Farby

So like the title says I'm getting my ass back out on the bike after several years away from any type of riding. I spent the winter pedaling an exercise bike and have been getting out now that weather is cooperating. I was not hardcore by any means and usually did about 80 miles per week, but i enjoy it thoroughly. I used to frequent this forum regularly and kept up with most bike related things. I had a beautiful lynskey with campy that i loved but eventually sold off. I'm currently left with my first bike a Trek 1600 from 2007. It's ok and gets the job done. I need to work on the engine first, but that doesn't mean I can't have a fun project.

I'd like to build up a new bike, likely chinese carbon(gasp) to save some pennies. I'd consider a complete bike if it were the right price. I don't care about labels. The idea of an all black matte carbon bike is appealing but there are so many manufacturers and so many models with names like R043 FM079 FM069 it's all just confusing me. So i'm open to suggestions and direction from those of you who are much more current on offerings. Here is my criteria.

1)Carbon frame
2)total build around $2k, preferably less
3)Weight is important, I'd really like this thing to be very light.
4)Ultegra or better drivetrain, don't really need electronic.
5)Aero factor not important, would like more of an climbing frame if there is such a thing.
6)light wheelset, deep dish not necessary.

Ok my flame suit is on. Go!

RPK79

Nashbar road frame, Vuelta wheels, and a groupset off of Ribble.

rms13

https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycli...bon-build.html

CafeVelo

+1. I have no need for another bike, but this build is very, very tempting. I'd pay the extra ~$50 for a custom paint job, but a superlight, extremely stiff bike would be awesome. I already have some very light carbon clinchers and some crazy deep wheels, so it could easily be dressed according to the planned route. You all suck for coaxing cash from my hands.

silversx80

Up your budget just a tad and you could get another Lynskey (the R150) with Ultegra:

https://lynskeyperformance.com/r150-complete-1/

Or, just stick with 105 components which are nearly as good, and save yourself $645.

Or, get just the frameset for ~$1K (frame, fork, headset), and find the rest of your build on ebay and wiggle.


EDIT: I personally would order a complete bike with 105 from Lynskey and have it come without pre-assembly. This way all components are in boxes. I could then order Ultegra 6800 from Wiggle.com for $600 and hock the 105 gruppo on Ebay for about $450. I'd keep the wheels for spares and build a new set with components from BikeHubStore.com for <$300 (my current set weigh less than 1450g).


My Lynskey R240 (ML size) with SRAM Force weighs a shade over 7.3 kg.

Farby

Thanks for the replies thus far. the sub 2k build looks really interesting. As for the lynskey. I had one, i loved it. But this time i'm going carbon.

Elvo

Just get this:
2015 Litespeed T5 Ultegra - Medium Large/56cm - New - Full Warranty ? My Bike Shop

Farby

thats a good deal but No titanium. Carbon frame only.

Farby

RMS,
I'm getting more and more interested in this. Can you tell me what tools you needed to do the install? and extras like adapters? I know I'd need a torque wrench which i have(crummy harbor freight) but wasn't sure what else. I have basic tools but don't know what I'd need if there are specific tools.(i recall in the past there being bottom bracket tools, headset press or something like that?)

I've done maintenance, installed derailleurs etc, but never a full build from the ground up so I will need to have tools, adhesives adapters or whatever else on hand. Also any reason you chose this frame over the WCBR-085? (or was it not available at the time?)

Thanks

silversx80

I'm curious as to why carbon only? I've had carbon... good carbon (Scott Addict), and it's good, real good. I've also ridden "budget" carbon and it fatigues you more than my old 2005 Trek 2100 did... like riding a wooden plank. I'll take a Cannondale CAAD, or Specialized Allez over a budget carbon any day of the week... in fact, I put my money where my mouth is and purchased a CAAD10 a couple weeks ago. I'd also consider a Scott CR1 10 (rides similar to my CAAD). They're a ~$2,000 carbon bike with mostly Ultegra, but good luck finding one.

