Fifty Plus (50+) - The New Bike???

Ok. I went in and ordered the new frame today. A Boreas Ignis frame that is aluminium and with C.F.Forks weighs in at 1515 grammes For the pair including the headset. This is going to be a top end bike and I have to start thinking about components now. First of all it is going to be Compact crank and thanks to a very ggod Deal- is going to be Truvativ. I have chosen Ultegra as the Rest of the drive chain and the wheels will be Ultegra as well. I have the training set for normal and comfort use. I have left the rest to the LBS with the Main consderation being Lighness with strength. Lightness being the operative word but I do not want fragility to come into the equation. The estimate is that the bike will finish up at 16lbs so should give me a quality bike.
So now starts the wait as it will be a couple of months before the frame is in. and hopefully another month before it is assembled. Hopefully? I won't be able to afford it before then so I don't want the shop doing me any favours in rushing the order through. The other problem will be that I now have to put the whole bike to the back of my mind- otherwise the Doubts will come in. Have I selected the right components? Will I be able to get up the hills on 34/27 or should I think about reverting to 9 speed and put an MTB 12/34 cassette and XTR derailler on? Am I going to be good enough for a bike of this quality or should I go to Wally-Mart and see what they have in stock.
Pic is attached from the website of a built up bike- but I am hoping to get a different colour to the one shown- They do a hard anodised finish that will be better for me than a painted version- + it is lighter. Ridiculous thing is that I l know nothing about this Manufacturer-The LBS build them up to spec for their customers and this is a Race bike. Then the 1 hour long test ride I did on the shop owners bike yesterday convinced me that I had to have this bike. Didn't take it up any hills but did get in 18miles up a few slopes- and I was using the big ring on his normal crankset. He is the same size as me and his bike is set up with Dure ace but he talked me out of the "Extra" expense as Apparantly- Ultegra is more sensible for someone that does not race.

Now to the cost-This is going to cost-a-lot. My idea is though that within a few years I will not be up on the Hills on the MTB- except for a few Enjoyment rides- and If I am going to do more road riding- I do need a better bike than my existing one.I could have gone for a top end "Manufactured" Bike but taking this custom build on a top end frame-I will finish with a bike that I will not have to spend another few $$$$$ on to get it to what I want. Final retail cost is estimated at around $3,500 to $4,000 but- It will come out a lot cheaper than that due to Discount and favours.

Whether I am making the right decoision- I will will you know in 3 months +500 miles.

http://www.boreas-bikes.dk/pages/ignis.html

You guys are killing me. I want a new bike sooo bad and I am racking my brain to find a way to pay for it. So far I have:

1. Buy more lottery tickets - very very low odds
2. Stop at one of the Indian Casinos near by - low odds
3. Rob a bank - damn exploding dye packs will ruin my clothes

So far as you can see have no real solution to my problem.

BTW the bike looks sweet, especially with those wheels

Congratulations stapfam. Very wise move. If you're as good a roadie as you are a mountain biker...there's gonna be hell to pay for those other roadies in the South East of England.:)

Hey stapfam, I'm happy for you, but looking at that seat, and those handlebars, I know I couldn't handle it. It's a beautiful bike, have fun and ride safe.

Whether I am making the right decoision- I will will you know in 3 months +500 miles.

http://www.boreas-bikes.dk/pages/ignis.html

That is a great looking bike. I'm sure you're making the right decision and will enjoy it for years.

Hey stapfam, I'm happy for you, but looking at that seat, and those handlebars, I know I couldn't handle it. It's a beautiful bike, have fun and ride safe.
Advantage of custom build- It will not be like that on "MY" bike

And Stonecrd. I am in the fortunate position of Both my daughters having Bought their own houses in the last Month- The wife is working and The house is very nearly paid for. What else am I going to spend my $200 a week wages on?

stapfam - It looks like a beautiful bike. I don't know how you will be able to take your mind off of it for the next few months.

