Originally Posted by
noglider
How much is this likely to cost, overall? You do realize you'd save a ton of money starting with a bike, right? I think building a bike from the ground up is fine if you're doing it for the experience. I just want to make sure you're making an informed decision.
It depends what you mean by save a ton of money. To get everything that I want (quality lugged steel frame, dual-pivot calipers w/ aero levers, Deep V wheels, IGH, and drop bars), starting with a bike instead of a frame would mean ditching the drivetrain, brakes, and wheels. Avid ebayers claim to recoup costs by selling that stuff off, but I don't consider that an effective use of my time.
It's a bit crass to talk about #'s, but I did set a budget for this project and so far I'm on target. It'll cost a bit more than a new Trek Soho Deluxe, but be
much better tailored to my tastes. It'll be a bit cheaper than if I bought the Soho Deluxe and modified it to my taste (new stem, drop bars, Versa VRS-8 shifter, different rims, different fenders), and a lot better looking IMO.