Originally Posted by
harrier
$100 for the frame
$600 for the repaint
$600 for new wheels and crankset
$100 for Brooks Saddle
$100 for Nitto rack
$45 for Nitto bars
$50 for Nitto stem
Did it "need" to be $1,600? No way. I could have ridden the $150 bike all day. But it was a little small (25" frame for my 6'3" body). I hated the old seat. The old SR Randonneur bars are too narrow (I wear a 46" jacket). The reach was too low so I got a Technomic Deluxe Stem.
The two biggest costs, repainting and new wheels, were because I wanted them. But the point was that my bike is now an equivalent (new condition, great wheels, great fit), not just an old bike with similar geometry.
And I suppose I should add another $100+ for the innumerable rolls of handlebar tape and brake/derailleur cables I went through to get the look and configuration I wanted.
Ah, I didn't think about a repaint. Mine still has the same old ratty paint from 1983.
I also didn't spend as much on wheels as I already had an old set of hubs I wanted to use. Either way, our bikes are still fairly cheap compared to a Rivendell, and ride very nicely. One thing I especially like about Rivendell and Grant's ideas is that he really stresses tire and fender clearance. My Univega is an actual touring bike and it doesn't have near the clearance as your average Rivendell.