Road Cycling - ~$2k Budget - Full Carbon Frameset and Build Kit Suggestions

It's time to play Product Manager! Well, on a run of one bike...

This is a challenge for the frugal ones who know what they are looking for. I think the title says it all, to part spec a full carbon road bike build less than or equal to an off-the-peg complete. Bonus points if you know where you would buy online and/or post pictures if you recently did this. LBS supporters should leave the room.

Here's a link to the interesting (and hopefully still relevant) article from 2002 which prompted this thread:

http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/features/bikebiz.html

Maybe someone in the know can enlighten us on the accuracy or if anything has changed much since.

EDIT: Just list your favorite frameset/gruppo/wheelset combination for ~$2k.

I would say,
Frame: Pedal Force RS2 group buy
Group: Future 2009 Rival group buy
Wheels: Group buy kinlin niobium 30s and formula hubs (DT Revo spokes)

Frameset: Motobecane Immortal Spirit 2007 - $685 (shipped) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2007-Road-Bike-Frame-and-Fork-Carbon-Fiber-Frameset_W0QQitemZ200248556282QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed $605 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=D6050

Pedals: Look Carbon CroMo $135 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A1468

Saddle: Selle Italia Carbonio SLR $134 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=S2007 (http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=S2007)

Wheelset: Shimano RS20 Wheelset $220 http://www.rei.com/product/769228

Handlebars: Ritchey WCS Carbon Logic $217 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=M1006

Stem: ITM Forged Lite Carbon Ahead $54

Tires and Chain and whatever I forgot - $75

Total - $2125

You could easily shave from the handlebars, stem, pedals, and seat to get the price a lot closer to $2000. I just wanted to squeeze as much carbon on as possible (within reason).

Did I win?

Did I win?

Excellent DETAILS in your post! We shall see... :)

Frameset: Motobecane Immortal Spirit 2007 - $685 (shipped) http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-2007-Road-Bike-Frame-and-Fork-Carbon-Fiber-Frameset_W0QQitemZ200248556282QQihZ010QQcategoryZ98084QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 10 Speed $605 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=D6050

Pedals: Look Carbon CroMo $135 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A1468

Saddle: Selle Italia Carbonio SLR $134http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=S2007

Wheelset: Campy Scirroco G3 $300 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=W1002

Handlebars: Ritchey WCS Carbon Logic $217 http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=M1006

Stem: ITM Forged Lite Carbon Ahead $54

Tires and Chain and whatever I forgot - $75

Total - $2205

You could easily shave from the handlebars, stem, pedals, and seat to get the price a lot closer to $2000. I just wanted to squeeze as much carbon on as possible (within reason).

Did I win?

One slight flaw in your plan... the wheelset you picked out only works with a campy drivetrain. That drives the price up quite a bit. :(

Fixed it. And saved some dough too.

Frameset: Motobecane Immortal Spirit 2007

Did I win?


Not even close.


OP: How patient are you? Group buys and the occasional internet sale can net you a bike for ~40%-50% less than retail price. Very tough to beat some of the $2k-$3k Pedal Force builds seen here. Patrick is said to have a killer group buy in the works, but that's still a ways out and > $2k. If you're willing to endure the wait and make some (minor) compromises on component choice, group buys are where it's at.

Hey, he didn't say it had to be a great frame. I think frames are overrated anyway, I'd much rather have nice components and wheelset and such than an expensive frame. They're all ridiculously light, as long as they don't fall apart, who cares?

OP: How patient are you? Group buys and the occasional internet sale can net you a bike for ~40%-50% less than retail price. Very tough to beat some of the $2k-$3k Pedal Force builds seen here. Patrick is said to have a killer group buy in the works, but that's still a ways out and > $2k. If you're willing to endure the wait and make some (minor) compromises on component choice, group buys are where it's at.

I'm all about the occasional internet sale, but have yet to participate in a group buy. I nearly got the Look 555 Origin Ultegra SL at Jenson when they had all sizes available.

A little OT, but does anyone know of a HIGH QUALITY custom decal manufacturer that specializes in single-run decals for bikes? I would definitely be one to design some decals for a bare group buy frame.

Just go to your local mall, you're bound to find a booth that can cut up whatever decals you can dream of for a reasonable price.

Just go to your local mall, you're bound to find a booth that can cut up whatever decals you can dream of for a reasonable price.

Is that meant to be an insult?

Is that meant to be an insult?

If it was i'd have put :rolleyes: at the end of it...

It was meant as a serious suggestion. Back when I was into import cars I did that all the time for manufacturer decals... if all the decals are the same color you can get a crapload of them cutout for real cheap.

A little OT, but does anyone know of a HIGH QUALITY custom decal manufacturer that specializes in single-run decals for bikes? I would definitely be one to design some decals for a bare group buy frame.

