Ironic I guess that I've had the same basic components on 3 frames now. I guess buying the highest end components made it hard to justify replacing them when I moved to a new frame.

I'm just now replacing my RED10 / original Cinqo group circa 2008 w/ eTap 22 and dZero Red cranks.

So he gets the bike he wants, today, for $1750 ... or he pays $2500 and waits a year and gets still ,less than the bike he wants. And in six years he can buy the latest Ultegra group and finally ... except by then the wheels will need replacing maybe ....

So ... he gets exactly the bike he wants today, for $1750, and if five or eight years replaces the wheels and groupset with whatever amazing stuff is available then ... or he gets 105, he rides crap wheels for a year, pays $600 for wheels, and in five or eight years gets the wheels and groupset he would buy anyway

it all comes down to whether you like the Chinese frame. And since no one here has anything to show that it is not as good ... and since a lot of people have built Chinese frames and love them ... and even some folks have built Chinarellos ...

To me getting what I want now for a lot less beats getting some of what I almost want for a lot more later.

You are free to experience varied mileage.

All in cm now...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps7wrenohh.png

Well...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...sfydoxxja.jpeg

Frame ordered... worst case scenario, I ended up also buying the Pinarello GAN if this frame does not work out...

I checked out the link and the geometry .... Looks good to me. Keep us posted, please.

Will do. I need recommendations on the handlebar - integrated or two part (stem and handle bar)... width? stem length (guessing 100mm from the results of the fitment calculator? Brand? Maybe the handle bar is the last thing to order to measure position once the frame is here??

Stem and bar might need some calculating. I love the look of one=-piece stem-bars but zero adjustability kills them for me.

Stem angle as well as length, as well as potential spacer stack, is key. An online calculator can tell you what it thinks your optimal frame is in what it considers an optimal riding position, but your joints might disagree.

cheapest version of whatever handlebar in a carefully chosen geometry. yes bars have geometry. Shape of top curve (I personally cant stand sharp bends on the top curve), reach of drops, and depth of drops.

3x $30 stems, centered around what you think you need. think you need a 110? get a 100, 110 and 120.

2-3 sets of $2 grip tape from ebay.

actively swap stems and bars, and evolve your fitness, flexibility and bike fit, until things settle into a stable fit.

THEN order your final bar/stem combo. If you find that your fit is really stable and doesn't change much, then a one piece in the right geometry will work. If you find your fit still varying, say spring (out of shape) to fall (peak condition) then you may want to stay with separate stem and bars.

Also, your intended uses could always change in the future. You build something comfy and perfect for charity centuries, but then the competitive gran fondo bug bites you, its a lot cheaper / easier to swap stems than a stem/bar combo.

I think the longevity of your groupo depends on the maintenance. I know people who have sharktooth profile cranks after 7K miles and some people who ride fine for 25K miles.

Within the first year of owning my bike, my frame had a crack in the chainstay -- My warranty from Bianchi allowed me to get my frame replaced for free =) I've never had a problem since. Every part on my road bike bike has been replaced except the 105 groupset, handlebars, seatpost.

Upgrading my groupset will cost me 600~1000 (105 10spd to Ultegra 11spd or Campy Chorus).
Upgrading my frame would cost me thousands. : (

What frame did you get?

This one:


Frame (Package includes - Frame, Fork, Seatpost, Clamp, Headset)
Size 50 cm
Bottom Bracket - BB68 for Shimano Groupset
Finish - no stickers - finished in 3K Carbon fiber weave and in matte clear coat
Spare rear derailleur hanger. Since the threads I read on ordering frame all recommended getting additional/spare rear hangers (don't know why but figured I would add them). These were no cost... he will just add a few in the box.

And just placed the order for the Shimano Ultegra 6800 wheels, pedals, and group set...

Completely new to this level of cycling... yeah, I have ridden bikes since I was a young kid, but not to the level of the sport today...

A lot of co-workers are into the sport and figured that I could use the exercise (meaning I am fat, or how I like to put it, I am not fat, just too short for my weight - 240 lbs ) . Anyway, besides the health benefits, love to ride (bicycle or motorcycle) and doing the longer bicycle rides would be all around good for me.

Starting to research. Walked into the local bike shop and saw some beautiful bikes. The old saying my dad would share... "having a 10K hard-on with only 5.00 in my pocket" quickly came to mind... Glad they did not have one in my size or I would have done an impulse buy... Being 5'7" with 28" inseam (measured by placing a book between my legs and measuring from the floor to the top border of the book). For the frame that I like, it has to be between 50 and 51.5.

