Originally Posted by
MassiveD
On component quality, I think it would be interesting to look at what people built their LHTs out with before the complete bike was made available and what was on the complete bike. There was certainly a wider diversity, and I would guess it was mostly higher quality parts, but I would have to wait to see the result.
I looked at the current parts list, pretty nice actually, though lots of room for improvement, but only the cranks, bars and seat were unknown to me, though admittedly those alone are 500 dollars worth of parts if one switches them out for the good stuff. I think the only parts I would actually consider using are the rear deraileur, seat post clamp, levers and shifters.
$500 more? I am sure you could find components to get to that total cost, but that would also mean outfitting the LHT with stuff which is more than whats needed.
You wouldnt consider using the hubs?...They are LX hubs. Really, what is inherently wrong with them? Seems to be pretty good stuff.
The front derailleur isnt good enough for you?...its a friction shifting FD...you move a lever and it moves as much or as little as you want. With that system, if the FD doesnt perform to your liking, its because you are a poor shifter. How is the Sora quality not good enough for friction shifting?
Anyways- $500 more? A Deore crank and matching BB will cost something like $70, last I checked. Too low quality for you? A beautiful Sugino XD will set you back $90 and its a square taper to match the current BB. A saddle will cost you whatever you want, and will need to be changed with most any bike you get if you demand a specific saddle. Holding that against a bike is absurd since its a preference accessory. But still, assume $60 for a touring saddle on the higher end of the cost spectrum. Some drop bars will cost anywhere from $20 to $300. $50 will get you a beautiful and high quality Nitto Rando bar and shim or jsut a Nitto Noodle. $75 will get you a Salsa Cowbell 3 bar and a 31.8 stem. Those are 3 good options which are not close to the cheapest and all 3 are well used and respected options.
So I just provided actual components which are all well used and respected and the costs would be between $180 and $235 depending on preference. One could easily go cheaper in cost and still have fine quality components, but I understand wanting to use more reviewed and mainstream name brand components which is why I listed the above stuff.
I would struggle to spend $500 on a saddle, drop bar, and crankset.