765chris

It's been more than a decade since my last road bike purchase, and I'm looking to get back into things.

I live in a *small* college town, with one small LBS. I'm set on giving them my business if at all feasible because, yeah, I do prefer local. If they go under, the city's an hour away (by car).

Their inventory is incredibly low at the moment (even for winter). There's only one bike in my size and price range (<$1500), but I love it. I'm too much of a newb to properly describe geometry, but it's comfortable without being too upright. It's light as **** compared to my much older aluminum bike. Rides great. I'm thinking of grabbing it next week, but I'd like to get some feedback on pricing before pulling the trigger. It's a custom build, not a Trek/Giant/Specialized mass model. So it's not easy to price shop. Especially since I've never shopped custom builds.

Anyway, the bike: Debernardi Verona frame, SRAM Apex components, (ack, forgot to note wheel brand), perfect saddle (so says my backside).

It looks like the frame goes for between 500-600. The finished product is 1450, with free tuning for a year. Does 850-950 seem like a fair ballpark price for that component set + assembly? I'm not looking to nickle and dime. I know it's a low-volume shop and I value the convenience. I've just never shopped custom builds, so I have roughly zero experience with pricing. Again, I'll pay a reasonable local premium. I just don't want to get fleeced.

Thanks for any feedback!

ericm979

What would a comparable mass market bike with Alu frame and Apex components, plus mods to make it fit you (crank length, saddle, stem, bars) cost? A specialized Allez Comp with Apex lists for $1400, before fitting mods.

I'd say that you'd be getting a decent deal.

765chris

I wasn't really giving that enough consideration - thanks for the reminder.

I think I put the question the way I did because shopping end of season specials at the stores that carry major brands . . . doesn't work to the local shop's favor. At least not on first glance. For example, there's a carbon fiber Giant Defy w/ Apex components for $150 less after discount. The funny thing is, that bike doesn't seem *any* lighter than the debernardi build. It's possible that custom build is across-the-board superior with respect to wheels and all those parts you mentioned.

Anyway, capitalism says the bike is worth what I'll pay for it, and for a new bike that'll give me thousands & thousands of miles, it's worth it to me. I think I've decided to go with the local shop. The intangible is that it just felt right. Just a couple quick adjustments, and it felt like something I'd already been riding for forever. Other than SRAM components; my old bike had Shimano. But I'm not interested in starting that debate here. I was able to adjust pretty quickly, so I dismissed that as a concern.

TrojanHorse

That doesn't look like a "custom" bike, it's just a low volume bike. Some people really enjoy having a bike that nobody else has. I second ericm's pricing advice.

It sounds like you've already made up your mind and just want validation so here you go - enjoy your new bike, looks good!

765chris

I guess low volume is a better description; not trying to pump it up. This place orders lots of frames from low-volume makes, builds 'em, and sells the finished product.

You're right about validation. Not so much about the bike - I think I've got what I need to know. Like trying on a suit off the rack that miraculously fits perfectly -- that's the bike. I was just hoping to get validation that the price was in the ballpark for what was on offer -- because I'm no expert on retail. $1500 isn't a ton of cash for a road bike, but it's not nothing.

Cheers,
Chris

There must be a new member intro thread here. I'll find that, post a pic of the new ride, and stick around to see what sort of tips/info I can pick up here. Probably safe to let this thread slide into oblivion. The only reason I'm typing instead of riding right now is that the place is closed on Sundays.

TrojanHorse

Well, before you go posting pics of your new ride (and please do) make sure you understand how to pose the bike or you'll get 42 snarky responses about it. The "hot or not" thread can give you some ideas on posing.

wayonbird

i think so, That doesn't look like a "custom" bike, it's just a low volume bik,thanks for your sharing.

765chris

Is one of those ideas jacking the seat way up?

If so, I can confirm it isn't just a BF thing. That's how the bike was displayed at the shop, even though the frame is more relaxed/distance than race. The owner(?) even made a slightly sheepish comment when I asked to try it -- something like "Well, we're going to adjust the seat before anyone takes it out, so why not..." No worries. I get it: retail is tough.