I am in the fortunate position of Both my daughters having Bought their own houses in the last Month- The wife is working and The house is very nearly paid for. What else am I going to spend my $200 a week wages on?

Yes that is fortunate, I have a 25yo son out of college back living at home and 14yo old daughter who will start college in 4 years. My wife works, but it is taking care of the house and kids so zero income in that. I will find a way, eventually.

Ok. I went in and ordered the new frame today. A Boreas Ignis frame that is aluminium and with C.F.Forks weighs in at 1515 grammes. http://www.boreas-bikes.dk/pages/ignis.html

Good luck on your purchase - it looks good.
I'll be waiting to hear of a new John O'Groats - Lands End record in the near future.
Take care and enjoy

look great,You can't go wrong with Ultegra. You stated nothing about wheels and could go either way on some parts. You're gunnun' for a sub eighteen pound bike huh, even with non-crazy-light wheels.

Great Bike. Can't go wrong with Ultegra any way you look at it. Both my road bikes have Ultegra and it is beautiful to look at and works flawlessly.

Good Luck

After buying all the bikes I have, when I see something like this, I would like have one built for me.

After buying all the bikes I have, when I see something like this, I would like have one built for me.
I'm considering bionic surgery and having a bike built attached to me.

First you should give some thought as to where it is going to be attached......

Nice beer can. I'm sure you'll enjoy some great riding on it.

Way to go! Yep, just put it out of your mind, and then enjoy when you get it! Can't wait to hear ride reports. Maybe I am needing a new bike also!?!

Nice beer can. I'm sure you'll enjoy some great riding on it.

Beer comes in barrells- Lager (Yuk) comes in bottles and Coke comes in cans.

I am off soda at present.

Congrats on the new bike. FWIW, it very hilly around here and I started w/standard road components. I ended up with a 50/39 compact crank and a 12/27 cassette. There are still a few hills around that put me on overload, however, for the most part, the rides are comfortable and I do not top out on the flats.

Beer comes in barrells- Lager (Yuk) comes in bottles and Coke comes in cans.

I am off soda at present.

...and bike frames are made of steel. ;)
Just yanking your chain. Looks like a great bike. Not what I would choose, but then, my ideal bike would not be what you would choose. Enjoy the bike.

But one real concern. Why let the shop have all the fun? Take the frame and parts home and build it yourself.

I say get it. You will have at least thirty allies who will continually assure you that you did the right thing.

And alway express the price in Pounds Sterling, because the numbers are smaller. Or you could use Euros but the exchange rate isn't so favorable (or is it?).

I say get it. You will have at least thirty allies who will continually assure you that you did the right thing.

And alway express the price in Pounds Sterling, because the numbers are smaller. Or you could use Euros but the exchange rate isn't so favorable (or is it?).

Exchange rate of $2 to £1 so just double the £'s. Sounds better in $'s aswell. Sounds like I am Richer than I think I am.

As an aside- Prices in the UK are a lot more than in the US- Except for the tyres at Pro-Bike for some reason. SO anything made in the US is going to be very expensive over here. "Made" might be the wrong word so change that to "Originating".
This frame is European and the £ against the Euro is pretty good at present.

Not certain on the prices of Bikes in the US but for around £2,000 this is a lot of bike. And that is me comparing up against the High end Treks- Giants and Specialised. I have just looked at a 2006 Giant TCR team bike with Ultegra fittings. Retail of £1800 but down to £1300---- For last years model. Plenty of parts to change from the standard and Would not have the "Bling" Of a Custom Build.

Barring the colour- Which you rather have?

What wheels.......What wheels?

Very nice bike. As you are one of our more fit riders, I'm sure you will feel the difference. Besides, everyone lusts after a Ferrari at least once in a lifetime.

Your choice is much better than the Giant.

Must have pics of the real thing. Forget the garage door, British countryside looks better.

What wheels.......What wheels?

Very nice bike. As you are one of our more fit riders, I'm sure you will feel the difference. Besides, everyone lusts after a Ferrari at least once in a lifetime.