Lemme know if you find something. I spent 4-6 weeks last year looking for something similar. There are plenty of places who will produce crap-quality vinyl stickers from an ink jet printer. They'll be 2-3X thicker than manufacturer decals and fade after 2-3 years, unless the shoddy glue gives up before then. If you want high-quality, you're going to have to spend some $$$$. SSSink is probably the place to go, but they aren't too Internet savvy (read: I got frustrated that they only answered 50% of my e-mails and gave up on them). Custom frame-builders seem to love them, though.

Pedal Force RS2 group buy or other. Their zx3 isn't bad either but the RS2 is a really nice ride. I have to agree the Rival group set for a budget is wonderful. I don't have the 2009 but darn wish I did.
I run Speed Play zeros but any standard pedal will work. It is based on your comfort. Honestly don't bother getting carbon fiber pedals, you are waisting your money. Lose two lbs instead and you will have more than made up for the weight savings. I am running Renyolds Solitude, but the attacks are nice as well. Sel Italia seat, but then again your saddle is personal prefrence.
I am sure you can peice together something but honestly I ordered everything from them and didn't need to buy anything but my stand, and builders greese. Yes they are a mail order outfit but they respond to emails and are pretty cool if there are issues, and getting things sorted.

What size?

http://www.glorycycles.com/blconx7cobi2.html

Pedal Force RS2 group buy or other. Their zx3 isn't bad either but the RS2 is a really nice ride. I have to agree the Rival group set for a budget is wonderful. I don't have the 2009 but darn wish I did.
I run Speed Play zeros but any standard pedal will work. It is based on your comfort. Honestly don't bother getting carbon fiber pedals, you are waisting your money. Lose two lbs instead and you will have more than made up for the weight savings. I am running Renyolds Solitude, but the attacks are nice as well. Sel Italia seat, but then again your saddle is personal prefrence.
I am sure you can peice together something but honestly I ordered everything from them and didn't need to buy anything but my stand, and builders greese. Yes they are a mail order outfit but they respond to emails and are pretty cool if there are issues, and getting things sorted.

Where is the pedal force rs2 gb going down?

Lemme know if you find something. I spent 4-6 weeks last year looking for something similar. There are plenty of places who will produce crap-quality vinyl stickers from an ink jet printer. They'll be 2-3X thicker than manufacturer decals and fade after 2-3 years, unless the shoddy glue gives up before then. If you want high-quality, you're going to have to spend some $$$$. SSSink is probably the place to go, but they aren't too Internet savvy (read: I got frustrated that they only answered 50% of my e-mails and gave up on them). Custom frame-builders seem to love them, though.

Yep, I would never put some vinyl cheese on a full carbon frameset. Contacting some framebuilders is a great idea. I see you've been in the Framebuilders forum already. :)

A little OT, but does anyone know of a HIGH QUALITY custom decal manufacturer that specializes in single-run decals for bikes? I would definitely be one to design some decals for a bare group buy frame.

You might want to try these guys (http://www.vcgraphix.com/). I've used them and I believe Trek uses them also.

You might want to try these guys (http://www.vcgraphix.com/). I've used them and I believe Trek uses them also.

Now that you mention it, their website does look familiar... Any details about your experience with their decals, from conception through production? They look quality. Thanks!

Alright, back on track. Who else has a part spec?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2006/tech/shows/eicma06/eicma0613/EMil06-Deda2.jpg

The Dedacciai Nero Corsa frame looks good to me. I've seen a few rebadges/appropriations of it. For example, I really like what Kona has done with their road program. They currently use it for their Zing Deluxe model. I would pick it up, but feel like I could do better than 105 for my $2k. And I would love to have 2009 Rival on my next bike!

Watch this (http://www.bdopcycling.com/AsiaSeiko-Frames.asp#ROS12) space.

Details to follow.

I'd consider the PBK carbon with Dura-ace, looks good in white

http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=J1073

http://i81.photobucket.com/albums/j226/lannes2007/bikelarge.jpg

Pedal Force QS2 (Add $100 for RS frame). Good example of a SRAM Rival build, the Fulcrum 5 wheelset could be replaced with FSA RD-220 for about $25 less.

