Lookin to build geared bike. Advice?
Thread started by
Lizzard at 07.2.08 - 5:57 pm
If I had a budget of say... $700-$1000 to buy the necessary parts to build up a good road bike, I assume i should start by shopping for a frame.
I'm looking to build a bike with relatively newer parts, so getting parts at a co-op would be a bit tougher. Where should I shop for these parts?
Any recommendations for which parts to buy?
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At a grand, you'd be better off just buying a complete bike with a decent grupo. I'd say check a shop or talk to John Vu.
FuzzBeast07.2.08 - 5:59 pm
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You should be able to do it within that budget without too much trouble, as long as you don't go crazy with top of the line components. That is about what I spent to build a geared road bike last year. I started with a vintage steel frame, got some parts on eBay and looked for sales at the major bike part vendors. Everything except the frame is brand new or lightly used. A decent wheelset will probably be your largest expenditure.
mr rollers07.2.08 - 6:03 pm
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Buy "new to you" on Ebay or Craigslist. I got my all Ultegra Empella for $1,200 (at the time the frame was 999.00 on cyclocrossworld.com). It was used by a 54 year old women for one cross season, and it was flawless when I received it. There are a lot of doctors out there who get a new ride every year, use this to your advantage. I've seen a lot of great deals like that, some unbelievable ones on CL, but I didn't have the cash on hand to take advantage of it.
franz07.2.08 - 6:05 pm
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Fuzz' advice is good too. I should have added that I spent on the low end of your figure. Also, I did it partly because I wanted to have the experience of putting a bike together from the ground up, which I hadn't done before, not necessarily to save money.
mr rollers07.2.08 - 6:06 pm
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i agree with fuzzbeast. there are much better deals available for a prebuilt geared bike, new or used. find something with shimano 105 or ultegra components. i'd buy on craigslist or performance cycles locally.
indigis07.2.08 - 6:09 pm
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Thanks for the feedback. Sounds good. Maybe ill put some ads up and you can tell me if its worth it or not.
Lizzard07.2.08 - 7:48 pm
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I agree with Fuzzbeast, buy new from a shop. It is the end of the model year for a lot of manufacturers and the shops are taking orders on the 2009 models, there are deals on 2008 and earlier models.
Another thing to consider is buying towards the end of the racing season. A lot of racers change bikes every year or every other year. Their bikes are meticulously maintained and can be had for close to half its retail value. They get discounts on team bikes and many pass that saving on.
sc_nomad07.2.08 - 9:54 pm
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Franz rides a girls bike.
Mook07.2.08 - 10:43 pm
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There is a place in the valley on Ventura Blvd. Athena Bikes, go in there and tell them what you want. They will get it for you.
skd07.3.08 - 1:30 am
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Seeing as how I'm looking into buying an SWB/USS recumbent in the near-future, I'll have to plan on buying a basement model, and eventually add-on later.
This is pretty much what I've been doing with my folder, switching out OEM's with more, off-the-shelf equipment.
Gotta love my over-length, PowerTools mtb bars.
bentstrider07.3.08 - 3:20 am
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I'M TELLING YOU "FUCK PERFORMANCE", GO SEE THAT CRAZY DUDE OFF OF COLORADO, ACROSS THE STREET FROM VONS, HE KNOWS HIS SHIT, HE HAS ANYTHING YOU'D NEED WITH VERY FAIR PRICES ( HE PULLS THEM OUT OF HIS HEAD)
REALLY LISTEN TO ME THIS TIME, FUCK CO-OPS, IF YOU WANT TO BUILD A BEAUTIFUL MACHINE!
eddieboyinla07.3.08 - 3:32 am
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Eddieboy is talking about a place called Open Road Bicycles, and the guy there is Steve Lubanski...
adrian07.3.08 - 9:59 am
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http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/bik/741953814.html
What about this one?
Lizzard07.3.08 - 5:11 pm
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http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/bik/738461381.html
or this one
Lizzard07.3.08 - 5:14 pm
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I agree on buying a used and built bike. No point fussing so much to build one up when a package deal is easier and cheaper (unless you relish the fuss)
0gravity07.3.08 - 9:46 pm
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Trying going to a bike shop to test ride a carbon and an aluminum bike. The rides are going to be different. It doesn't cost to test ride and it will give you a better idea on ride quality and material.
I had an aluminum Cannondale CAAD4 with the Spinergy wheelset (4 spoke as in the extras) and it was superstiff, almost uncomfortable. But I am an old man and my back isn't what it used to be. The kid I sold the bike to loves it but he probably doesn't know better.
All I'm saying is test ride as many bikes as you can before you buy.
sc_nomad07.4.08 - 8:34 am
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Helen's Cycles has a big sale today.
http://www.helenscycles.com/
marino07.4.08 - 10:27 am
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Thanks for reminding Marino.
I'm rolling down there right now.
If there is a sweet road bike 50% off that I like, I might come home with one today!
Mook07.4.08 - 10:51 am
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Just went down there.
That place fucking sucked. They didn't have shit. I'm pissed that I went over there.
and I have to work today. I never work Fridays.
Mook07.4.08 - 1:04 pm
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Do you want to go modern or vintage?
I built up a modern steel bike with all top-line stuff piece by piece for about $1000, but in general you should get something with 90% of what you want and upgrade as needed.
I'm a big fan of modern steel tubing like True Temper OX Platinum and Reynolds 853. Comparable in weight to aluminum and the best ride when combined with a carbon fork.
Ultegra is the best bang for the buck, but if you look hard enough you can get Record or Dura Ace for good prices since a lot of peeps are "upgrading" to SRAM Red.
cabhauler07.4.08 - 1:28 pm
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