Expect to pay somewhere between €70 and €100. Individual bike mechanics will also do it for you (look at the sticky on this in the adverts forum).

I don't think I would build a bike using new parts with a budget of €1,200 - you would probably get a better spec on a complete bike. It would be a runner if you had the time and patience to pick up second hand stuff as it arose and finish it with some new bits.

Radial

I built up my first bike in the 3-4 months before Xmas, having been cycling road bikes for 2 years. For me the key is research, be very specific in what you want the bike to do, in my case I was looking for a winter bike with clearence for full mudguards etc.

You'll need to spend a lot of time online researching the compatibility of parts and learning the skills you need to build the bike. I spent hours on such things as calculating correct chain length, learning about the various types of brakes and headsets and how to install and index gears. As a previous poster said you may make mistakes (the brake calipers I initially bought didn't have sufficient reach). However, the info is all easily accessible, so once your any way handy with tools it's very doable.

One thing I didn't have the confidence to do was build the wheels.

As the project progressed I found that I gave in to "specification creep", 105 instead of Tiagra, carbon seatpost etc. spending a lot more than I intended to. Try to be paitient and get best value in the components that you purchase and not jump at the first deal that you see.

As far as tools go I purchased these. OK quality and way more tools than I needed but should mean that I have what I need for future maintenance or builds etc. http://www.rosebikes.co.uk/article/xtreme-tool-box-all2gether-xl/aid:228728 The frame took an integrated headset and I cut the steerer myself so I didn't have to use a LBS.

Got a really nice bike that I love to ride though, worth the cost and my knowledge of bikes increased enormously. To the OP, if you do decide to build good luck and enjoy:D

TopCat01

Thanks again for all the input, this is exactly what I was after. Good balanced opinions with the pros and cons.

The more I read, the more enthusiastic I feel about the whole building aspect. The possible additional cost doesn't seem prohibitive. The time to build, I have. I don't really need it complete (useable) until April/early May earliest. Its probably a bigger task than thought on first writing the OP, but the challenge is part of it for me, mistakes will be made, tools will no doubt be flung, but working on a project that is never fully complete is something I look forward to. I'm never going to be competing in races, so its always been about the joy of cycling for me, and I can't see this not making it even better.

So, this has officially become a build thread, and I'm slightly giddy at the thought. Fingers crossed it will end in MY bike, and not a long list in the adverts section.

penexpers

I have built 2 bikes (one of them I had to do because it was only available as a frame) and I wouldn't do it again. Way too much of a time sink and didn't save any money in the end. The tools alone cost in the region of 200 euro. If you want to learn about the inner workings of a bike, what might be better is buying a full bike and either doing all the maintenance on it yourself or upgrading the parts as time goes on.

dave_o_brien

penexpers wrote: »

I have built 2 bikes (one of them I had to do because it was only available as a frame) and I wouldn't do it again. Way too much of a time sink and didn't save any money in the end. The tools alone cost in the region of 200 euro. If you want to learn about the inner workings of a bike, what might be better is buying a full bike and either doing all the maintenance on it yourself or upgrading the parts as time goes on.

The bit in bold is the only piece of advice that's subjective enough to be taken by the op to be an opinion.

The op has been advised that it may be more expensive, that it will take a lot of time, and that alternatives may be better value. At the same time, doing it yourself is for some people (myself included) fun, and the end product is a very personal reward for the effort put in. I get why you wouldn't do it again, I really do! And op, seriously, building your own one up is not for everybody; it is a pain in the ass at times. If you're one of the ones for whom it's a good idea, then enjoy it!

Lumen

I think, headset aside, it's pretty easy to build up a bike from new parts.

What tools are needed?

- Cable cutters
- BB tool, assuming threaded BB (or press-fit bearing tool, but if that's the case probably get the bike shop to do it)
- Allen keys/screwdrivers/chain tool (multi-tool would do, but separate allen keys are more convenient)
- Hacksaw & tube cutting guide (or old stem), for cutting steerer tube
- Tools to take cranks on and off, depending on groupset
- Floor pump, which you should have anyway.
- Plastic tyre levers, which you should have anyway. Not always needed.
- Some kind of workstand is handy

Consumables
- Grease, anti-seize (could possibly get away with grease instead of anti-seize)
- Carbon assembly compound, if necessary
- Electrical tape
- Emery boards for filing cut carbon steerer, if necessary

A pedal spanner is only necessary if crappy pedals are used, allen key is more usual.

