Decisions, decisions, decisions …
 

So I’m on this kick to build up a new bike for next season. There are so many frames out there, how do you choose? Many of the ones I like are not even sold in shops near me so even test riding them is out of the question. Advice? Frame recommendations?

I'm suffering from the same kick. So far I've drooled over the Ridley Helium, Scott Addict, and BMC Pro Machine. Haven't ridden any of them and am actually scared to go test ride a few. Maybe I'll be safe if I leave my wallet at home.

So far, I'm looking at the Scott Addict R1 and R2, Cervelo R3, Colnago CX-1, Wilier GranTurismo, Kuota KULT, Specialized SL3, Fondriest TF2 and TF3.

I'm drooling over that wilier gt too. Gotta replace my trek that bought the farm in a racing crash. And without wheels the wilier is a little cheaper than a madone 5.2 at my lbs. To further complicate matters, im going to Europe in January, and I have no idea if i might be able to arbitrage import taxes against sales taxes while im there and get it a little cheaper.

Ended up going with an Orca, which I know was not on my original list. But at $600 off is was only a little more than the Wilier GT.

It would help if you told us what your purpose for the bike is--racing crits, long-distance riding, just tooling around, traveling, do-it-all, time trial, etc.

If you are just getting a bike for a "kick" as you say, just get the once that tickles your fancy. At a certain price point (let's say, arbitrarily for example, > $2,500 for a frameset) its hard to find a bike that will be sub-par.

I think by the OPs 3rd post he had bought his frame. Case closed.

You are correct. Should have made that more clear I guess.

I just picked up a 2010 Cervelo S2 yesterday! I got 20% off list and negotiated a deal on the fitting!

No pics = didn't happen. :)

seems like the point of the OP was not "which bike should i get", but rather "how do a pick a bike amongst a sea of great possibilities".

this is a very valid question, one which i will make next year as well, its not an easy one to answer, there are a ton of great frames out there which will all perform similarly, picking one from internet research alone can be tough.

Good call AS. This is EXACTLY what I did. I was lucky, I think, and ended up with a frame I've always wanted. I've read so many times that once you're in this price range, it's all good. I hope so. My SRAM Red comes in this week, so hopefully the shop can get it together and I'll be able to get in a few rides on it before it gets cold, since I'm a sissy and all! :)

Last decision, wheels?!

where do you reside snapperhead?

as for wheels, the deepest, lightest ones you can afford of course!

York PA.

At 215 (and dropping), the deepest and lightest I can afford will probably not hold my lard butt! :)

Before anyone else says it, contact Psimet. :D

than these:

http://www.williamscycling.com/sys30x/sys30x.html

I actually have a quote from earlier this year. Maybe I should just pull the trigger?! :)

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...01023-1428.jpg

http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j1...01023-1428.jpg

Twinsies!