I loved the looks (and yes, I am a sucker for looks first...) of the Pinarello family... looking at my budget (that I just pulled out of my sleeve...) the Pinarello GAN 105 would be in the ball park. A new 2016 can be had for around US$2,000.00 shipped.

Problem is that I started to research... :rolleyes:

EDIT April 21st - Adding the build list here. Updating parts ordered, prices, and vendors - prices include shipping

Frame (Package includes - Frame, Fork, Seatpost, Clamp, Headset, and two spare rear derailleur hangers) - US$540.00 - eBay - Ordered

Ordered from Competitive Cyclist - Ordered April 21
Most Aero 1K Carbon Top Cap Black, 15mm - MOS0004-BK-S45MM - US$31.49
Most Aero 1K Carbon Headset Spacer Black, 2 Pack, 10mm - MOS0006-BKS2PAC-S10MM - US$9.89
Most Aero 1K Carbon Headset Spacer Black, 2 Pack, 5mm - MOS0006-BKS2PAC-S5MM - US$7.19

Most Aero Bicycle Headset Expander Plug Top Cover - MO-16-AERO-TOP-COVER-1K - US$31.18 - Amazon - Ordered April 21

Edit: Found one set in eBay, so ordering that instead - Ordered April 21, should be here before April 28 - US$42.99 for these parts: Arrived

Continental GatorSkin DuraSkin Tire Folding - 700x25 - US$88.00 - Amazon - Arrived

Arrived
Shimano Ultegra PD-6800 Spd-Sl Pedals Carbon, Pair - US$88.99 - JensonUSA
Shimano Ultegra 6800 Tubeless Wheelset Black/Silver, 10/11 Speed - US$279.99 - JensonUSA
Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow Saddle Black, L3, TI-316 Rails - US$179.99 - JensonUSA
Continental 700C Presta Valve Tube 700 X 18-25, 42mm Presta Valve (2) - US$12.00 - JensonUSA
US$20.00 oversize shipping cost - JensonUSA

Ordered - These should be here April 27:
Shimano Ultegra 6800 Quick Release Grey, Rear and Front Skewers (was not aware these were sold separately... US$22.00 - JensonUSA - Edit - Looks like I will have a spare set...for the price I rather keep them than return them. So beware, the Shimano Wheelset includes these...
Shoes - These were on special... I hope I got the size correct... Shimano SH-RP3 Wide Road Shoes Black, 43 - US$99.99 - Ordered - JensonUSA
Handlebar Tape - Ended up with all black tape... Shimano Pro Sport Control Bar Tape Black - US$9.99 - Ordered - JensonUSA

Shimano Ultegra 6800 11 Speed Groupset - Grey - 172.5mm-11/28-34/50 BSA - Box- US$530.24 - ProBikeKit - Shipped - should be here Wed 26 Apr - Thu 27 Apr

Kool Kovers-Cleat covers for Shimano SPD-SL Pedal Systems - US$14.17 - Amazon - Arrived

Tools (all ordered from Amazon): - Arrived
Park Tool Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool - CT-5 - US$15.26
Hozan 4th Hand Brake Tool - US$17.04
Best Value Torque Wrench Set - IRONARM Torque Wrench Bike. Good Bicycle Repair Tools and Allen Key Set - US$43.95
Park Tool BBT-9 Bottom Bracket Tool to remove and install Shimano Hollowtech II bottom brackets. - US$19.34
Finish Line Ceramic Grease 2-Ounce Tube US$9.96
Shimano Hollowtech-II crank-arm/cap tool, TL-FC16 - US$5.32

Ordered April 20 - Arrived
BV Bicycle Y-Series Strap-On Bike Saddle Bag / Bicycle Seat Pack Bag, Cycling Wedge in Medium size - US$14.99 - Amazon
Relefree Mini Bike Pump Portable Bicycle Frame Pump - 260 PSI High Pressure for All Road & Mountain Cycle Tires or Soccer,Basketball and Volleyball Presta & Schrader Valve - US$15.89 - Amazon
Park Tool Supergrip Carbon and Alloy Assembly Compound - 4 oz. tube - US$10.76 - Amazon
Shimano 11-Speed Chain Pins 11-Speed, Bag of 3 - US$9.40 - Amazon
Vktech 5x Converter Presta to Schrader Bicycle Bike Valve Adaptor Tube Pump Tools (only needed one but these come in a bag of 5) - US$3.49 - Amazon


Pending:

Bell - Spurcycle Bell in Black
Handlebar
Handlebar Stem
Computer/GPS - Gramin 520 or 810? or Wahoo Elemnt Bolt??
Helmet
Bottle holder and water bottle

Parts starting to arrive

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...pss9arf0n2.jpg

Wheels are also here... and guess what... wheel set comes with the Quick Release Grey, Rear and Front Skewers ... and I swear I search and all hits that I got said that the wheels did not include the skewers... stupid me for not opening a chat session and asking the folks at JensonUSA....