I'd also advise doing the first build with someone experienced.

seamus

There's something satisfying about building your own bike, but it doesn't save money unless you're using parts that you already have lying around.

The general rule is to work out the cost of the parts, then add 10%. This is the minimum it will cost, but it could be a little more. Don't know why, but that's just the way it works.

You also have to consider that a factory bike is built from parts that work together. They put the bikes together, they test them, they know that they've chosen the parts that work together. Unless (and sometimes even if) you buy exactly the same components yourself, you could find that two parts just don't work together quite as smoothly as they do on the factory bike. Maybe it's a 0.1mm size difference, maybe it's a difference in the way it's put together, or maybe it's a slight quality difference between the OEM parts they use and the retail parts that you've got.

The only time now that I would build a bike from scratch is if someone handed me all the parts for free, or if I had a frame lying around to justify it.

happytramp

I spent 'A lot' more money than I originally planned mainly due to (as someone else called it 'Specification creep') That said I LOVE my bike an unhealthy amount because of the time and effort I put into it.

Also important to note, the extra money you end up paying is eventually offset by the skills and tools you build up meaning trips to your LBS become practically non-existent.

TopCat01

dave_o_brien wrote: »

... And op, seriously, building your own one up is not for everybody; it is a pain in the ass at times...

Yeah, I do completely get that, and I think (hope) I'm going into this with eyes open as wide as possible. Its hard to explain, but similarly with cars, I'd find it hard to buy a new one, and even if I did, I'd have to modify it in some way to make my own. I am one of those people who doesn't mind (and even enjoys) the pain sweat and tears that go in, for that accomplishment in the end.

I'm realise I'm lucky with the time too. I wouldn't have taken this on last year. I wouldn't have the time each evening to put in, or the spare days/weeks to be waiting on a right part/tool.

I think for now the rough plan is as follows.

Short-term
1) Frame - New frame and fork, CF
2) Wheels - New, or good second hand.
Mid-term
3) Groupset - Keep an eye out for second bits, and as bike being completed, buy whats needed.
4) Tools - Beg/borrow what I can for now, and then buy whatever is missing between this and bits I already have.
5) Misc - Seatpost, handlebars, etc. Again, keep eye out for bargains, buy if required. (Alreadt have nice saddle and pedals)
Long-term
6) Upgrade groupset (if necessary)
7) Upgrade wheels (if necessary)
8) Dura-ace Di2

I plan to do more background reading on bike building, but are there any must read books or websites off the top of your heads?

Lumen

happytramp wrote: »

I spent 'A lot' more money than I originally planned mainly due to (as someone else called it 'Specification creep') That said I LOVE my bike an unhealthy amount because of the time and effort I put into it.

http://18milesperhour.tumblr.com/universaltruthsofcycling

UNIVERSAL TRUTH OF CYCLING #4:

COST + $500 RULE.

So, been riding long enough that you’re gonna build up your own bike, eh? Good for you! Got it all figured out, right? Frame costs this much, add in wheels, bars, drivetrain, stem, headset…fun stuff isn’t it? Add it all up plus labor and there it is…right?

Wrong. Oh my, so wrong.

Now tack on $500. Ta da! There you go! That’s your total cost.

TopCat01

happytramp wrote: »

I spent 'A lot' more money than I originally planned mainly due to (as someone else called it 'Specification creep') That said I LOVE my bike an unhealthy amount because of the time and effort I put into it..

Yeah, I know well I'll do this. That's why I mentioned a budget of €1200. I've a reserve in mind on top of that, and yes, I'll probably blow that too, but lets start with me trying to build a bike for around €1200.

dave_o_brien

TopCat01 wrote: »

Yeah, I do completely get that, and I think (hope) I'm going into this with eyes open as wide as possible. Its hard to explain, but similarly with cars, I'd find it hard to buy a new one, and even if I did, I'd have to modify it in some way to make my own. I am one of those people who doesn't mind (and even enjoys) the pain sweat and tears that go in, for that accomplishment in the end.

