Build or Buy
 

Hey everybody,

I am either going to build up a Flyte SR3 or buy a Motobecane Le Champion SL

For the Flyte build:
Flyte SR3 frame-$150
Campagnolo Veloce 10 spd group-$300
XERO lite XR-1 wheels-$180
Reynolds OUZO fork-$100
Tires, saddle, etc..-~$115
Total build cost~$845

Or I can buy the Le Champion SL for $1300.

Which would you take, any rough estimates on teh weight of the Flyte fully built?

I like the weight, specs, adn componetty of the Motobecane but with all the haters on here and mixed reviews Im not sure. Either way I should end up with a sweet bike, but which would you choose?

Thanks,
Chris

Where are you getting those prices?

Or, you could buy the Flyte frame and the Champion SL, move all the stuff over to the Flyte frame, and sell the Moto frame on eBay.

Which prices?

Flyte frame ebay $150

Veloce Group http://www.totalcycling.com/ProductD...f-13164a5fa769

Wheels
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Fork
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Chris

Would the Flyte frame really be an upgrade though, the Moto fram looks pretty nice?

Chris

If you like the Flyte, then build it. Everyone who has a bit of mechanical ability should build a bike at least once in their life. I have built up most of the bikes I've owned. That way you know (or hope :) ) that they're built right.

building it is probably worth the experience, but i think your 'tires, saddle, etc' cost is on the low side. you don't want used 80's saddles and whatnot on a new buildup like that, and a good saddle will cost at least 75 or so... plus, handlebars? bartape? stem? seatpost? is all that included in the other sets?

Can't get a better deal for veloce on pbk?

I don't know anything about the Flyte frame, but the Moto frame isn't too bad, it's really stiff, but it's not light as far as frames go. I was surprised how heavy it was when I swapped out my Moto frame for the Kestrel.

The Moto is a really solid bike, so if you went with that, you'd be plenty happy.

So you're going to get tires, seatpost, stem, handlebars, handlebar tape, saddle, tubes, cables, and headset for $115? Honestly, you're probably looking closer to $300 for the above items.

Some will say what they will about potential quality differences, but it's tough to beat BikesDirect prices on new bikes... especially compared to sourcing parts retail.

If you're wanting a road bike on a budget, and BD is still more than you want to spend, watch Craigslist in a couple cities for a month or two. I'll bet between S.F. and Austin, you'll find a great deal.

My friend got a full Ultegra Klein Quantum for $600 on CL, and it checked out as nearly new condition. Negotiated down from $900. That there, is a good deal.

I think the Flyte deal on ebay comes with bars, stem and seatpost.

Its almost always cheaper to buy a bike, than to build a comparable one up from the frame. (unless your using stuff you already own.)

So go the build route, 1) for your personal satisfaction, 2) to get it spec'd exactly the way you want, but realize you're likely to pay a price.

Chris-I am following a similar route to you, and had given a lot of thought to the Le Champion SL and the Immortal Force, and maybe I should have just gone with the champion, but I am following a similar build plan to you. I'm excited, and even if it comes out about the same price as the champion (which I don't think it will) I think it will be a great experience.
best of luck on your decision.

+1 Even modernizing an older frameset(free) is going to be $450 or so with used parts off scambay. Good luck whichever why you go.

what haters and mixed reviews?

i had a '05 SL, and it was a love affair... and i can remember at least a half-dozen other BF members saying much the same about theirs.... and don't remember any SL owners here having any serious negatives with theirs....

With some sharp purchasing, I think one could do a nice misc parts purchase for maybe a shade over $200, but given not wanting to wait for the best deal; then closer to or right at $300 is prolly right.
Even so, I usually prefer the 'build' over OTR ('off the rack'... not the other thing). Buying a complete bike is more economical until you start swapping what you got with the bike V what you really want. For me thatz usually saddle, crankset, cassette (because of ratios), seatpost, bars (I don;t like ergo anatomic - itz Oldstyle bars for me), 50/50 chance the wheels aren't right unless we're talkin TopOdaLine OTR, pedals - of course. That doesn;t leave much of what came on the bike...
A Campy Veloce gruppo is $300??? Incredible! What do you get with it?
Crankset & BB
Brifters & RD/FD
Brake Calipers
- - - -
also comes with ???
headset???
cassette???
what else???

Maybe I shouldn't have said mixed reviews. As it seems everyone who ACTUALLY owns the bike loves them. Its the poeple who don't have them that bash them.

I love the look of the flyte frame but I dont think I can pass up the SL is just to good of a deal. I think I am going to get the SL and order a flyte frame, maybe build it up over the next few months.

Gah, now you guys are making me rethink my plans...

The SL is a damn good deal.

I would take chris17's advice and buy the motobecane. If you end up hating the ride you can buy a new frame a few years down the road and move the parts over.

Don't forget to figure in the cost of a few tools,
which you would need eventually anyway.
I agree that your estimats are a tad bit optomistic. I recently completed a build with an inexpensive frame ( Fetish Cycles SAC ) and ended up spending a little over twice what you quote. Yeah, I used new components...could've gone used and saved some cash but I'm VERY HAPPY with the results. Plus I know what makes it tick, so to speak. Would I do it again...you betcha. In fact, I'm waiting for the big brown truck to bring my lugged steel Bianchi frame so I can get started all over again. This one will be more "retro" than performance orientated.
Wayne

Perhaps you could adjust your costs using a completely unrelated method I use for home projects. Calculate what you expect to spend and then add something like 20% for unplanned items.
Just a thought.

+ 1

I would build. I don't think I would have been able to buy a bike from my shop with similar components for the price I payed.

I used that Reynolds fork and a partial veloce group, my weight is around 18 pounds I think. I used Cane CReek SCR3 brakes instead of Veloce, and Truvativ Rouleur cranks.

ALl in all, I think I payed 950ish. I always underestimate with those last items. I managed to get a 10sp cassette for 50 bucks. But then theres 50 per tire, bar tape, 50 for a saddle, etc.