Steel or carbon? Rivendell philosophy or??
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Steel or carbon? Rivendell philosophy or??
Looking for some helpful guidance and tips... here's my situation...
A) I'm 56, 6'-2" and 255, in pretty good shape w/no limitations physically.
B) I've been riding a '83 Trek 400 for the past few years. I ride alone generally, once or twice a week as far as 35 miles. I want a bike that's lighter and has better, more modern components.
C) I've read and like a lot of the Rivendell philosophy, yet my 12 year younger brother rides a Felt carbon bike in group settings and LOVES it, so I'm torn... I've ruled an aluminum bike out. I'm gonna either get a carbon or a steel frame bike.
The Rivendell Roadeo weighs around 20 lbs. I don't wanna pay $3,700 for one, though!
Are there any other "light" steel bike alternatives that are less money?
Or should I say the heck with steel and go for a carbon instead? I'm okay with spending $1,200 for the right bike... maybe $1,500 or $2,000 if I was really impressed.
Oh, here's the last part... I live in Albany, GA, not exactly a hotbed of bike activity. We have 2 shops here, both very small... one is a Fuji dealer, the other is a Specialized dealer.
A lot of the bikes I'm looking at are on Craigslist and are anywhere from 90 miles to 200 miles away.
Thanks for your tips and thoughts,
Gary
A) I'm 56, 6'-2" and 255, in pretty good shape w/no limitations physically.
B) I've been riding a '83 Trek 400 for the past few years. I ride alone generally, once or twice a week as far as 35 miles. I want a bike that's lighter and has better, more modern components.
C) I've read and like a lot of the Rivendell philosophy, yet my 12 year younger brother rides a Felt carbon bike in group settings and LOVES it, so I'm torn... I've ruled an aluminum bike out. I'm gonna either get a carbon or a steel frame bike.
The Rivendell Roadeo weighs around 20 lbs. I don't wanna pay $3,700 for one, though!
Are there any other "light" steel bike alternatives that are less money?
Or should I say the heck with steel and go for a carbon instead? I'm okay with spending $1,200 for the right bike... maybe $1,500 or $2,000 if I was really impressed.
Oh, here's the last part... I live in Albany, GA, not exactly a hotbed of bike activity. We have 2 shops here, both very small... one is a Fuji dealer, the other is a Specialized dealer.
A lot of the bikes I'm looking at are on Craigslist and are anywhere from 90 miles to 200 miles away.
Thanks for your tips and thoughts,
Gary
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Posts: 2,470
Bikes: Surly Long Haul Trucker, Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo, Dahon Mu P 24 , Ritchey Breakaway Cross, Rodriguez Tandem, Wheeler MTB
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 32 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
If you go used, you may be able to find a carbon bike in your price range . I ride alone usually as do you, so I have no need to keep up with others. I'm happy with my steel Surly , but it's not light . Yes there are light steel bikes , but again, they are not inexpensive .
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Bay Area, Calif.
Posts: 7,239
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 659 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
6 Posts
If you want something substantially lighter than your 400 I'd opt for a used carbon bike in good condition. Steel bikes that are that light tend to be more expensive (and my experience with steel durability hasn't been very good).
#4
The Left Coast, USA
I was given a beautiful +3500 carbon bike, never really liked it much. Getting rid of it next month, though it is a fine bike for someone.
Love riding my C&V cr-mo bikes.
So, it's a matter of taste..do you really know what you want?
I'd love to have a Rodeo in the stable, but like you I'm not clear on why I need to drop $3700 on it. Especially when you can get a killer C&V bike for under $1500.
Take your time, buy right.
Love riding my C&V cr-mo bikes.
So, it's a matter of taste..do you really know what you want?
I'd love to have a Rodeo in the stable, but like you I'm not clear on why I need to drop $3700 on it. Especially when you can get a killer C&V bike for under $1500.
Take your time, buy right.
#5
Spandex free since 1963!