Your choice is much better than the Giant.

Must have pics of the real thing. Forget the garage door, British countryside looks better.

Wheels will be the Ultegra 6600- the Expensive ones and not the ordinary. Not certain what they will ride like but I have the training wheels if they are too stiff for this Older body on the long rides. Plus the fact that the wheel builder at the LBS-When He found out what I was Ordering frame wise- Came rushing out and Said that he had a brand new set that He had rebuilt for himself. Now this is a wheel builder and These are his wheels and they will be at his cost. He built them up for his own bike-and after spending a day of tensioning- trueing and setting the bearings up perfectly, he went to fit his 9 speed cassette on and found out that these wheels are for 10 speed only-. They would not take his 9 speed cassette.

The only thing that worries me about building a custum bike, like a Rivendell or something, is I would be affraid to get one I didn't like, or fit. I don't know that much about it for one, but even if I did, if I screw up, this baby is mine. So I guess you really have to do your homework. Or if I did have a bike built and screwed up, I bet my kid would take it. I know you've been riding long enough and know what your doing, and I'm just dreaming. Have fun.

stapfam , I have a similar story on wheels, I got lucky like that... anyway, I like the pink and black. It's a great color,the black sets in-off well. It reminds me of the old Tomasini color, others too.

Have I selected the right components? Will I be able to get up the hills on 34/27 or should I think about reverting to 9 speed and put an MTB 12/34 cassette and XTR derailler on? Am I going to be good enough for a bike of this quality or should I go to Wally-Mart and see what they have in stock.


Stepfam,
This is a pro-level race bike, so "no" you aren't good enough for this bike. But then none of us is a pro-level racer and most of us have a desire to ride fast (or faster), so I say be glad you did it.

One request (and I apologize for the strident tone), please do NOT put mtb gearing on a race bike. Campy can get you 29 teeth on the rear, use smaller chain rings if necessary, but not a pie plate for a cassette and XTR. You are a powerful, thin guy, just train it up and suffer on the climbs until you develop road bike endurance for the hills, it will come with practice. This bike screams for tri bars and a skinsuit and an aero TT helmet. Go for it, dude. Time to stepfam up to the plate. Masters races are in your future.

Stapfam, I looked closely at the picture. It won't be all that easy to ride....it has no pedals. Seriously though, that's a nice looking bike. You'll have some fun on it. Pics when you get it.

One request (and I apologize for the strident tone), please do NOT put mtb gearing on a race bike. You are a powerful, thin guy, just train it up and suffer on the climbs until you develop road bike endurance for the hills, it will come with practice. Go for it, dude. Time to stepfam up to the plate. Masters races are in your future.

A big +1 on that. You're getting yourself a thoroughbred go-fast bike. Don't try to change its nature. Let it change you. Keep the Giant and its triple crank for days when you don't feel up to the task of riding the fast bike fast.

Looks nice. Co. is from Denmark. Do they make them there? Went on the web site and looks like no US distribution.

Stapfam, I looked closely at the picture. It won't be all that easy to ride....it has no pedals.

On high-end road bikes, you discard the pedals to save weight. You discard shoes too. Then you stick your big toes in those holes at the ends of the crank arms.

On high-end road bikes, you discard the pedals to save weight. You discard shoes too. Then you stick your big toes in those holes at the ends of the crank arms.

Bombadil, if that's your real name, I'm here to warn you: One day your helmet will be mine. Oh, yes, it wil be mine.

Stepfam,
This is a pro-level race bike, so "no" you aren't good enough for this bike. But then none of us is a pro-level racer and most of us have a desire to ride fast (or faster), so I say be glad you did it.

One request (and I apologize for the strident tone), please do NOT put mtb gearing on a race bike. Campy can get you 29 teeth on the rear, use smaller chain rings if necessary, but not a pie plate for a cassette and XTR. You are a powerful, thin guy, just train it up and suffer on the climbs until you develop road bike endurance for the hills, it will come with practice. This bike screams for tri bars and a skinsuit and an aero TT helmet. Go for it, dude. Time to stepfam up to the plate. Masters races are in your future.