I'm realise I'm lucky with the time too. I wouldn't have taken this on last year. I wouldn't have the time each evening to put in, or the spare days/weeks to be waiting on a right part/tool.

I think for now the rough plan is as follows.

Short-term
1) Frame - New frame and fork, CF
2) Wheels - New, or good second hand.
Mid-term
3) Groupset - Keep an eye out for second bits, and as bike being completed, buy whats needed.
4) Tools - Beg/borrow what I can for now, and then buy whatever is missing between this and bits I already have.
5) Misc - Seatpost, handlebars, etc. Again, keep eye out for bargains, buy if required. (Alreadt have nice saddle and pedals)
Long-term
6) Upgrade groupset (if necessary)
7) Upgrade wheels (if necessary)
8) Dura-ace Di2

I plan to do more background reading on bike building, but are there any must read books or websites off the top of your heads?

What's in bold might cause you problems, as the cables of Dura Ace Di1are a different size to standard ones, meaning you may have to bear this in mind when selecting a frame (ensuring you get one with appropriate sized guides and/or diameters for internal routing) if that's a serious consideration. Ultegra Di2 doesn't have this problem, so can be put onto any bike.

Other than that, I'd echo what's been said; priorities should be a frame that fits properly, a good set of wheels (although if you're not racing, I'd go good mid-range: Fulcrum Racing 3's, Mavic Ksyrium Elites, Shimano Ultegra's or build Mavic Open Pro's on Ultegra Hubs) and a solid groupo (Shimano 105 or Campagnolo Centaur would be hard to beat for value). The other bits and pieces pick up as you go along. The adverts section here and on adverts.ie are great for those bits; my good bike has a seatpost and a stem gotten from these sources at great prices.

TopCat01

dave_o_brien wrote: »

What's in bold might cause you problems, as the cables of Dura Ace Di1are a different size to standard ones, meaning you may have to bear this in mind when selecting a frame (ensuring you get one with appropriate sized guides and/or diameters for internal routing) if that's a serious consideration. Ultegra Di2 doesn't have this problem, so can be put onto any bike...

Sorry, I was actually only messing about that bit.

AstraMonti

In order to be completely sure about the cost, create a spreadsheet and add each part to it, sometimes you forget small things that can add to the final cost, e.g. cables, seatpost clamp, quick releases, bar tape etc etc and so on.

penexpers

Lumen wrote: »

I think, headset aside, it's pretty easy to build up a bike from new parts.

What tools are needed?

- Cable cutters
- BB tool, assuming threaded BB (or press-fit bearing tool, but if that's the case probably get the bike shop to do it)
- Allen keys/screwdrivers/chain tool (multi-tool would do, but separate allen keys are more convenient)
- Hacksaw & tube cutting guide (or old stem), for cutting steerer tube
- Tools to take cranks on and off, depending on groupset
- Floor pump, which you should have anyway.
- Plastic tyre levers, which you should have anyway. Not always needed.
- Some kind of workstand is handy

- Decent torque wrench (essential for working with carbon fibre)
- Cassette lock tool
- Chain whip (for when you put the cassette on wrong the first time around)

Lumen

TopCat01 wrote: »

Sorry, I was actually only messing about that bit.

Thing is, one you've added up all the parts and added some random amount to cover the stuff you've forgotten about, you may have a large number which is scarily close to €2300, for which you could get a Canyon with Ui2 and very decent wheels and finishing kit.

The most important skill in bike building is selective memory loss and an inability to add up.

Lumen

penexpers wrote: »

- Decent torque wrench (essential for working with carbon fibre)
- Cassette lock tool
- Chain whip (for when you put the cassette on wrong the first time around)

I disagree about the torque wrench. For finishing kit I just tighten stuff until it stops slipping.

Good point about lockring tool and chain whip. Those are always useful - going to a bike shop to change a cassette is nuts.

TopCat01

Lumen wrote: »

Thing is, one you've added up all the parts and added some random amount to cover the stuff you've forgotten about, you may have a large number which is scarily close to €2300, for which you could get a Canyon with Ui2 and very decent wheels and finishing kit...

Stop it!!

Chips Lovell

As others have said, buying off the peg is invariably cheaper. The upside to building is that you get exactly what you want.