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 400
Bikes: Cannondale Road Warrior 900, Surly Big Dummy, Electra Townie
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I haven't ridden a carbon bike but my two steel bikes are more comfortable than the aluminum bikes I have.
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Norman, Oklahoma
Posts: 5,395
Bikes: Too many to list
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1765 Post(s)
Liked 1,124 Times
in
746 Posts
I rode a 17 lb carbon Cannondale Synapse for 3 years, then upped my game to a Pinarello Opera steel bike with carbon seatstays at 18.5 lbs
not going back to a carbon bike again . The Opera has what i would consider a training wheelset (Mavic Cosmos) yet still rides livelier than the Synapse-- great bike. Also built a nice DeBernardi with Columbus steel tubing and a triple chainset that is more fun to ride than the modern 'Dale.
maybe if i stepped up to a 12k S Works, Colnago C60 or Cipollini i would see what all the carbon fuss is about, --- But when it comes to the "run of the mill" 3-5000$ machines, I'll take steel
heck, in your price range i have seen nice titanium Serottas on ebay and the like
not going back to a carbon bike again . The Opera has what i would consider a training wheelset (Mavic Cosmos) yet still rides livelier than the Synapse-- great bike. Also built a nice DeBernardi with Columbus steel tubing and a triple chainset that is more fun to ride than the modern 'Dale.
maybe if i stepped up to a 12k S Works, Colnago C60 or Cipollini i would see what all the carbon fuss is about, --- But when it comes to the "run of the mill" 3-5000$ machines, I'll take steel
heck, in your price range i have seen nice titanium Serottas on ebay and the like
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Very N and Very W Ohio Williams Co.
Posts: 2,458
Bikes: 2001 Trek Multitrack 7200, 2104 Fuji Sportif 1.5
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
I shopped all kinds of bikes, had a few hard rules. And broke both of them when I bought my 105 super six EVO. The downside is 25c tires max, I also never wanted a mostly white bike but who can explain what will "click". It is also a mid compact crank which was a challenge starting out this year :-).
#8
Banned.
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Vegemite Island
Posts: 4,130
Bikes: 2017 Surly Troll with XT Drive Train, 2017 Merida Big Nine XT Edition, 2016 Giant Toughroad SLR 2, 1995 Trek 830
Mentioned: 29 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1916 Post(s)
Liked 312 Times
in
220 Posts
Looking for some helpful guidance and tips... here's my situation...
A) I'm 56, 6'-2" and 255, in pretty good shape w/no limitations physically.
B) I've been riding a '83 Trek 400 for the past few years. I ride alone generally, once or twice a week as far as 35 miles. I want a bike that's lighter and has better, more modern components.
C) I've read and like a lot of the Rivendell philosophy, yet my 12 year younger brother rides a Felt carbon bike in group settings and LOVES it, so I'm torn... I've ruled an aluminum bike out. I'm gonna either get a carbon or a steel frame bike.
The Rivendell Roadeo weighs around 20 lbs. I don't wanna pay $3,700 for one, though!
Are there any other "light" steel bike alternatives that are less money?
Or should I say the heck with steel and go for a carbon instead? I'm okay with spending $1,200 for the right bike... maybe $1,500 or $2,000 if I was really impressed.
Oh, here's the last part... I live in Albany, GA, not exactly a hotbed of bike activity. We have 2 shops here, both very small... one is a Fuji dealer, the other is a Specialized dealer.
A lot of the bikes I'm looking at are on Craigslist and are anywhere from 90 miles to 200 miles away.
Thanks for your tips and thoughts,
Gary
A) I'm 56, 6'-2" and 255, in pretty good shape w/no limitations physically.
B) I've been riding a '83 Trek 400 for the past few years. I ride alone generally, once or twice a week as far as 35 miles. I want a bike that's lighter and has better, more modern components.
C) I've read and like a lot of the Rivendell philosophy, yet my 12 year younger brother rides a Felt carbon bike in group settings and LOVES it, so I'm torn... I've ruled an aluminum bike out. I'm gonna either get a carbon or a steel frame bike.
