Originally Posted by
RollCNY
I build bikes because I am cheap, and have odd tastes.
I have never found stock wheels that I like, so a new pre-built bike will always need wheels. I like Specialized Romin saddles, so a new pre-built will always need a new saddle. I do not typically like compact cranks, so a new bike will need chainrings, or a crank. The hoods are rarely where I like them, so I need new tape half the time in order to be able to dial in comfort. I despise wide range cassettes, so I always end up buying a new cassette.
So buying all of that crap twice means a new pre-built bike is far too expensive for my tastes. On my Felt SS, the only original parts are the frame, the BB, and the crank. I bought it from my LBS to help rebuild bridges after an issue, so it was worth it for that, but not worth it when I compare the $580 purchase price to the $7-800 I have added to it.
Lol, that all makes sense. When I got the BMC, I needed a different saddle, a different seatpost, shorter cranks, different bars, then different bars again. LBS was unwilling to give me anything more than a 15% discount on the swap-outs (have I mentioned that I really don't like them?), so I just told them to forget their discount, give me the components and I would just sell or give the swapped parts away. Don't even get me started on how they handled the need for a second set of bars. I haven't actually sold or given away anything, maybe I should make a list of what I have for you bike-building Addicts.
Along those lines, can you all believe that I STILL don't have my carbon seatpost yet?! Now my BMC guy does not even return my calls. Yesterday was the two-month anniversary of my attempts to get the seat post. First LBS (different than my purchase LBS, I don't work with them anymore over the whole bar episode) ordered the wrong thing. Then BMC said "end of April for sure." Then last week at the end of April said "next week for sure." Now this week is almost over, I called BMC yesterday afternoon and again this morning, no return call, no seat post, no word on when it will come.