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps1z275byl.jpg

Well, that answers that question... not tools allowed when installing tires in these rims.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psownrxxmn.jpg

I followed the suggestion of making sure the tire was in the center grove and it was easy to install with just my hands.

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps4lo28noj.jpg

Made sure the direction for the rotation was correct

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psclpkgyuq.jpg


Funny... I don't have any adapters for these presta valves... so ordering adapters to use with my compressor... and a small manual pump that I can take on the road. Anyway...

Rear valve stem setup is different than the front... (remember that I am new to all this)... it has a spacer to compensate for its location since it sits more towards the border instead of the center or the rim...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps4ldq2yaw.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps5tgaod0y.jpg

No carbon assembly paste?

The mini-brute is an awesome little chain tool--indestructible. The wheels make me want a set. Don't need them though.

Oh, and is that Jason USA as in Jason and Freddy or is it JensonUSA?

Carbon assembly paste?? Where will I need that?

Let me correct the name... you are correct, not Jason, it is JensonUSA

Found it. So that paste is used on the seat post and handlebar stem. Okay. Will order some. Thank you for calling that out!!

Carbon assembly paste where on seat post where it enters the seat tube. From what I heard, regular grease is not recommended on CF. Assembly paste is slightly gritty and gives a better hold, which is really important since you cannot just crank away on the clamp as you could on a metal frame.

Your frame might have come with a tiny foil squeeze container of it, or you might be able to buy one for cheap (you won't need much.) I bought a small tube for a few bucks so I will have a three-lifetimes supply.

I could be wrong. I have only built one CF bike .... I might be writing back in a while saying "Never use ..... "

You are correct. Needed for the seat post and bars.

I just ordered a small tube from Amazon. Along with the adapters for the valve and a small/portable pump. Oh, and a medium-size under-the-seat bag to store the spare tube and minimal tools for the road...

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps9lfnpowb.jpg

The idea is to be able to store the small hi-pressure pump, tube repair kit, spare tube, one of those small tool kit (have not decided on which one), and whatever else I find as recommendation from the threads that I keep reading in the forum.

Photo of the seat (feel like a child again putting together my bike, lol )

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psytwg4nx5.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...pshyrut1tj.jpg

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psgy1hb9wc.jpg

Why did you put in the valve stems? Those are for tubeless tires, and it looks like you have clincher tires, so you should be using a tube, which has a valve already.

I have same wheels and noticed the no tool paper slip as well. I'm wondering how I am supposed to get tires off without levers (haven't had to do it yet).

Valve stems come installed for tubeless setup. I removed them since I am using clincher tires and tubes. I was just showing them to illustrate the differences in the rear wheel. Where the valve stem is not centered in the rim and requires that special spacer. Makes sense? I did use tubes with the tires I got :thumb:

The install was easy by pinching the tire to the center of the rim so it falls inside the groove (see previous photo). That gave me the additional length needed to be able of insert the rest of the tire in place. For removal, yeah... good question. Hope to never have to find out in the middle of the road.

I also need to order a few spare spokes. Seems these are difficult to find locally if I run into issues...

Shimano Ultegra WH-6800 Front Spoke - 284mm - Y49298050
Shimano Ultegra WH-6800 Rear Left Spoke - 305mm - Y49398080
Shimano Ultegra WH-6800 Rear Right Spoke - 303mm - Y49398070

http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psdaxheghj.jpg

Great thread. Looks like you're making great progress. Glad you're having fun with it!

That saddle is gorgeous. I like the wide nose and big cutout, but it also has a racy profile. How much did it cost and how much did it weigh? (Please list bigger number first so I don't go try to buy one.)

FYI - I have been updating the post with the list of parts with price and vendor. I should move the list to the first post so it is easy to go there and check.

Selle Italia Max SLR Gel Flow Saddle Black, L3, TI-316 Rails - US$179.99 - JensonUSA (free shipping)

From the spec sheet:

SELLE ITALIA MAX SLR GEL FLOW SADDLE FEATURES

ID Match: L3
Weight: 250g
Rail: Ti 316 tube, 7mm
Size: 145 x 275mm
Use: Road / Offroad

But I will put it on the scale when I get home and report back tonight. Just to double check spec sheet against what I get.