The Rivendell Roadeo weighs around 20 lbs. I don't wanna pay $3,700 for one, though!
Are there any other "light" steel bike alternatives that are less money?
Or should I say the heck with steel and go for a carbon instead? I'm okay with spending $1,200 for the right bike... maybe $1,500 or $2,000 if I was really impressed.
Oh, here's the last part... I live in Albany, GA, not exactly a hotbed of bike activity. We have 2 shops here, both very small... one is a Fuji dealer, the other is a Specialized dealer.
A lot of the bikes I'm looking at are on Craigslist and are anywhere from 90 miles to 200 miles away.
Thanks for your tips and thoughts,
Gary
#9
Senior Member
If you're after steel bikes, you're not going to have much luck at Fuji or Specialized dealers. I guess Specialized have the AWOL, but it's heavy and really for touring and gravel grinding. If you're after a light road bike it's not the bike you want.
I'm a guy who likes steel bikes but it comes at a cost, that cost is not always price, but scarcity. From that point of view, it's likely easier for you to find a carbon bike that you like, because you have local places that sell them.
If you really want to try Steel, your best bet is try to find a Jamis dealer (they have a range of steel road and gravel bikes) or bike shop that deals in QBP brand bikes like Surly and All-City. Looks like you're talking about a trip of >50 miles for either of those though.
Your other option is to buy online, but there you always have the issue that you don't really know if you like the bike until you get it, and if you don't like it, I you'll have to get it packaged back up to return it, likely at cost to you.
I'm a guy who likes steel bikes but it comes at a cost, that cost is not always price, but scarcity. From that point of view, it's likely easier for you to find a carbon bike that you like, because you have local places that sell them.
If you really want to try Steel, your best bet is try to find a Jamis dealer (they have a range of steel road and gravel bikes) or bike shop that deals in QBP brand bikes like Surly and All-City. Looks like you're talking about a trip of >50 miles for either of those though.
Your other option is to buy online, but there you always have the issue that you don't really know if you like the bike until you get it, and if you don't like it, I you'll have to get it packaged back up to return it, likely at cost to you.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 208 Times
in
146 Posts
Looking for some helpful guidance and tips... here's my situation...
A) I'm 56, 6'-2" and 255, in pretty good shape w/no limitations physically.
B) I've been riding a '83 Trek 400 for the past few years. I ride alone generally, once or twice a week as far as 35 miles. I want a bike that's lighter and has better, more modern components.
C) I've read and like a lot of the Rivendell philosophy, yet my 12 year younger brother rides a Felt carbon bike in group settings and LOVES it, so I'm torn... I've ruled an aluminum bike out. I'm gonna either get a carbon or a steel frame bike.
The Rivendell Roadeo weighs around 20 lbs. I don't wanna pay $3,700 for one, though!
Are there any other "light" steel bike alternatives that are less money?
Or should I say the heck with steel and go for a carbon instead? I'm okay with spending $1,200 for the right bike... maybe $1,500 or $2,000 if I was really impressed.
Oh, here's the last part... I live in Albany, GA, not exactly a hotbed of bike activity. We have 2 shops here, both very small... one is a Fuji dealer, the other is a Specialized dealer.
A lot of the bikes I'm looking at are on Craigslist and are anywhere from 90 miles to 200 miles away.
Thanks for your tips and thoughts,
Gary
A) I'm 56, 6'-2" and 255, in pretty good shape w/no limitations physically.
B) I've been riding a '83 Trek 400 for the past few years. I ride alone generally, once or twice a week as far as 35 miles. I want a bike that's lighter and has better, more modern components.
C) I've read and like a lot of the Rivendell philosophy, yet my 12 year younger brother rides a Felt carbon bike in group settings and LOVES it, so I'm torn... I've ruled an aluminum bike out. I'm gonna either get a carbon or a steel frame bike.
The Rivendell Roadeo weighs around 20 lbs. I don't wanna pay $3,700 for one, though!
