Originally Posted by
DavidW56
I haven't read to the bottom of this thread yet, but...RobbieTunes and others, if it hasn't been posted before, could you give a short how-to narrative on what it takes to build a bike for $1000 or less that is, as you say, fast enough, comfortable enough, and good-looking enough to satisfy all but the most discriminating riders? Sort of a Velo-not-so-Cheapo build.
This is easy, just buy a complete bike off of ebay or in the forum here. There was a pristine LeMond with Campy Record and Delta brakes listed in the for sale section for $1200 which I think is a very fair price. $1200 is over $1000 but I think you get the point. If I look in my garage there isnt a single bike in there that I paid an outrageous amount for. When I give 'guesstimates' of value I never take into account garage sale or flea market finds as they aren't reflective of actual street value.
Here's a quick 'how to build it for a $1000' w/ a minimum of Shimano 600 Ultegra/Dura Ace or Campy Athena/Chorus/NR. All parts unless otherwise noted are available through the BF classifieds or Ebay
Schwinn Paramount frameset, Tampa CL: $275 (not mine)
Cinelli stem and bars: $40
Bar tape: $15
Seat w/ titanium rails: $75
Chris King headset: $75
Wheelset, complete w/ tires and cassette/freewheel: $150
Chain: $20
Derailleurs and shifters, indexed: $75
Brakeset: $50
Seatpost, Ebay or BF classifieds: $50
BB, Shimano 50 series cartridge: $30
Pedals: $50
Cableset: $40
I think thats $970. With savy purchases it can be done for much less.
In general, full Dura Ace bikes with down tube shifters start in the high $400's, full Dura Ace bikes w/ STI levers start around $500, Campy Nuovo Record bikes start around $300, Super Record (80's SR) start around $400, Record bikes with Ergo levers start around $800. Keep in mind that these are starting prices for bikes in average condition but ready to ride condition as well. As an example, realistic retail street pricing for a good quality Italian bike with Campy SR is more like $1000.