g3neration

Ok, currently I'm saving money for a bike frame. It will probably take me 2-3 months before I have enough money for it. Recently I came across an awesome deal, imo. Campy Record Carbon for $1500. I'm very tempted to get it as when I have enough money for the frame and then purchase the groupset it will take me about 3-4 months. But if I get the groupset now, I'll have to wait longer before I can be sure that I have enough money to purchase the frame and by then will the groupset have come lower in price? So what do you guys think? Get the groupset now and hope for a price drop or better deal later....OR get the groupset now and wait longer for the frame?

CycleFreakLS

Where to spend your $$$ on a bike:

[a] frame / fork
[b] wheelset
[c] components

in that order. Unless you plan on spending a ton on [a] and [b], I wouldn't spend the money on Campy Carbon Record. It will not make you faster nor will it improve the overall quality of your ride. You're better off spending the money on a a great frame/fork and a great wheelset and going with Chorus or Ultegra (if need be).

Best.

g3neration

Wups forgot to mention then that I'm saving for the Serotta Ottrot ST with the F3 fork and I've already got the Velomax Orion II wheels. So think I should get the Campy first or the frame?

CycleFreakLS

At this point, I don't think it matters. You've decided on all quality stuff that will deliver a killer ride. I'd say get it. Guess Santa's decided you've been really really good this year, eh?

NealH

Why wait several months. Get a frame that you can afford now. The law of diminishing returns sets in around $1500-2000 on a frame. Those high zoot'in frames look good and draw the usual oohhs and aahhs but, don't ride any better whatsoever. You should be able to get the ride you want in a $1500 frame. My advice, if you must have Serotta then go for the C3 and put the new Ultlegra 10 on it. You will end up wiht a fine machine that rides every bit as good as John Kerry's hideously overpriced $10K Ottrott.

larue

groupsets generally don't go down much in price but frames do. eye a frame you like now (serotta) and by the time you save up the money for it the frame will have come down in price. not so guaranteed with the components.

g3neration

Actually the frame increased in price this year. Frames generally increased i think 100-300 respectively for Serotta.

glevii

Something I've learned through the years. There will always be deals out there, if you're patient enough to look for them. Somebody will always be selling something for less than their competitor. It's just the way the market works. So it really doesn't matter what you buy first. Personally though, I'd go ahead and buy the group now, but that's just because I'm an undisciplined bastard and can't follow my own advice.

hi565

wait am i crazy did i just read 10k on a bike. I dont even think lances bike is that much. What does it pedal for him and comes with complimentary dricks and sandwiches.

Hitchy

get the gruppo...reasoning...the gruppo probably won't change much in the next 12 mths, but if you gat an 04 frame now, it'll be 12 mths old (or whatever), before you get to ride it...who knows what will be available at what price in 12 mths

Hitchy

hi565

dricks=*drinks

sry

larue

I was saying the frame he wants now in '04 will go down in price in '05.

gcasillo

Record group is great, but I'd opt for a Stronglight Pulsion or FSA crank rather than the Record carbon crank. It's a good crank, but on performance/$ you can make out better.

Blastinbob

G3neration, I had a set of the campy carbon cranks and couldn't tell not one bit of difference between them and the alloy record cranks. I bought them used and turned around and sold them a couple of months after I got'em so I wouldn't lose any money on them. They sure looked nice though.
Since your not in a hurry mavic1010 is due to get some record groupos in, you can send him a private message via the serotta forum or through ebay, if you do a search by seller. He sells his campy stuff cheaper then just about anyone.

g3neration

I'm kind of confused. How would Serotta have an '04 model if they are custom made?

55/Rad

I've been pricing Campy Record and will concur that $1500 for a 8 piece group w/CARBON crank is a very good deal. Where can you get it? Please PM me and I'll share what I've found.

Also, I'm thinking of going with the FSA K-Force crank and a yet to-be-determined ISIS BB.

Finally - don't listen to the naysayers that state you shouldn't get this stuff because it's expensive and you won't feel the difference. While that may be partially true - that, as you know, is not the point. We have other bikes for everyday and we all know people with $100,000 Porsches that never drive faster than 60.

55/Rad

2Rodies

The Serotta is an awesome bike. DO NOT LISTEN THESE PEOPLE GET WHAT YOU WANT! Look you can buy a Subaru WRX Sti that will get from 0-60 in about the same time as a 996 but believe me they don't do it the same way. I have owned a Serotta and they are very nice bike and you will not be dissapointed. I also ride Record and you will not be dissapointed with that either. As for the carbon crank I doubt you'll notice any difference but it is much lighter than the alloy version. If you can pick up the gruppo for that price I'd jump on it and get the frame later as Serotta's prices don't typically fluctuate all that much.

sorebutt

Get the frame first. You will need to know what kind of frame you have when you get the components (BB, Front derailleur etc.)