Are there any other "light" steel bike alternatives that are less money?
Or should I say the heck with steel and go for a carbon instead? I'm okay with spending $1,200 for the right bike... maybe $1,500 or $2,000 if I was really impressed.
Oh, here's the last part... I live in Albany, GA, not exactly a hotbed of bike activity. We have 2 shops here, both very small... one is a Fuji dealer, the other is a Specialized dealer.
A lot of the bikes I'm looking at are on Craigslist and are anywhere from 90 miles to 200 miles away.
Thanks for your tips and thoughts,
Gary
My takeaway from Peterson/Rivendell is, unless you are competing in a race, why worry about shaving off the very last gram off the weight of your bike? Pay for quality, whether or not it is super lightweight. A bicycle can and should be a machine to transport a 250 lb man and whatever gear/groceries/whatever he wants to take with him. And get wheels tires that will hold up to years of riding over a variety of surfaces, since unlike the pros in European stage races, you don't have a mechanic in a team car ready to jump out and change a wheel, or tire for you. Or fix your bike should you run into a mechanical in the middle of a tour.
If you are worried about getting a bike that is lighter than 20 lbs, then go carbon fiber. As for myself, I pretty much buy into some of Peterson's philosophy. Because I weigh over 250 lbs, I am not worried about shaving every last gm off the weight of my bike. It is much cheaper for me to shave 10 or 20 lbs off my body than to worry about a lb or two of bike weight. My back wheel is a touring model with 36 spokes, and I ride on tires that are more robust than they are aero or super lightweight. Why? Because at the speeds I ride, there isn't much aero advantage anyway, and because I would prefer to keep riding than to constantly change flats, or dealing with broken spokes. And while I like technological change, I won't be changing bikes just to have the latest and greatest electronic shifting 11 speed drivetrain. And barring a catasrophe, I fully expect that while I will be changing wheels, tires, brake pads, and drivetrain components eventually, that I will still be riding my current bike 10 or 15 years from now.
Last edited by MRT2; 05-24-16 at 06:35 AM.
#11
Senior Member
#12
Abuse Magnet
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Colorado
Posts: 1,870
Bikes: '91 Mtn Tek Vertical, '74 Raleigh Sports, '72 Raleigh Twenty, '84 Univega Gran Turismo, '09 Surly Karate Monkey, '92 Burley Rock-n-Roll, '86 Miyata 310, '76 Raleigh Shopper
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 151 Post(s)
Liked 175 Times
in
89 Posts
Personally, I'm a fan of steel.
If you do buy a used CF bike, be sure and inspect it carefully for ANY frame damage...you don't want to pay for someone else's problem.
If you do buy a used CF bike, be sure and inspect it carefully for ANY frame damage...you don't want to pay for someone else's problem.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2013
Location: DFW
Posts: 4,126
Bikes: Steel 1x's
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
I don't know what the Rivendell philosophy is. I can share my experience though. The short story is:
Anyone over 250 lbs that wants to ride on the road and do long miles, but not race, needs to ride a steel bike.
The long story is I've owned carbon, aluminum, steel and titanium bikes and steel is where it is at, imo. What the dealer won't tell you is most of Specialized carbon bikes (if not all) have a weight limit of 240 lbs. Granted, they will support more than that, but the manufacturer says don't ride them if you are over that.
As for where to get reasonably priced, but good steel bikes:
Black Mountain Cycles - Call Mike have him build you one to your specs
Adrenaline Bikes - Call them and tell them your budget and they will put you on a good steel bike (Soma, Ritchey, Gunnar, etc.)
Excel Sports - Online Bicycle Retailer - Call them and ask for pricing on a Ritchey Road Logic build
Bicycle Doctor USA Home - Call them and ask for pricing on a Ritchey Road Logic build
All of these places, you can tell them about you, your type of riding, they will get measurements and build a bike for you at a reasonable price.