I'm probably getting a new bike in the next few months and I'm torn between a very good deal for a complete bike and building up a frame. The off the peg one doesn't have the wheels I'd like (I'd prefer Campag to Mavic) and a slightly different groupset configuration to what I'd prefer. I could probably live with both. But bars and saddle I feel I'd have to change. The latter is simple, the former is almost as much trouble as building up the bike myself.

TopCat01

And so it begins...
Looking into the frame (and fork) there are 2 standing out for me at the moment.

This Planet-X one €605 delivered

Or this Ridley one €499.

Any strong opinions on either of these?

fat bloke

TopCat01 wrote: »

And so it begins...
Looking into the frame (and fork) there are 2 standing out for me at the moment.

This Planet-X one €605 delivered

Or this Ridley one €499.

Any strong opinions on either of these?

You'll have as many for's as against's with regard to the Planet-X's but there are plenty of people on here well happy with theirs. I've never ridden one myself.

I found it hard to get info on the Ridley but eventually found this. It's an 09 catalogue in pdf.

http://www.cyclesclement.com/photos/catalogue_ridley_2009.pdf

Gives the bike weight of that Ridley in a 105 build - doesn't say what wheels - as 8.52 kg. The Planet X is sure to be lighter, if that's your thing.

mp31

What about warranty - is it easier to deal with faults when buying a complete bike since you have to deal with only one shop?

dave_o_brien

TopCat01 wrote: »

And so it begins...
Looking into the frame (and fork) there are 2 standing out for me at the moment.

This Planet-X one €605 delivered

Or this Ridley one €499.

Any strong opinions on either of these?

I have the new version of the Ridley frame linked:

http://www.cyclesuperstore.ie/shop/pc/viewPrd.asp?idcategory=0&idproduct=42313

Similar geometry, different tube shaping and same carbon fibre layup. Love it, very stiff, handles brilliantly. I have mine built up with Ultegra, Fulcrum Racing 3's, FSA OS 99 stem, Deda Hydra Bars, Easton EC90 seatpost, Look Keo 2 Max's and a Specialized Alias saddle. When I can next afford it, some fancy wheelset will be bought!

TopCat01

Thanks for that guys, I was struggling to find info on the Ridley. That weight of 8.52kgs is with Fulcrum R7's.

Warranty, well fair point, hadn't really crossed my mind to be honest. But I'll be keeping a tight list on parts, prices and suppliers. If I have to call on the warranty for more than one item, that'd be fairly unlucky, right?

dave_o_brien

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-ridley-bikes-orion-09-33037

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-ridley-bikes-orion-1105-road-bike-11-43881

http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/review-ridley-bikes-orion-07-21251

Now, these are bikeradar reviews, so the number of stars awarded were probably decided by lottery. But they have good things to say about the frame, and I'd chime in with my own; The frame isn't the lightest, but it rides brilliantly. It's stiff enough to never leave you wanting, and I'm an 85kg big fella! Handling and cornering are spot on. If you want a bike to race on, it's fantastic. For a sportive bike, it may be a touch too harsh, unless you're used to stiff road bikes.

TopCat01

The 1105A frame is a little out of my budget (€899 vs €499), but there doesn't seem a big difference between that and the 901R? I'm hoping to be passing the cyclesuperstore Friday, so I might wander in for a look.

To be honest, I'm also a little put off by the decals. I know its only aesthetics, but sometimes there is so little to choose between these things, and its so subjective. And to my eye, the planet-x has a much cleaner look.

chakattack

seamus wrote: »

There's something satisfying about building your own bike, but it doesn't save money unless you're using parts that you already have lying around.

The general rule is to work out the cost of the parts, then add 10%. This is the minimum it will cost, but it could be a little more. Don't know why, but that's just the way it works.

You also have to consider that a factory bike is built from parts that work together. They put the bikes together, they test them, they know that they've chosen the parts that work together. Unless (and sometimes even if) you buy exactly the same components yourself, you could find that two parts just don't work together quite as smoothly as they do on the factory bike. Maybe it's a 0.1mm size difference, maybe it's a difference in the way it's put together, or maybe it's a slight quality difference between the OEM parts they use and the retail parts that you've got.