ShadowGray

Special Edition Bikes - Ribble Cycles
Road Bikes | Planet X

If you don't feel like building it yourself, there's a few places that take the same frames and rebrand them. These two are from the UK and can offer a full Ultegra carbon bike for under $1500. If you're going the UK route, make sure to tell them you want the brake cables routed US-style and not UK-style.

Farby

The reason being I used to have a lynskey and want to try carbon this time around.

silversx80

If I were you, and take this advice for all you're paying for it, I'd go to a local bike shop (or a few shops) and ride several different $2,000 bikes. Then ride some a bit more expensive, and a bit less expensive. All carbon is not created equal.

Farby

Thanks for the advice Silver.

aubiecat

The WCB-R-085 isn't in full production yet. They are just now finishing the molds. I'm going to purchase one when they come available but I'm about to get one of the 066 frames because I want to build a climbing bike.
rms13, rpenmanparker and few others have built, proven and documented the 066 frames here.

Maelochs

I have read in an extensive thread on WeightWeenies in Chinabombs that you shouldn't get the fist few months' production of a new frame. Let other people find all the little flaws and report them, then buy the second generation out of the molds, with all the corrections.

rpenmanparker 

As my prior posts have shown, I agree wholeheartedly with RMS13 regarding the Workswell build. The -066 is a terrific frame, very light, very competent, reasonably comfortable, dirt cheap. IMO you can't do better. I don't know what the -085 is going to be, but I doubt seriously it will beat out the -066 in weight and comfort.

Farby

I think i am starting to lean this way. My only hesitation is the building it up part, what tools/extras are needed(loctite, adapters, glue etc)? I want to do it, i just don't want to go in blind as to what I am taking on and extra costs for tools.

Lots of little questions run through my head. I have basic stuff but it's odds and ends that I'm not familiar with, bottom bracket, is the F/D braze on? what kind of headset needed for this frame?

I could pay a shop to do it, but i really don't want to.

silversx80

I'm trying to remember off the top of my head. I have everything, so I just go grab the tool I need without thinking about having it:
- 2 torque wrenches (one to let you dial as low as 5 n-m, and one that lets you get about 85 ft-lbs)
- Metric set of allen wrenches
- Metric set of allen drivers (for the torque wrenches)
- Cable cutter (get a bike specific one, as it's meant to cut cable housings too, will have an end conditioning fitting for the cut housings, and an appropriately-sized crimping space)
- 15mm pedal wrench (may be needed if your pedals do not include an allen fitting... like SpeedPlay Zero Stainless can only be tightened with a pedal wrench)
- Cassette tool
- Chain breaker
- Small spirit level
- Sharp scissors
- Electrical tape
- I use a standard tube of white lithium grease for all bearing fittings
- Anti-seize (get from home depot)
- Blue Loctite
- Friction paste for carbon seatpost if you're using one

I think that's it. You may be able to get away with spending under $300 for the lot.

Shuffleman

A shop will typically charge you about $100 to do the install if you take it all to them. I have not done it myself yet, but I am getting ready to do it with my mtb as soon as I find the time. The first time, I paid a shop to put it together. There are plenty of youtube videos and park tool videos to assist you.

Farby

Thank you for the list Silver!

Shuffle,
The last bike i had assembled I paid a shop as well, if i recall it was like $175 for assembly and a fitting session. it's easy enough to pay it again, but I'd much rather learn. Good luck with your build up.

aubiecat

If nothing else, they finally have pictures of a real 085 frame on their website.

kbarch

Start with Craigslist.
Seriously, if I wanted a "project" bike and was on a budget, that's where I'd start. Get a quality used frame (could be anything) from one of your neighbors - a bike that only looks bad because it's been neglected and needs a new chain, cassette and cables.

rpenmanparker 

Anti-seize? Where?

rpenmanparker 

A serviceable headset comes with the frame. If you want to replace with with a very good one, you just buy a 1 1/8 in top assembly and a 1 3/8 in bottom bearing. That's all that you need. The Cane Creek 40 series is excellent and the separate parts are readily available.

Yes, FD is braze-on.