Road Cycling - Looking to build a first racer

I'm a young female enthusiast who's been mtb for fun since forever and have grown very interested in the prospect of building my own bike and entering some ametuer races. Although, being that I live in Chicago, I wonder how effectively I can train and compete. Regardless I want to enjoy a project and broaden my experience in cycling. Heck,...if my C'dale mtb were in better shape, and were a little newer I'd race that too.

Anyway, I'd really like to build a Bianchi frame (newer or older)with some Campy components but I'd like to keep my cap at $1,000 ( I do have to pay for college :P). I really value the history and quality behind the make. Any suggestions for componentry or deals, or even how to get into racing in general would truly be appreciated.

Fishie the Fish <=><

I think you'll have a tough time for that kind of $$, but where there's a will, there's a way. You might start by asking around, kind of like you did here. Talk to people at local bike shops. Maybe put a classified ad in a paper. Maybe somebody's got just what you want gathering dust in a garage. Bike clubs usually have a local "swap meet," where they trade/buy/sell stuff they don't use any more. A city the size of Chicago probably has several a year, if you can just find them. Good luck, and let us know what you come up with.

Fishie,
Welcome to BikeForums!

I am not that familiar with Campy mtb components so I have no idea if you can do your project for the dollars you are allowing. On the other hand, for that kind of money you could get a pretty decent mtb new and be riding if a couple of days. Forgive me for asking, but do you feel comfortable with your ability to build a bike? I work on my bike, but I don't think I am ready to build one. Please don't get me wrong, I am not trying to discourage you. I also understand that sometimes the process is as important to someone as the product.

For racing info, visit some of the better bike shops. Scope out the manager and other employees. Do they seem like cyclists or just sales people. Ask about bicycle clubs in the area. There are probably clubs that are mtb racing oriented. You might even do a some searching on the internet. Most of the clubs here in my area seem to have websites.
Good luck,
Raymond

Fishie,
I just re-read your message and realize that you were not necessarily talking about mtb racing. OK, different issue. You can still find out about clubs as I described.

Now for the bike. You can get a Bianchi Campione, which has a mix of Campy Veloce and other mid to low range Campy components, all steel construction, for $1100 retail. An LBS might take a little off that. For $1450 you can get a Bianchi Veloce with all Veloce and carbon fork.

Others will tell you that there is more to road racing than riding fast. You have to learn to ride fast in a group. The only way to do this effectively is to join a club and train with them on group rides once a week or so. I have not raced yet, but I hope to next year. I am still learning.
Regards,
Raymond

fit fit fit fit fit fit
Make sure the frame fits you. Many smaller road frames are overly long, so check the top tube length. Smaller frames can also be a bit high off the ground (Thats bottom bracket hight). Dont be fooled by micro-styled frames. These have a dropped top tube (like an MTB), but have the same length as a bike with a higher horizontal TT.

Do you need smaller than average cranks, bars or stem? This is where you can customise a standard bike.
For low cost road bikes check out Jamis. They may not be ultra-light, but are well designed and proportioned.

Wow...I appreciate the responses I've been getting from those who are very helpful in giving insight and concern with both building a bike and the frame fit.

Now I went recently to LBS to find out about appropriate frame sizes and tried a 2001 54 cm C'dale R1000 triple since they didn't carry Bianchi. It had a and 54.5 cm top tube and was long by a cm or two it seemed or at least according to the dude pushing the bike. It seemed fine but obviously I didn't take it for a long ride which is the only real troothsayer. I am 5' 9" and generally wear a 32" inseam any suggestions on frame sizes or does my LBS hit the mark.

And with regards to building up a bike...that would be a situation where I come across a very nice older frame and would take my time learning the little tricks to tweak it just right. Point being, I want to enjoy the learning process and feel proud of the end result.

Fishie:)

Hmmm. I'm 5'6, 31" inseam (on a good day), and ride a 55 cm frame (measured center of bottom bracket to center of top tube). And it's a good fit. 54 cm sounds a tad small to me. I'd be interested in what others thought.

Comapre the geometry of 2 "50cm" frames, and check out the
top tube length / bottom bracket height
Canondale R1000 : 52.5 / 27.3

Jamis Ventura : 51.5 / 26.5

http://www.cannondale.com/bikes/usa/geo-1RR1T.html
http://www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/spec&geo/road_geo01.html

Two bikes of the same apparent "size", but the Jamis has a lower standover height, lower centre of gravity, and a shorter top tube.

Your LBS guy may be right suggesting a smaller 'Dale.

your budget of U.S. $ 1,000.00, will get you a pretty mean machine, you just have to look for the right bike.

Hi guys, I'm looking for opinions....I've recently recieved an offer for a 98 Bianchi with all campy and some upgrades geared for a woman. Now the problem is...its 53cm maybe too short... On the otherhand, theres's a similar setup only its a 57cm and the top tube is 55cm maybe too long...any ideas as to the lesser of the two evils...

The biggest problem of all is the 53cm is in Idaho, but I'm going to arrange to try the 57cm. I guess thats the ultimate decision...Any thoughts??

Fishie

Originally posted by fishie <=><
Any thoughts??
I wouldn't buy a bike unless I had test ridden it, or at least ridden the same model.

W/regard to bike fit, there are a bunch of rules of thumb :thumbup: that serve as a good starting point (for road bikes). You should know these so you're not completely at the mercy of the salespeople. Basically, when you're in the saddle, hands in the drops, when you look at the axle of the front wheel the handlebars should obscure the axle, or be a little in front of the axle. If bars appear behind the axle, top tube is too short. Also, when pedaling, there should be about an inch between your knee and your elbow at the closest point.

Again, these are just starting points. With experience, you'll learn what works best for you.

Ok guys great news!!!

I tried a 2001 Bianchi veloce both 53 and 55cm and totally had a blast!!!!!! They were soooooo much fun. The bike shop I went to really spent the time to fit me to the correct bike, spent over an hour and concluded that for that particular geometry, the 53cm was best for me if I were to race. They said that the slightly smaller frame would give me better responsiveness....Really the only difference I noticed was that the top tube was slightly shorter. Well I'm sold...only as mentioned before....the veloce runs a little over my cap of $1,000, @$1,445.

My task now is searching for the great deal to be had. If anyone knows any sights that'll beat that...let me know.

Thanks for your input!!!

Fishie

Originally posted by fishie <=><
Ok guys great news!!!

I tried a 2001 Bianchi veloce both 53 and 55cm and totally had a blast!!!!!! They were soooooo much fun. The bike shop I went to really spent the time to fit me to the correct bike, spent over an hour and concluded that for that particular geometry, the 53cm was best for me if I were to race. They said that the slightly smaller frame would give me better responsiveness....Really the only difference I noticed was that the top tube was slightly shorter. Well I'm sold...only as mentioned before....the veloce runs a little over my cap of $1,000, @$1,445.

My task now is searching for the great deal to be had. If anyone knows any sights that'll beat that...let me know.

Thanks for your input!!!

Fishie
fishie<=><[/i]
first what part of the world are you from, 'coz, your location is vacant or no answer,then maybe we can answer your next question???????

Listen, location really is irrelevant if the price is right. Shipping is around $40 from anywhere in the continental US. Plus there online stores as well. I'm from Chicago, to answer your question. Hey, I just wanna see if anyone knows of good deals and where to find them.

I am Sorry if I touch A Live wire.....and I should have re -read your first post then I should have not posted that question "from where are you" again I am sorry for asking that question......