I'll let you know about the MTB cassette after the 3rd 15% hill of a morning. Will be having compact in any case and the Largest Road rear cassette it is possible to get so it may not be necessary on such a light bike that works.

Went back to the LBS today and There may be some good news on the Frame- I will be going for the smallest frame made- a 51cm- and there may be a possibility- providing the factory have not sold all the batch made early in the year- of a Compact frame aswell. Having ridden compacts for 7 years now- I think I would prefer one.

Now as to those pedals- I will be staying SPD. All the current bikes have them and I do not want another pair of shoes floating around the lounge- It will be bad enough having the bike in there when I get it so I do not want to upset the wife again this year. Never know- I might want to get some OCP bib shorts.

I want to go on record predicting Stapfam will be buying road shoes and pedals within 6 months of getting this bike.

If you are staying with SPD, do take a look at the A-520 semi road style. Almost roadie pedals for the SPD cleats.

The only thing that worries me about building a custum bike, like a Rivendell or something, is I would be affraid to get one I didn't like, or fit. I don't know that much about it for one, but even if I did, if I screw up, this baby is mine. So I guess you really have to do your homework. Or if I did have a bike built and screwed up, I bet my kid would take it. I know you've been riding long enough and know what your doing, and I'm just dreaming. Have fun.


George- I am fortunate in that there is already a bike built up in the shop-In my size and set up near enough to say that it fitted. Test rode it and it is the bike for me. Took a year to get the Giant to fit me and it is not as comfortable as the Shop owners Boreas is. And as to Speed and ridability- The speed is down to the weight of the thing- or lack of it- and the quality of the parts fitted.

I would never want to buy a bike unseen and untested. No matter what the reputation of it was. This will not be my first custom build as I did that on a mountain bike back in 97. Went for a light frame then and it built up into a 19lbs flyer that sailed up hills. Didn't go down hill that slow either.

This is going to be my Dotage bike. I have worked for it for a long time and it is going to be right. Luckily- I have a very good LBS and if I have a minor fit problem such as stem or bars or anything not up to standard- then it will be corrected.

And Maddmax--Looked at the A-520 pedals and this will probably be the answer- Lighter than the SPD's and will still take the Cleats fitted to my shoes.

On high-end road bikes, you discard the pedals to save weight. You discard shoes too. Then you stick your big toes in those holes at the ends of the crank arms.

Now that's funny. What do you do about the toe nails?

This is going to be my Dotage bike.

Dotage??????????

Translation into Texan, please.

Sounds like time for a Campy vs. Shimano argument.
In the true spirit of compromise, there is that 13x29!!

best,,,,,,,

-Looked at the A-520 pedals and this will probably be the answer- Lighter than the SPD's and will still take the Cleats fitted to my shoes.

I'm telling ya'. Six months max and you'll be buying real road shoes and choosing a road pedal/cleat system. :p

Very nice, stapfam. I see some speedy road tales coming....

No doubt you did your homework and I'll be anxious to see the completed bike, good luck.

Now that's funny. What do you do about the toe nails?

They get trimmed by the Chain so might save time for more riding.

Meaning of Dotage

A deterioration of mental faculties; senility.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Middle English, from doten, to dote.]


This occured with me last week when I Realised that I need a better bike- Want a better bike and am going to get a better bike.

Normally comes in at extreme old age- but thanks to modern life seems to be coming in earlier.

Don't you lot understand the roots of your mother tongue? (It is not common parlance and even I had to look it up for the correct definition in the dictionary)

And as to campy versus shimano- There is no argument. I ain't having no Italian stuff on my bike- unless it is a naked supermodel doing the promo shots for this forum.

Very nice selection. I would not fret over the 34/27. You can grind up any hill with that gearing. Your cadence might suffer a little but you shouldn't have a problem keeping the bike moving forward.