Road Cycling - Need inspiration for custom build

I have never owned a compact frame, but just came across a carbon compact frame of very interesting design, reminiscent of the Time VX series frames. I have calculated the total cost of the frame and Campy Record components, and it will be around $3000 or a little more, with my own paint job, and personally selected parts, which I really like the best.

However, I can just buy a Supergo Scattante CFR Limited edition with 9spd Shimano setup for $1800. I also kind of like the traditional geometry of the Scattante CFR LE, as my old bike is a steel frame with the same classic geometry. My custom built bike will no doubt weigh about 0.5-1.0lbs lighter than Scattante, but the low price of the Scattante has me really eyeballing it.

I really would rather keep the Custom bike, as I can pick everything I want, versus having to change out several components on the Scattante, to make it what I want after I buy it. For example, I know I will need a differant saddle, and possibly seatpost, $200. And possibly a better stem and handlebars, as some have said they aren't really the best.

I just thought maybe some of you could weigh-in with what you all think.

People with budget concerns usually go with pre-assembed bikes, but where's the fun in that? :D

If money is that much of a concern to you right now, I suggest you keep saving and doing more research until you can afford a custom rig. Custom bikes are usually poor values. Build it because you want to reward yourself with something extravagant.

Can you provide a link to the frame you were taking about?

No I can't provide a link, as the frame is new, and they don't even advertise it yet. Better yet, I have a pic of it on my computer, so I will post it below. It is being sold by Pedal Force, but is not what they have on there website. The one on there website is being sold out, and they have a new frame coming in, which will be advertised sometime in the next month or so.

Basically, it is a Taiwanese frame, probably Martec, but of a little higher quality than most of the others, like EPX, and Scattante.

The design is a 58cm compact with a 58.5cm top tube. The design has the curved rear stays like a Time frame, and triangular shaped top and downtubes with an integrated FSA CE Orbit headset. The forks are a gentle curve fork, not as pronounced as the others I have seen.

I kinda like it. Would love to see how it performs. Apparently, this new design is VERY stiff, but weighs in at 2.8lbs for the 58 cm frame, so it is a bit lighter than most other Taiwanese frames, but not quite as light as the really nice Time, or Orbea's, of which I can only dream about.

Custom bikes are usually poor values. Build it because you want to reward yourself with something extravagant.

Going custom was my best investment in cycling ever. However, I mean custom in the sense of custom frame-sizing. I never knew how poorly stock frames fit until I sat on my first custom-built frame. For the first time, a bike "fit." It and I were one.

But if you mean custom to be selection of components, value is an individualistic construct. I didn't like the seat post or headset I would have gotten with a pre-assembled bike. Value-wise, the selection of a different headset was cheaper in the long run. It's not needed undue servicing in 7 years now. Handlebars. I much prefer 40s, but they *never* come on a pre-built bike. And cables. There are some very fine high-tech cable systems now that certainly out-perform anything you'll find stock. So yes, there is greater cost, but I have a better bike--and cheaper in some respects over the long term. In sum, buy whatever you want. Just remember, you will be judged by your motor and not your bike.

And with $10k bikes out there these days, another $500 for exactly what you want is hardly extravagant. :)

Custom...go with the custom. Take it from 1 guy who has 3 very nice "off-the-rack" bikes and is building a 4th - go with a custom if it works for you.

The 57 Lemond is such a perfect size for me, going custom doesn't make sense unless I replicate the geometry. When I found a slightly used Tete de Course and realized I could have the frame of my dreams for 1/3 the MSRP, I had to pounce. But I was disappointed that it was "just another Lemond".

So I'm taking the carbon/Ti beauty and getting it painted. A special one-off just for me. This should satisfy the need to be unique.

55/Rad

I do alot of RC modelling, and I am lucky that I have all the stuff I need for my own custom paint job. Air compressor, hoses, Touch-up gun, air brush, various paints, etc etc. So my own custom paint job and water-slide decals under a top clear coat is in order.
I also make my own custom water slide decals on my computer with graphics program, and cover with a couple coats of clear, and virtually no seams are noticed, which I like.

I plan to do pearl-blue and pearl-silver, with some areas of exposed carbon with transparent black to deepen the look. Also thought about mixing a tiny amount of chameleon to give it a prism color change effect as the bike moves in the light.

What do you think? Sound good for a bike?

By the way, what do you guys thnk of the frame design. it is also kinda unique in its own way compared to most others. Simplistic, yet differant than the rest.

I'm confused - is the frame custom made or "off the shelf"?

As for the paint job - sounds incredible. Does the frame come ready to paint or will you need to prep?

55/Rad

Hi,
first, call Supergo and see if you can swap out components as long as you're willing to pay the difference. Most bike shops will do that.
Second, these are very different bikes. My impression of the Scattante is that it is a performance bike that is a mellow fellow.
Your custom looks like the real thing, a racer. Engineers like to say form follows function. If you want a nice bike, go Supergo; if you want balls to the wall.....Pedal Force.

I am going Pedal Force, because I already have a nice old Centurion that rides like a dream, but I want a new carbon bike to do some more real serious riding, and possibly get into some racing if I get good enough.

55/RAD knows about my Centurion. Beautiful bike, but just not up to todays standards of performance.

55/RAD, yes it is an off the shelf blank, which is pretty much set up for doing your own custom paint job. It is not custom made specifically for me. I looked at a custom built carbon frame to match my measurements, but that is WWWAAAYYY out of my price range.

