sonorguy

Hi guys, sorry if this is a dumb question.

I haven't been riding an extremely long time, and it's been on a mid-90s Raleigh that is a bit too small for me. I have been looking into building my own bike for a while, as it's something I think I would really enjoy. I happened upon the chance to buy a never used 2004 Pinarello Opera frame for about $400. I'm not positive it will fit me, but it seems like it will (I'm 6'0" with a 35" inseam and the bike is sized at 61 cm). I'm going to go to a LBS this week and get fitted to make sure this is the correct size. The question is, if it does fit me, should I go for it? I was thinking about throwing a Campy Athena group on it with a Thompson seat post and some other accessories, all coming out to about $1500, frame included. If you think I should, do you know of anything I need to know before beginning this build (like going with an Italian threaded BB, which I know I need). Thanks for your help, I am not too experienced in this realm and I don't want to pass up this offer if it's as good as I think it is.

rollin

Size aside a build is a good idea but remember everything you're going to need down to the, bartape, cables etc. It all adds up. Also leave cash for a little bit of riding gear (bibs), pedals, shoes, helmet etc. Also adds up

When I built up a bike for the first time I was working a one I had dismantled. If I was working from fresh part's I would have liked to have some experience to consult. Is there a bike coop near you? You may also need to borrow certain tools.

On fit - try the Competitive Cyclist calculator for a good guide.

And most importantly - have fun!

sonorguy

Thanks for help! I already have a helmet and have priced pretty much everything out, with it all coming out to around $1600. The only experience I have assembling bikes is a couple Wal-Mart level ones, which isn't much, but I'm hoping my background in mechanical engineering will help. Regardless, your idea for a coop is an excellent one and I think that will be my next stop.

SBRDude

Bike co-ops are a good idea and you can usually find stuff on you tube or elsewhere on the net to explain stuff. Still, there is sometimes no substitute for an experienced touch on some things. At least, that's my experience.

55/Rad

If you're 6' with a 35" inseam, I suggest checking the TT length. Sounds like you are long legged, short torso'd person and the 61 may be getting to be too long along the top.

BTW - I'm 6' with a 33.75" cycling inseam (35" pant inseam) and the 61 is great on the seat tube but too long on the TT unless I use a 70mm stem, which I won't do.

Good luck with the build.

sonorguy

I don't want an aggressive riding position, as I plan to use this bike more for touring than racing, so would someone be able to help me out to see if this frame is too large?

These are the "French Fit" suggestions from Competitive Cyclist (cm):
Seat tube range c-c: 60.5 - 61.0
Seat tube range c-t: 62.3 - 62.8
Top tube length: 57.0 - 57.4
Stem Length: 11.0 - 11.6
BB-Saddle Position: 73.7 - 75.7
Saddle-Handlebar: 58.9 - 59.5
Saddle Setback: 8.6 - 9.0

These are my measurements (in):
Inseam: 35
Trunk: 24
Forearm: 15
Arm: 28.5
Thigh: 25
Lower Leg: 21.75
Sternal Notch: 58.5
Total Body Height: 72

According to Gita, the 2004 Opera measurements are:
Seat Tube: 61 cm
Top Tube: 58.5 cm
Setback: 17.8 cm
Seat Angle: 73 deg
Head Abgle: 74.3 deg
Fork Rake: 4.6
Fork to BB: 61.3 cm
Chain Stay: 41 cm
BB Height: 27cm

Thanks again for all of the advice!

55/Rad

The Opera is close but it is long in the top tube. Rather than a 110mm stem, you would have to go with a 90 or 100, which isn't too bad. What I would want to know is the length of the head tube because this will ultimately determine your range for raising or lowering bars. Longer = more comfortable and relaxed. Shorter = more aggressive.

sonorguy

Thanks for all the help, 55/Rad. I think I am going to get the frame. If it doesn't work with a more relaxed stance, then I will go with a more aggressive. Btw, your 1990 Daccordi 50th Anniversary Frame is literally the most beautiful bike I have ever seen. If I ever have a chance to pick one of those up, I will be very happy

eippo1

Keep us updated on this one with progress on the build if you do it. Have fun with it.

sonorguy

So, to bring this thread back from the dead, I finally got my hands on a Pinarello Opera frame.

I ended up with a 2002 Opera with an Ultimate Seat post for $400. Unfortunately, there is some pitting and rust, but I don't think it will be too much of a problem to touch up.

Please excuse the mess:







I also picked up a 2012 Campy Centaur gruppo for about $500, which I should be getting in the next week or so. I'll keep posting as I make progress.

Feel free to make comments or suggestions

Bianchigirll 

Nice looking frame. it was built but never sold?

Does your Centaur group have a wheels? what bar and stem are you using?

what is this? is this a scratch?

RobertL

..

sonorguy

This is actually a third-hand frame. The previous owner bought it used back in 2007. I plan on using this recreationally, with some dirt trails being a possibility. Because of this, I bought a 2011 Campagnolo Vento Cx Cyclo Cross Wheelset for $150.

I am buying a Ritchey Pro 4axis 110mm stem and an Easton EA50 handlebar.

The picture shows a chip in the paint with some very light rusting on the steel. The metal itself is not dented, scratched or chipped in any way. The other closeup shows similar spots on the rear triangle and next to the Pinarello logo.

m_senjaya

Hi Sonorguy,
Pardon me for reviving an old thread. I'm thinking of getting a similar frame. Probably the same year (2002). How is the ride so far? And what is the steerer tube diameter? Is it 1" or 1-1/8"? Thanks.