New bike [-Edit-]
Frame:
QS2 $600.00
Fork:
ID14-S $149.00
Headset:
FSA Orbit CE Compatible Headset $35.00
Headset Compressor:
Carbolock $10.00
Headset Spacers:
Seatpost:
P2 300mm x 31.6mm $59.00
Crankset:
SRAM Rival Crankset w/ GXP Team Cup Set $107.53
Bottom Bracket:
SRAM GXP Team Bottom Bracket
Chain:
SRAM Rival PC-1070 PowerChain $34.20
Front Derailleur:
SRAM Rival Front Derailleur 34.9mm $29.67
Rear Derailleur:
SRAM Rival Rear Derailleur $54.37
Brakes:
SRAM Rival brakeset $93.97
Integrated Shifter & Brake Lever Set:
SRAM Rival DoubleTap Controls $225.06
Cables:
Derailleur and Brake Cable Set (available only with full groupkit purchase)
Handlebar:
Ritchey WCS 31.8mm Bar $64.29
Handlebar Tape:
Cinelli Cork Tape $5.96
Stem:
Thomson X2 Road 31.8mm Stem
Stem length : 120 mm $48.22
Tubes:
700Cx18-25 Butyl Tube, Presta Valve x 2 $4.16
Front Tire:
Michelin Pro 3 Race, 700CX23 Kevlar $24.11
Rear Tire:
Michelin Pro 3 Race, 700CX23 Kevlar $24.11
Wheelset:
Fulcrum Racing 5
Freehub type : Shimano $256.49
Cassette:
SRAM OpenGlide OG-1070 Cassette $49.47
Saddle:
SELLE SAN MARCO ASPIDE $52.64
Pedals:
Consumer Warranties and Policies:
Professional Bicycle Assembly
Product Satisfaction Guarantee
Shipping Options:
$1,927.25
Sub-Total: $1,927.25

Let's simplify this a little so more people will respond...

Just list your favorite frameset/gruppo/wheelset (like Rosso Corsa) for ~$2k. I should have clarified that's what I'm really after. The contact points (seatpost/saddle, stem/handlebars and pedals) and accessories are taken care of, thanks to my parts bin.

You might want to try these guys (http://www.vcgraphix.com/). I've used them and I believe Trek uses them also.

After hearing all kinds of great things about Victory Circle Graphix, I asked them to send me some free samples and was absolutely not impressed with the examples I received...

Let's simplify this a little so more people will respond...

Just list your favorite frameset/gruppo/wheelset (like Rosso Corsa) for ~$2k. I should have clarified that's what I'm really after. The contact points (seatpost/saddle, stem/handlebars and pedals) and accessories are taken care of, thanks to my parts bin.

Kestrel NOS/closeout jobber (http://www.racycles.com/catalog.html?Vl=420&Tp=2&reload=1) + Ultegra 10 (http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=D6050)/Centaur Alloy (http://www.lickbike.com/productpage.aspx?PART_NUM_SUB='7177-69') groupset + Open Pro/whatever (http://txcyclesport.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=M&Category_Code=W_handbuilt_road).

Find $700 frame (probably a group buy)
Buy ultegra kit from CC with ult/open pros for $1200 http://www.coloradocyclist.com/product/kit/SSFBASG1
Buy pedals for $100

= ~$2000

After hearing all kinds of great things about Victory Circle Graphix, I asked them to send me some free samples and was absolutely not impressed with the examples I received...

What was unimpressive about them? I would think thinness and durability would be the prime factors for quality frame decals.

Now that you mention it, their website does look familiar... Any details about your experience with their decals, from conception through production? They look quality. Thanks!


I can't vouch for their custom graphic work. I only ordered a sticker with my name and flag on it and some carbon colored frame protector sticker. This was a while back and they still look good on my bike and haven't shown any signs of peeling or fading.

What was unimpressive about them? I would think thinness and durability would be the prime factors for quality frame decals.

Their decals weren't that thin and the adhesive on them didn't seem that great.

Pedal Force w/Rival and some nice wheels...Mavic Ksyriums.

Search your LBS' as well, you may stumble across something like this just as I did...it's a good start on another build.

http://www.freewebs.com/slimvela/DSC07515.JPG

that titus frame is hot!

Readymade... http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/frame/2007-ridley-excalibursram-rival-complete-bike-4957.html Or maybe I'm missing the point... That's OK too.

Just saw this special on the Pedal Force website. You may want in on this and have the TOP OF THE LINE SRAM Red gruppo!

http://pedalforce.com/online/product_info.php?products_id=10365

Only 20 sets are offered and the gruppo alone costs this much at retail. Then if you pick up some Mavic Ksyrium Elites, Ritchey WCS Aluminum components (stem, bars, and seatpost), pedals, and a saddle of your choice, then it should come to less than $3K, but you will have the top of the line bike compared to having an all Ultegra or SRAM Rival bike or such.

Or buy a fully built 2007 Look 555 from a bike shop (new) for $1900. Full carbon, Ultegra, Mavic Equipe, can't beat it.

Search via Google and you'll find these closeouts. I bought one and couldn't be happier.

Nice Ti frame used ~$1000-1500 will get you a super highend use frame.
PBK Ultegra or Campy Veloce kit and soem nice $200 wheels