Track Cycling: Velodrome Racing and Training Area - Group components vs. "hand-picked" components

Hey,
I was wondering what you all thought about the advantages of either getting a group set of components versus picking different components from different companies. I'm building up my track bike, and am still on the fence (haha i know) about which way i should go. suggestions?

wow, been a long time since i've posted on these boards. alright, for my return post in say, uh, 1.5 years.

i'm also building up a track bike. i was looking at many different group sets, but i really think building up individually is better, mainly because it allows you to find the deals (with some effort, ofcourse) on different parts. buying in a group, many times you are dealing with a fixed price. but what if you come across the crankset you wanted for a really good price? in the end, its about flexibility.

but, you could also buy a group and sell parts you don't need, maybe for a profit, but in the end i know nothing.

best of luck and let us know how the build comes along

Well, it depends on the components, what is available at what price, your budget, and other things - including your own knowledge and willingness to put some time and energy into looking for parts.

Why don't you mention some of the things you're looking at? Then it will be easier to evaluate.

alright, well to start, the frame is a cramerotti (custom and hand built in italy). Cost about 950, knowing the quality of the frame might also help to know what components are worth puttting on or not. The rough sketch of what I've been thinking of is as follows:
Dura Ace 25th anniversary headset (already purchased second hand)
campagnolo 111mm track bb
sugino 75 silver crank arms and ring
dura ace low flange track hubs
-laced to ambrosio excellence rims (sliver)
Nitto pearl or jaguar (have to talk to the owner to see which angle would compliment the geometry) stem and seatpost

I also already have some nitto chrome drops

Personally, I'd prefer for the cuffs to match the collar. To some, mixing Japanese on Italian is like putting Honda wheels on a VW.

I, too have a custom hand build Italian frame and I've been gathering Campagnolo parts from the same era where I can. True story: I dropped the bike off today to have the Shimano 105 headset replaced with a Campagnolo one. The mechanic said, "What's wrong with the 105?" "It's not Campagnolo.", I replied.

Being that you have an Italian frame i'm sure that Campagnolo Record parts would meet or even be the "best of breed" of every component you need. Also, keeping the components in the family will greatly increase the resale/show value of the bike. An All Campagnolo Record Custom Track Bike or all Dura-Ace Japanese Track Bike would be very popular.

Also...If you are asking then I would assume that you don't have any dead-set favorites.

The Nitto Pearl and Jaguar have dramatically different angles. Let your back and arms dictate the angle and length of the stem. Otherwise you will have a very beautiful looking bike that hurts you to ride. Then you will have to buy another stem. One that fits.

True, a campagnolo groupset would be fantastic on my bike; however, I'm new to the track, and I'm not sure because a) Though I probably could afford it (and by afford i mean not 100% drain my account) it is a large expense and b) I'd look like the new rich kid who has better components than some vets.
If you guys saw a new guy at the track with that kind of bike what would you think? I know that getting campagnolo components is an investment and should last me a very long time, so in a way its not really more expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have that on my bike, but considering my concerns, what do you think?

True, a campagnolo groupset would be fantastic on my bike; however, I'm new to the track, and I'm not sure because a) Though I probably could afford it (and by afford i mean not 100% drain my account) it is a large expense and b) I'd look like the new rich kid who has better components than some vets.
If you guys saw a new guy at the track with that kind of bike what would you think? I know that getting campagnolo components is an investment and should last me a very long time, so in a way its not really more expensive. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to have that on my bike, but considering my concerns, what do you think?

I don't have any experience at the velo (will soon when cert classes start). But if the velo is like skateparks, nobody cares as long as you ride the darn thing and try hard. The only "rich dude posers" that get ripped on are the ones that don't ride their bikes. And if the velo community is like the other cycling communities of which I've been a part (BMXers, commuters, urban riders, MTBers) they only care if you are trying and will give props to a nice bike.

Right on, I've been riding the rental bikes so far at the track, and all the guys there are really nice, give support / advice to the new guys, definately a refreshing attitude from other things, such as certain bike forum threads. But yes, I am going to go to the shop when my frame comes in, and talk to the owner if he can cut me a deal if i buy most of the components from him. Thanks for the advice and helping me decide what route to take. I'll keep you guys posted on how the bike's coming along, pictures and such.

Right now my budget isn't limitless, so I was wondering, what is more important to get better quality? Cranks and bottom bracket or hubs?