Road Cycling - Interesting Dilemma

I just had my front line bike stolen in the last few weeks and received the insurance pay out today. Just remember, I'm in Australia ;) (The bike will be my frontline racing bike, mainly crits with the few road races)

My options are as follows:

1. Get everything mail order from all over the world, including frame, and put it together myself.

2. Buy a lower specced bike, pre-built at the LBS and swap out a few bits and pieces

3. Build up a bike at the LBS

For 1. I was thinking of a Fondriest Top Level or Orbea XLR8R frameset with Record (or maybe the new Chorus) and Ksyrium SL2's.

For 2. I was thinking along the lines of the Giant TCR carbon (either 0 or 1). Ultegra components, only problem is average wheels.

3. would be fantastic, but it looks like being almost double what 1. would be. I would like to support my LBS but they are really not playing ball. I also would like the convenience of the warranty issues, but not for double the price.

Any suggestions, either on the option or the bike within (especially the framsets and oppinions on the Giant TCR). I have ridden all the bikes I mentioned. The Orbea was probably the best, but is the most expensive, followed by the Fondriest then the Giant (which may also be because of components, anyone ridden a team TCR??). Can you buy the TCR frameset seperately?

Thanks in advance :)

I'd go with option 1, since I'm trying to learn how to care/fix/build a bike from scratch. Of course, I can always take it to the LBS if I need help or run into to problems with something. I would definitely take it to the LBS to have the headset installed and fork cut, since I don't have the tools to do this, but will do everything else myself. Would be a great learning experience for me and will be done on the next bike I buy.

I would also say #1 and say that you get what you pay for, if you like the Orbea and can pay for it.. i would do it. Also building a bike should save you some money to invest in better parts. thats just my opinion.

good luck
-Ross

Combine the DIY and LBS route and find a shop that'll help you out.

Or, do #1. If you can do your own build, you can probably fix your bike. Warranty stuff might be interesting if it comes up, though. Some companies want shops to build their bikes, even if they're sold as a frame only, or they'll give you hell with warranty issues.

But, if you can accept the risks, go for it. And if you can afford the new Record, I'm doubly impressed.

the lbs won't get a huge markup from #2 or #3 anyway. go with option #1 and bring your bike in for work when you need it.

and orbea xlr8r is a great choice! i considered orbea too, but ended up liking cyfac too much - my custom cyfac starship has just been ordered, under almost exactly the same circumstances. www.veloeuropa.com (now they're getting free advertising from me lol).

And if you can afford the new Record, I'm doubly impressed.

'03 Record or '04 Chorus. I'm not made of carbon fibre... err money :)

Living down under means you will pay a fortune for shipping anything bigger than a tube. :) So buy locally, also warranties are handled much better locally.

The Giant TCR is available as frame and fork only but is close to $3000. For an extra $1000 it can be bought with full Ultegra and Shimano wheels. I bought the TCR1 in January, the only thing I changed were the wheels to Mavic K's SSC SL. I have had 28 races this year and it is fantastic, not a single problem. I have also done a 200k ride on it and never felt uncomfortable, it is a very smooth ride. I have not heard a single bad comment about this bike from anyone who has owned one. You won't regret it.

BTW All the TCR's including the Team model have exactly the same frame and fork, the only difference being the colour.

CHEERS.

Mark

Living down under means you will pay a fortune for shipping anything bigger than a tube. :) So buy locally, also warranties are handled much better locally.

The Giant TCR is available as frame and fork only but is close to $3000. For an extra $1000 it can be bought with full Ultegra and Shimano wheels. I bought the TCR1 in January, the only thing I changed were the wheels to Mavic K's SSC SL. I have had 28 races this year and it is fantastic, not a single problem. I have also done a 200k ride on it and never felt uncomfortable, it is a very smooth ride. I have not heard a single bad comment about this bike from anyone who has owned one. You won't regret it.

BTW All the TCR's including the Team model have exactly the same frame and fork, the only difference being the colour.

CHEERS.

Mark

Cheers for the feedback, much appreciated.

Problem being even with shipping costs, it's still a good bit cheaper than 2 LBS's are willing to go...

Good to hear about the TCR, I am starting to lean towards it. :)