The only time now that I would build a bike from scratch is if someone handed me all the parts for free, or if I had a frame lying around to justify it.

I think you're overstating things a little. If you buy modern parts they're all fairly standard especially if you buy a frameset complete with headset and then buy the groupset in one lot.

You just need to know your frame - seat post diameter? is the bottom bracket english, italian or one of the new standards bb30 etc.? standard or long reach calipers? 1" or 11/8" steerer? 700c or 650c wheels? That's everything you need to spec the groupset and finishing kit.

The advantage of building yourself is you can buy good tyres and the saddle and bars that suit you.

fat bloke

Mine's here built up, rather hastily, and with crappy looking mudguards. Looked well before I put them on. It does look like an 09 frame alright built up if you know what I mean. But the frame and forks alone look great in the store. There's a lot more detail to the tubing that you don't see in the pics. I wasn't too pushed on it myself til I went down for a look in the flesh so to speak.

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=76389167&postcount=4233

dave_o_brien

TopCat01 wrote: »

The 1105A frame is a little out of my budget (€899 vs €499), but there doesn't seem a big difference between that and the 901R? I'm hoping to be passing the cyclesuperstore Friday, so I might wander in for a look.

To be honest, I'm also a little put off by the decals. I know its only aesthetics, but sometimes there is so little to choose between these things, and its so subjective. And to my eye, the planet-x has a much cleaner look.

You're right, there's not much between the two frames. They've shaved about 200g off the frameset weight, the top tube isn't t shaped, and the downtube is a little bigger, but that's about it. Have a look at it in the flesh, it's much nicer there. I used to work in CSS, so know the two frames well!

The Planet X definitely looks more subdued. It's a good frame, overall. If you're choosing between these two, both are good frames. Ridley has more snob factor, while the Planet X is a lighter bike. The Ridley would be stiffer, while the Planet X might be a bit more comfortable. It's a good decision to have to make!

TopCat01

Went in for a look at the Ridley today. There are some nice details on the bike, but although I was very tempted, I still found myself thinking back to the Planet-X.

So, this evening the credit card came out, and put my money where my mouth is. And so it begins, Planet-X frame is now ordered.

I also picked up the first second hand parts. Got a set of dura-ace brakes, which are in mint condition, and crankset too, also in very good condition with fairly new chain rings. Hadn't planned on dura-ace, but seemed a good deal. What was that about specification creep...

Lazairus

Planet X have a new range of bikes in stock for 2012, so if you are considering an upgrade to planet X now is the time.


on the side of building things

here is what I put together last year


it cost 2200 in the end
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=74430549

TopCat01

Lazairus wrote: »

Planet X have a new range of bikes in stock for 2012, so if you are considering an upgrade to planet X now is the time.


on the side of building things

here is what I put together last year


it cost 2200 in the end
http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=74430549

Wow, that's really nice, especially for the price! I actually have the same saddle as you from my last bike, but me thinks the rest of my spec will be a few levels down from yours.

Great inspiration though, if I end up with something half as nice I'll be a happy bunny!

happytramp

TopCat01 wrote: »

I also picked up the first second hand parts. Got a set of dura-ace brakes, which are in mint condition, and crankset too, also in very good condition with fairly new chain rings. Hadn't planned on dura-ace, but seemed a good deal. What was that about specification creep...

hmmm, interested to know how much you paid for these too? How about giving us a running total??......I've obviously way too much time on my hands,

TopCat01

happytramp wrote: »

hmmm, interested to know how much you paid for these too? How about giving us a running total??......I've obviously way too much time on my hands,

Less than €200 for both, that sound like good value? So that and the frame, I'm at just under €800. I came close to buying these today, but I had to pull back on the reins. Credit cards are dangerous!!

And yes, budget of €1200 is already in tatters.

pprendeville

i would never ever consider a bike build. when in doubt buy from someone who has previous build experience (like me). contradictory advice or what.:D

TopCat01

Yeah, I know its not for everyone, but that's just me. What can I say, when I was a kid I always wanted Lego Technic for Christmas, this is just like a bigger (more expensive), grown up version. :rolleyes:

Here are the first few bits anywho...





(Ok, I still want Lego Technic for Christmas.. )