On the flip side if you want to buy used, start combing Craigslist for Soma, Ritchey, All-City, Kona, Jamis, Gunnar steel bikes. Post them here and we can help you pick one out.
Welcome and good hunting
Anyone over 250 lbs that wants to ride on the road and do long miles, but not race, needs to ride a steel bike.
The long story is I've owned carbon, aluminum, steel and titanium bikes and steel is where it is at, imo. What the dealer won't tell you is most of Specialized carbon bikes (if not all) have a weight limit of 240 lbs. Granted, they will support more than that, but the manufacturer says don't ride them if you are over that.
As for where to get reasonably priced, but good steel bikes:
Black Mountain Cycles - Call Mike have him build you one to your specs
Adrenaline Bikes - Call them and tell them your budget and they will put you on a good steel bike (Soma, Ritchey, Gunnar, etc.)
Excel Sports - Online Bicycle Retailer - Call them and ask for pricing on a Ritchey Road Logic build
Bicycle Doctor USA Home - Call them and ask for pricing on a Ritchey Road Logic build
All of these places, you can tell them about you, your type of riding, they will get measurements and build a bike for you at a reasonable price.
On the flip side if you want to buy used, start combing Craigslist for Soma, Ritchey, All-City, Kona, Jamis, Gunnar steel bikes. Post them here and we can help you pick one out.
Welcome and good hunting
#14
Senior Member
Fuji carbon bikes seem to be a bit more lenient on weight limits. For their "catagory 1 road bikes" they list 275lbs and for everything else they list 300lbs as the limit.
https://www.fujibikes.com/docs/FUJI+OWNERS+MANUAL.pdf
I agree with everything that @Jarrett2 says above, obviously as I own both a Ritchey Road Logic and a Black Mountain Cycles bike, but I'm also a pragmatist.
https://www.fujibikes.com/docs/FUJI+OWNERS+MANUAL.pdf
I agree with everything that @Jarrett2 says above, obviously as I own both a Ritchey Road Logic and a Black Mountain Cycles bike, but I'm also a pragmatist.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 208 Times
in
146 Posts
True, but the Rivendell philosophy seems to take weight out of the equation, past a certain threshold.you can easily spend $4,000 for a Rivendell bike weighing closer to 30 lbs then 20 lbs.
#16
Senior Member
I like to ride fast on a road bike and I never carry groceries on it. I like the feel of a light bike. I'm OK with my tires lasting only a season. I enjoy running the latest drivetrains and tech, I don't think riding a steel bike means that you're old fashioned. If I had the money I'd be all over installing SRAM Etap on my Road Logic for example. I don't expect to be riding my current bike 10-15 years from now, but that's more likely because I succumb to the N+1 bug than a failure of said bike. The "speeds I ride at" is as fast as possible.
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,522
Mentioned: 11 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1422 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 7 Times
in
5 Posts
My Waterford with Dura Ace is 19 lbs, but that's an all carbon fork.
Those are 59cm, so we're talking larger size bikes here.
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Posts: 6,139
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1571 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 12 Times
in
9 Posts
I recently looked at the Cannondale 10. An awesome bike... but at my age the geometry was just way too aggressive (I am older).
Your '83 Trek 400.... has an old less aggression geometry... as does the Rivendell Rodeo.
Just based on your age, and the geometry of what you're used to.... if your looking at CF I'd test ride the Fuji Gran Fondo. At least it should be serviceable at your local Fuji bike shop.
Other than that.... and even stay close to the budget you mentioned. Look at a good used steel bike. Maybe even a higher-end old Trek. Take it down to bare metal and build it up light.
Your '83 Trek 400.... has an old less aggression geometry... as does the Rivendell Rodeo.
Just based on your age, and the geometry of what you're used to.... if your looking at CF I'd test ride the Fuji Gran Fondo. At least it should be serviceable at your local Fuji bike shop.
Other than that.... and even stay close to the budget you mentioned. Look at a good used steel bike. Maybe even a higher-end old Trek. Take it down to bare metal and build it up light.