However, my wife helped me take a full set of my measurements, and used an online frame fit calculator to tell me what size of frame I would need. The tube lengths suggested for me just happen to fall within the normal range of what you would find in a 59-60 cm frame, with very little deviation. With the only exception of me needing a slightly shorter top tube as recommended, I figure I can compoensate with a slightly shorter stem (110mm instead of 120mm)to get the right seat to handlebar measurement.

Because I have long legs (35.5-36" inseam) and a shorter torsoe, very few off the shelf frames fit me perfectly, except my Centurion for some reason. Also, this compact design seems to oddly fit my needs as well, even though I have ridden one before, I couldn't really see much differance in performance from traditional geometry. But, I am anxious to see how this particular frame performs.

As far as the paint job goes, it is basically ready to paint, with some very minor prep work needed. It already has a smooth matte finish, which can easily be wet-sanded and ready for base in no time. I will use a white base/sealer before the pearl blue and silver airbrushing begins.

I just found out the frame I purchased is not made in the Martec factory. I am trying to find out exactly where.

But, I do know it is a monocoque frame, not lugged.

Why that's easy. The Scattante would be the more sensible choice. Course, my worst nightmere is of all my kids standing around my coffin and talking about how sensible dad was. I sort of feel obligated to give them something more interesting to talk about.

I know the Scattante would be a good choice. I read all the reviews on the road bike review website. However, there were a few reviews that complained about the excessive flex in the BB area when really pumping up hills or sprinting. They are all lugged frames which have a tendency to do that. The monocoque frames generally are a little stiffer. I want a CF frame that is stiffer in that area for just that reason. My current steel bike flexes quite a bit.
Anyway, I already got the frame, so it is too late for Scattante. Instead, it is time to begin figuring out exactly what designs I want for my custom paint job.

Anyway, I already got the frame, so it is too late for Scattante. Instead, it is time to begin figuring out exactly what designs I want for my custom paint job.
Can you do a work-in-progress thread with pictures? I'd love to see that.

55/Rad

I will do a progress thread, but haven't even started yet. When I get the paints and a good design, then I will. Probably in another week or so.

http://www.pedalforce.com/web/model_RA.htm

why are these frames so cheap? :eek:

also, for paint i would go with a midnight blue that transforms to a bright yellow from front to rear.

Why paint carbon at all?
But then again my MTB is polished AL and my road bike is bare Ti. Maybe I just don't like paint.

Why paint carbon at all?
I'll take this. Simply put - personal preference. Would you paint this frame:

www.lemondbikes.com/images/2004_bikes/large/tetedecourse.jpg

Most people wouldn't - but I am. Simply because I want it to unique.

55/Rad

That's just it. I admit that titanium bikes look really cool because they have such a beautiful natural finish. Carbon fiber does as well. But, plain carbon is so common, I really want something unique thay has my name right on it, so no one will ever confuse my bike with anyone elses.
I plan to use Pearl Blue, Pearl Silver, and some bare carbon accents. So, some carbon will be seen, as it should be to show that it's made of. They whole bike will then have a dusted layer of Gem Sapphire Chameleon paint to give a mild transition effect from blue to violet. I think the silver would look so cool with a subtle hue of transitioning blue and violet over it.

Can't wait to get started

If you guys are wondering, Chameleon paint is extremely expensive and kind of rare. Used for custom auto and chopper paint jobs. A little 4 oz bottle is $22. A gallon costs well over $600.

I personally have never used Chameleon paint before, but the paint store gave me some pointers on how to get the effects I am looking for.

I plan to use Pearl Blue, Pearl Silver, and some bare carbon accents. So, some carbon will be seen, as it should be to show that it's made of. They whole bike will then have a dusted layer of Gem Sapphire Chameleon paint to give a mild transition effect from blue to violet. I think the silver would look so cool with a subtle hue of transitioning blue and violet over it.

honestly, the chameleon paint sounds like a bit much...i have seen it on cars and really it doesn't add anything...except making me think that person is a poser. maybe on a bike, which has much less surface area, it would be cool. be sure to post pics!

Don't get me wrong, it's not like I'm out to win some kind of award or anything. I just wanted to try someting a little differant, that's all. I know what you mean. It does get to a point where the vanity gets rediculous. But, I think with bikes, it not quite as pronounced. But then, why would any of us bother posting pics of our bikes? Also, why not be proud of your wheels? Especially if you piece it together yourself? I just don't like the, "I'm better than everone else attitude."

geez, i prefer to safe my vanity for me, not my bike. yes, uniqueness is nice, but you know what would be unique? me sprinting out to win at the finish. only one person gets to do that each ride. what's more unique than that?

If you guys are wondering, Chameleon paint is extremely expensive and kind of rare. Used for custom auto and chopper paint jobs. A little 4 oz bottle is $22. A gallon costs well over $600.

I personally have never used Chameleon paint before, but the paint store gave me some pointers on how to get the effects I am looking for.

Actually its not just custom cars that have Chameleon paint there have been 2 special edition mustangs that came with it stock (Mystic Cobra and Mystichrome Cobra)

I know. It is getting more common on factory vehicles now. The new Toyota Tundra can be had with a blue/violet chameleon paint job now. I saw one at the local dealership, really nice stuff.

So Patriot,

This thread is three months old. What did you end up doing?

Do a quick search and find a thread called "Trinity", and check out the bike frame. I just got completely done with the paint job, ready for components.