Originally Posted by 98koukile (Post 16451950)

https://scontent-b-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/...85758854_n.jpg
Bought brand new old stock last year with 105. Even with rs-80s, new tires, new cockpit, ultegra brakes, and accessories I'm at $2k after selling some of what I replaced. Have a Sram Red crank that would put me over but it's not on yet

Originally Posted by bigfred (Post 16452089)

People, for the love of all that is velo, quit setting yourselves up with excuses.

This is a beauty contest.

You get one shot at first impressions.

We need a sticky at the top of just about each and every page that declares:

If you want your bike to have a reasonable chance at "hot", all those things you're aware of but haven't done yet, DO THEM first. Then, take a well composed shot of the bike. The WGD is the minimum for those of us without creativity. If you're stuck inside, get creative. But, at least adhear to the few long held axioms that will help ensure you don't eliminate your bike's chances before you've even pushed the shutter button:

Drive side
Cranks at 3,6, or aligned with the ST or CS.
On the big ring and small cog
Tire labels aligned with valve stems. Because anything else is sloppy and lacky attention to detail.
Wheels/valve stems aligned to either provide readability of labelling or to hide stems behind stays and blades.
Stem angled down, if you normally ride with it flipped up.. Come on. With modern stems it's not as though you have to rewrap your bars. It's 7 allen screws and 2 minutes of your time.
Drops level or angled down only slightly.
Hoods positioned to provide a level platform from the turn, or lower on traditional bend bars or with campy levers.
Remove your saddle bag and any overtly large frame pumps. (you might get away with a small one of either, but, it must be discrete.)

Only make an attempt at 'artsy' photographs if you can actually pull it off.

Originally Posted by lsberrios1 (Post 16452002)

:lol: My bike is like those comedians that are funny because they are loud.. my bike is hot because it's so loud! Ok that makes sense. $2,000 bucks is still $$$ for a "budget build"! But agreed, lot of great bikes for $2k :)

Originally Posted by bahula03 (Post 16452222)

Looking at the "unlimited" hot r not thread, I sometimes feel like my bike belongs in some sort of budget thread :twitchy: Some of those bikes are just bonkers.

Originally Posted by lsberrios1 (Post 16452002)

:lol: My bike is like those comedians that are funny because they are loud.. my bike is hot because it's so loud! Ok that makes sense. $2,000 bucks is still $$$ for a "budget build"! But agreed, lot of great bikes for $2k :)

Originally Posted by bahula03 (Post 16452222)

Looking at the "unlimited" hot r not thread, I sometimes feel like my bike belongs in some sort of budget thread :twitchy: Some of those bikes are just bonkers.

Originally Posted by bigfred (Post 16452275)

A well considered and sorted bike does not need to cost a future. And, spending $10,000+ in no way ensures one of having a "hot" ride.

Luis, has anyone started a betting pool yet on when the TCR will drop it's chain for the first time?

Originally Posted by bianchi10 (Post 16452157)

Not hot to me. As mentioned, ditch the pump. The stem rise is high and looks like a shorty. I would also go black stem since the white accentuates the stack of spacers. I think its because the wheel is turned, but it gives the appearance that the bars are angled up. Saddle looks tilted way down. Take saddle bag off for picture.

Take picture a little above top tube level and it will help with the photo.

Originally Posted by Nine Miler (Post 15776753)

Ok, I'll try mine here. Approx. $400 all together after replacement of saddle, pedals, tape, cables.

I've heard it looks like the McDonald's team bike, that's fair. Dollar menu hot? Or not?

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...ley/null-7.jpg

Originally Posted by 390T (Post 16290640)

Originally Posted by TMonk (Post 16290453)

Originally Posted by Ramona_W (Post 16453771)

I don't covet very many bikes but I do this one. What year is it?

Originally Posted by save10 (Post 16453889)

This trek (nine miler's) that ramona_w quotes...might be one of the nicest bikes I've seen. its just looks nice...like a beautiful woman. Its almost as nice as that rebuilt Bianchi from the regular hot or not which is currently my #1 (you know which one i'm talking about). keep in mind both of these bikes are neither new nor super expensive

Conversely this Cannondale might be one of the ugliest bikes i've seen in awhile. it looks like the bike i rented in maui....the one that gave me a strained neck that took 2 months to resolve

Originally Posted by iamtim (Post 16453895)

Nice bike, but for a Hot or Not thread - even a budget one - it's in the wrong gear, the stem needs to be flipped, and the toe clips have got to go. Also, if you don't have a matching bottle cage, take the one off for the pic.

On a personal note, a black seat post would look SO much better.

Originally Posted by 390T (Post 16453947)

Yeah mate I know a black seatpost would look better, but how do you mean the bottle cage doesn't match? The bike is black and so is the bottle cage.
The toe clips don't bother me, and what's wrong with the stem? I wasn't aware I had put it on incorrectly.

Originally Posted by Homebrew01 (Post 16453974)

All those spacers, combined with the stem pointing up is "wrong".. Looks like a grandpa setup.

Originally Posted by lsberrios1 (Post 16452002)

:lol: My bike is like those comedians that are funny because they are loud.. my bike is hot because it's so loud! Ok that makes sense. $2,000 bucks is still $$$ for a "budget build"! But agreed, lot of great bikes for $2k :)

Originally Posted by 390T (Post 16453947)

but how do you mean the bottle cage doesn't match?

Originally Posted by 390T (Post 16453947)

The toe clips don't bother me

Originally Posted by 390T (Post 16453947)

what's wrong with the stem? I wasn't aware I had put it on incorrectly.

Originally Posted by gsa103 (Post 16454023)

Its a fair amount but its challenging to build a really hot bike for much under $2k.

A $2000 allows someone to buy a lower end new bike, and then spend a few hundred customizing it to achieve the required "hot".

Setting a limit much lower than $2000, quickly turns into A) "Here's my stock bike." or B) "Look at how I purchased a $2000 bike for $500, then spent $1000 on wheels."

Originally Posted by SpeshulEd (Post 16454019)

Originally Posted by Nine Miler (Post 16453907)

I don't remember right off hand actually. I think I figured it to be an 87. But something is saying 89. Either way, it is late 80s.

Originally Posted by lsberrios1 (Post 16452284)

:rolleyes: Now you got me antsy again after I forgot all about that... the bike is still in the shop. I would get a K edge chain catcher but eehhhh.... 30 grams... ehhh :D

About the $10k budget ensuring hotness, of course not! That is what the NOT in "hot or not" thread is for. I'd like to see hideous samples of $10k bikes!.. (for my taste of course).

Originally Posted by nevertrustafart (Post 16451440)

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=362034http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=362035

this is my budget build. paid $1749 for the bike, added zipp aero bars $68, kenda karvs green $40, green bar tape $14, and black and white camo tape $16 all in all once done $1887:)