Last edited by Dave Cutter; 05-24-16 at 09:41 AM.
#19
Senior Member
FYI, when you go shopping tell the salesman that you're interested in an "endurance geometry" bike (as opposed to a "race geometry" bike). That will likely make a lot more difference to your comfort than which frame material you choose. In the Specialized line-up, the Roubaix is their endurance geometry carbon fiber bike. The Secteur used to be the aluminum equivalent of the Roubaix, but it looks like it's been dropped. The Diverge is an aluminum frame that accepts wide tires, but the geometry looks a bit racey to me. For Fuji, you want the Gran Fondo (carbon) or Sportif (aluminum).
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 208 Times
in
146 Posts
OK, but I don't buy into the "Rivendell philosophy" which just seems like retro-grouchery to me. For that reason I don't think the choice is between CF and heavy steel.
I like to ride fast on a road bike and I never carry groceries on it. I like the feel of a light bike. I'm OK with my tires lasting only a season. I enjoy running the latest drivetrains and tech, I don't think riding a steel bike means that you're old fashioned. If I had the money I'd be all over installing SRAM Etap on my Road Logic for example. I don't expect to be riding my current bike 10-15 years from now, but that's more likely because I succumb to the N+1 bug than a failure of said bike. The "speeds I ride at" is as fast as possible.
I like to ride fast on a road bike and I never carry groceries on it. I like the feel of a light bike. I'm OK with my tires lasting only a season. I enjoy running the latest drivetrains and tech, I don't think riding a steel bike means that you're old fashioned. If I had the money I'd be all over installing SRAM Etap on my Road Logic for example. I don't expect to be riding my current bike 10-15 years from now, but that's more likely because I succumb to the N+1 bug than a failure of said bike. The "speeds I ride at" is as fast as possible.
#22
Junior Member
Thread Starter
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Wisconsin
Posts: 6,319
Bikes: 2012 Salsa Casseroll, 2009 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1031 Post(s)
Liked 208 Times
in
146 Posts
If you're talking with racks and fenders, that's within reason. But a steel frame and fork with modern multi-speed setup shouldn't be over 25 lbs. My all steel Gunnar is about 20 lbs and it's fixed with brakes. So add a couple of lbs for gears and shifters.
My Waterford with Dura Ace is 19 lbs, but that's an all carbon fork.
Those are 59cm, so we're talking larger size bikes here.
My Waterford with Dura Ace is 19 lbs, but that's an all carbon fork.
Those are 59cm, so we're talking larger size bikes here.
#24
Senior Member
Ritchey Road Logic frameset that I built up myself.
I built it with a full 6800 Ultegra groupset, Ritchey WCS Alloy stem/handlebars + Thomson Elite seatpost. Wheelset is 36h Velocity Deep-V with Ultegra 6800 hubs. I could save another pound easily by replacing the wheelset with something light.
Cost to me was ~ $2300, but this was sourcing all the parts as cheaply as I could and doing the full build myself.
EDIT: He's a recent photo of said bike:
I built it with a full 6800 Ultegra groupset, Ritchey WCS Alloy stem/handlebars + Thomson Elite seatpost. Wheelset is 36h Velocity Deep-V with Ultegra 6800 hubs. I could save another pound easily by replacing the wheelset with something light.
Cost to me was ~ $2300, but this was sourcing all the parts as cheaply as I could and doing the full build myself.
EDIT: He's a recent photo of said bike:
Last edited by dr_lha; 05-24-16 at 10:11 AM.
#25
Just Plain Slow
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Santa Clarita, CA
Posts: 6,026
Bikes: Lynskey R230
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 297 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
I'm only throwing this in there because you mentioned 20 lbs. My Lynskey titanium bike weighed in at 20 lbs, with mid-level components and cheap wheels. They can be had for under 2K used.
Wrong size for you, but for reference:
Lynskey R230 Medium | eBay
Mine:
Wrong size for you, but for reference:
Lynskey R230 Medium | eBay
Mine: