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My future build - and a few questions
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 - Arrived Ordered from Competitive Cyclist - Arrived 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 - Arrived 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 Arrived 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 - Arrived 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 Handlebar - eBay - Arrived - US$34.18 Handlebar Stem - Amazon - Arrived - US$63.99 Computer/GPS - Wahoo Elemnt Bolt - Arrived - US$349.99 Shimano Dura-Ace 9000 Brake Cable Set Polymer-Coated Brake Cable Set Black - - Arrived - JensonUSA - US$25.99 Shimano Dura-Ace Polymer Shift Cable Set Polymer-Coated Deraileur Cable Set Black - - Arrived - JensonUSA - US$26.99 Water bottles - Camelbak Podium Big Chill 25 Oz Bottle Red, 25 Oz - - Arrived - JensonUSA - US$21.90 (pair) Bottle holder/cage - eBay - - Arrived - US$34.18 (pair) Helmet - Giro Foray Helmet - Picked at the local bike shop. -US$59.99 Pending: Bell - Spurcycle Bell in Black |
Trying to get to the 10 post so that I can share links and photos...
Now looking at everything, talking to my friends that ride bicycles (30-100 miles at a time), I hear about a better group set than what the GAN comes with... CF this and CF that... I don't want to buy a first bike only to upgrade shortly there after... I have a good track record doing that with motorcycles... So trying to stay within a made up budget and get as many good parts as I can. |
I am thinking of going with a home build (any excuse to buy more tools). I am looking at a frame from China... trying to decide a vendor with a frame that I like... I want mine in 3K Carbon Fiber Matte finish. No paint and no decals. But finding feedback on the vendor that carries the frame I like (I am a sucker for the looks of the frame) has been difficult.
This is what I have so far in my list. Once I decide on the different components, I will start ordering.
Still researching/deciding on:
And a few other things that I am sure missing. Right now I am just reading all the reviews on these parts |
As far a tools... getting only the stuff specific to the build that I do not have (some of these kits will have tools I already have, but buying individual tools was more expensive than getting the kits):
What else do I need to get for a build? |
Almost there. :thumb:
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Far more important than the looks of the frame will be the riding characteristics of the frame.
If you expect / plan to pursue this long term and lose weight and really get into cycling... you may be bettr served starting with something disposable. NOT because the bike will wear out... but because YOU are not likely to able to ride your dream bike at your current fitness, flexibility and core strength. I know I know it sucks to hear it... but there is a golden lining here. You get to build the womping dream bike when you a) know more about what you want, need, and don't care as much about and b) have a working bike so there is no urgency in getting the parts and building it, so you can work through it patiently learning every step of the way. I might suggest you start on a something like a base model Sirrus (or an equivalent Trek, Giant, Fuji, etc). $500. Lose weight, get in shape, work on form, endurance, fitness. The build the road bike. |
10 post limit/restriction should be good now...
This is a photo of the frame - DU in the photo but I want 3K Carbon Fiber Matte finish for mine. http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps6k1y75hb.jpg And these are the wheels I saw in Amazon - Queen Carbon Fiber wheels - Good reviews http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psrq65upwi.jpg http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psnbfqsmkb.jpg Versus Shimano Ultegra Wheelset http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psqw7lcw1o.jpg |
Originally Posted by nycphotography
(Post 19505945)
Far more important than the looks of the frame will be the riding characteristics of the frame.
If you expect / plan to pursue this long term and lose weight and really get into cycling... you may be better served starting with something disposable. NOT because the bike will wear out... but because YOU are not likely to able to ride your dream bike at your current fitness, flexibility and core strength. I know I know it sucks to hear it... but there is a golden lining here. You get to build the womping dream bike when you a) know more about what you want, need, and don't care as much about and b) have a working bike so there is no urgency in getting the parts and building it, so you can work through it patiently learning every step of the way. I might suggest you start on a something like a base model Sirrus (or an equivalent Trek, Giant, Fuji, etc). $500. Lose weight, get in shape, work on form, endurance, fitness. The build the road bike. |
That said, if you are building yourself, you can always migrate frames later.
If you're dead set on building a road bike, look for endurance or gravel frames, depending on weight / tire requirements. Knowing your current weight will help with wheel tire suggestions too. |
I would not do the build get a bike a give the sport time.
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The last thing you want to do is build the Wrong "perfect bike," and realize a year from now that you are stuck with it. Some of this stuff is ridiculously cheap for what it offers. Save up to 60% off new Road Bikes - Gravity Liberty 2 | Save up to 60% off new road bikes Save up to 60% off new Road Bikes - Motobecane Vent Noir Save up to 60% off new Shimano 105 Road Bikes - Gravity COMP22 | Save up to 60% off new road bikes The Liberty II for $400 is a steal, almost ... but the other two come with 11-speed 105, which you could swap to another frame. |
Originally Posted by nycphotography
(Post 19505967)
That said, if you are building yourself, you can always migrate frames later.
If you're dead set on building a road bike, look for endurance or gravel frames, depending on weight / tire requirements. Knowing your current weight will help with wheel tire suggestions too. |
Tools (I've built several bikes up and):
Do NOT need cable cutters. Diagonal cutters and punch thru the crushed plastic inner liner from the other direction using a new / uncut inner cable. Don't really need a torque wrench, especially if you have hand skills and know how to avoid stripping / crushing delicate parts. Maybe the 5nm 4mm hex key for bars, stems and saddle posts. But you don't need one for bottom brackets, crank arms, etc, If you have basic mechanical tools... SKIP the bike specific set. That thing has tools for lots of stuff you don't / won't even have. DO: Get the 1.5 to 10mm hex key set at Lowes or Home Depot, LONG ARM. I think my current set is Stanley and was under $10. Do NOT get the ball heads as your primary set. They are hell on the screwes and hog them out. Use ball heads only as a last resort in tight places. Never actually needed a ball head for a bike. https://www.toolbarn.com/stanley-85-753.html If you have metric wrenches, a pedal wrench is just a 15mm open end. Don't bother buying a special one. Hex pedals are just your 8mm hex key (from above). I can stack a box wrench on the end for more leverage. DO GET THE FOLLOWING (amazon isins / cut and paste) chain breaker $4: B00HE6QNG8 Chain link removal tool $9: B007BWR1TI Cassette tool $8: B01LX3E08Z Big crescent wrench: home depot or lowes Chain whip $8: 1389475913 Cable puller (optional but front derailleurs are PITA w/o one) $11: B01N64WMB4 Torque key (optional) $15: B01N0BTGAS |
Originally Posted by wachuko
(Post 19505960)
10 post limit/restriction should be good now...
This is a photo of the frame - DU in the photo but I want 3K Carbon Fiber Matte finish for mine. http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps6k1y75hb.jpg And these are the wheels I saw in Amazon - Queen Carbon Fiber wheels - Good reviews http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psrq65upwi.jpg http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psnbfqsmkb.jpg Versus Shimano Ultegra Wheelset http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...psqw7lcw1o.jpg |
If you're going to build, I say go for it. Lots of good advice here though. If you decide to buy a complete bike, don't forget to look at adrenalinebikes.com and the deals on Focus in particular. Great NOS deals there. Good luck and don't rush your decisions.
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At 240 lbs, I'd say gravel bike, 32 spoke wheels, 28mm tires, and make sure the ultegra brakes have clearance (probably do, I just can't personally confirm it).
Once you get under 180(ish), your options will open up considerably. |
By the way, you seem mechanically inclined, but perhaps I'm stating the obvious here, building a bike from scratch takes a LOT of skill. Just something to consider.
|
Originally Posted by nycphotography
(Post 19506018)
Tools (I've built several bikes up and):
Do NOT need cable cutters. Diagonal cutters and punch thru the crushed plastic inner liner from the other direction using a new / uncut inner cable. Don't really need a torque wrench, especially if you have hand skills and know how to avoid stripping / crushing delicate parts. Maybe the 5nm 4mm hex key for bars, stems and saddle posts. But you don't need one for bottom brackets, crank arms, etc, If you have basic mechanical tools... SKIP the bike specific set. That thing has tools for lots of stuff you don't / won't even have. DO: Get the 1.5 to 10mm hex key set at Lowes or Home Depot, LONG ARM. I think my current set is Stanley and was under $10. Do NOT get the ball heads as your primary set. They are hell on the screwes and hog them out. Use ball heads only as a last resort in tight places. Never actually needed a ball head for a bike. https://www.toolbarn.com/stanley-85-753.html If you have metric wrenches, a pedal wrench is just a 15mm open end. Don't bother buying a special one. Hex pedals are just your 8mm hex key (from above). I can stack a box wrench on the end for more leverage. DO GET THE FOLLOWING (amazon isins / cut and paste) chain breaker $4: B00HE6QNG8 Chain link removal tool $9: B007BWR1TI Cassette tool $8: B01LX3E08Z Big crescent wrench: home depot or lowes Chain whip $8: 1389475913 Cable puller (optional but front derailleurs are PITA w/o one) $11: B01N64WMB4 Torque key (optional) $15: B01N0BTGAS I am updating my list in Amazon with your recommendations and removing some of the stuff I had there. Thank you. I will get the Stanley set of hex wrenches... the one I have are long craftman ones but they do have the ball heads... so good to add those without them. |
Originally Posted by gsindela
(Post 19506039)
By the way, you seem mechanically inclined, but perhaps I'm stating the obvious here, building a bike from scratch takes a LOT of skill. Just something to consider.
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One last thing (and it's aesthetic so others feel free to chime in here)....
In the bike world carbon weave is passe. Very passe. Newbies like it because it screams carbon fiber. But UD naked (uv matte clear coated) carbon is where it's at now. UD is used almost exclusively now because it lets the designers lay up the carbon for very specific stiffnes and compliance characteristics. Doesn't apply so much to open mold chinese frames, but with UD at least you have to look twice to figure out what it is. Carbon weave frames don't take two looks. First glace = generic frame. |
Originally Posted by wachuko
(Post 19506072)
Mechanical inclined, yes... but know enough to not underestimate anything :lol: :thumb: I try not to use the big f hammer when frustration kicks in :crash: but I always have it handy :D
Only exceptions are removing pedals and bottom brackets, AFTER you confirm you're going the right way. (beware left hand threads on bikes). |
Originally Posted by nycphotography
(Post 19506082)
Never, ever, force anything on the bike. It always, always, means you're doing it wrong and about to break something.
Only exceptions are removing pedals and bottom brackets, AFTER you confirm you're going the right way. (beware left hand threads on bikes). Hand install first... tool - torque wrench... not too much more work and you know it was done correctly. :thumb: |
Originally Posted by nycphotography
(Post 19506073)
One last thing (and it's aesthetic so others feel free to chime in here)....
In the bike world carbon weave is passe. Very passe. Newbies like it because it screams carbon fiber. But UD naked (uv matte clear coated) carbon is where it's at now. UD is used almost exclusively now because it lets the designers lay up the carbon for very specific stiffnes and compliance characteristics. Doesn't apply so much to open mold chinese frames, but with UD at least you have to look twice to figure out what it is. Carbon weave frames don't take two looks. First glace = generic frame. |
FYI - Fairwheelbikes.com has a fantastic selection of high end parts you should look at for your build.
Make sure you do your diligence before pulling the trigger on the Queen wheels. I know nothing about them myself, but there are many reasons not to buy off brand carbon wheels. The Ultegras, although not ultra lightweight, have a stellar reputation for value. Full disclosure, I have the Ultegras on my bike and have nothing bad to say about them other than they don't have cartridge bearings. |
Originally Posted by gsindela
(Post 19506139)
FYI - Fairwheelbikes.com has a fantastic selection of high end parts you should look at for your build.
Make sure you do your diligence before pulling the trigger on the Queen wheels. I know nothing about them myself, but there are many reasons not to buy off brand carbon wheels. The Ultegras, although not ultra lightweight, have a stellar reputation for value. Full disclosure, I have the Ultegras on my bike and have nothing bad to say about them other than they don't have cartridge bearings. Wheels, I also like the peace of mind of the Shimano... even if those are heavier. Reason for asking for feedback between the two. Thank you all for the comments and suggestions... I think is time for me to meditate/evaluate the recommendations and decide. I do have a bike now... but it is one of those Wal-Mart bikes... 15 years old... new tires... heavy, the one with a shock in the back... it is a bike, but....:twitchy: EDIT: Found the specs... current ride is a 1999 Pacific YX 240 - here a photo I found online... not mine but that is what I have now... http://i151.photobucket.com/albums/s...pspntbfu2u.jpg |
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