help with road bike build

Pom
Pom Posts: 9
edited August 2008 in Workshop
hi im new here.

was just wondering if you guys would be able to help me. I'm about to start a new bike build for a road bike. i know someone who has got an old shogun bike frame (not sure on the model) but hes selling it to me for about £15 which is about $30.

first off is shogun a good make?

i also need some help on what components i should buy, brands to avoid, type of wheels etc. im not going to be doing any racing, this is purely for leisure road cycling. im pretty fit so need one that can do quite large distances comfortably and easily.

thanks for the help. post any more questions you have if you need more information. :)

Pom

Comments

  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    I'm pretty certain it'll be cheaper for you to buy an off the peg bike and get a better frame and parts for your money...
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Pom
    Pom Posts: 9
    ok i will bear that in mind. the only thing is that im not sure how much money i have at the moment to spend on one. i was going to do it as a project over the next year because im a student so cant afford to do it all at once. thats why i was gonna build one. but i will be able to borrow some money off my folks if it will be cheaper and better to buy an off the peg one.
  • Pom
    Pom Posts: 9
    sorry for the double post. forgot to ask. what would you recommend for a racing bike then? i dont wanna spend anymore than bout £300-£400 if possible because its my first road bike (been riding my dads old pavone from about 30 years ago)
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    how long is a piece of string....?

    Ebay and s/hand classifieds are the obvious way to keep the costs down but you need to know what you're looking at and be prepared to take a punt sometimes.

    At a basic level then you could look at 105 shifters - 9spd would be the cheaper option, Tiagra mechs are fine, Ritchey/ITM stems, bars, post. For running gear go new - see chainreactioncycles for good deals on SRAM chains and shimano cassettes. As for wheels, some nice s/hand handbuilts or maybe some discounted new Mavic Aksiums?

    If you're canny you could bring it in under £400.

    Alternatively look to pick up a s/hand entry-level Spesh Allez, Trek, Scott, etc. from someone who is either upgrading or has tried cycling and now prefers watching footy from his armchair.

    Good luck.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • ride_whenever
    ride_whenever Posts: 13,279
    Are you in the UK? (pom ????)

    if so you can get a ribble winter commuter to come in at £420 which is pretty good value.
    Neeermad
    Carbon 456
    456 lefty
    Pompino
    White Inbred
  • Pom
    Pom Posts: 9
    yeah im the in uk. so i will take a look at the ribble winter commuter :)

    thanks for the tips maddog i will see what i can dig up second hand
  • Nigel Bennett
    Nigel Bennett Posts: 653
    I'd avoid buying handlebars second-hand. I've bust several ove the years, and bust meself as a result nearly every time!
  • Pom
    Pom Posts: 9
    right ok. there is a chance i could be buying new, so i was wondering what you guys think of these bikes? the shop is really close to my house so i could go and try the bikes for size and things as i would much prefer to do that. (i dont know anything about the specs so if you could explain why things are bad as well as saying what is bad and good that would really help :) )

    http://www.bikesnbits.com/products.php? ... 856&z=1762

    http://www.bikesnbits.com/products.php? ... 841&z=1747

    http://www.bikesnbits.com/products.php?plid=m1b0s6p1632

    oh and im also 6ft 1 (dont know my leg length and im at work so cant really measure it now) but what size would probably suitable? i know its not easy to tell from the height of me but some indication would help.

    thanks in advance. sorry for being a noob :P
  • maddog 2
    maddog 2 Posts: 8,114
    the Claud Butler has the best spec (but a steel fork) but, to be frank, you're right at the bottom end with those bikes so they all have some shortcomings. If possible, you need to spend a bit more really. You'll get a much better riding bike. Have a look at end of season deals and be prepared to bargain in the shop. I'd say £400 is the minimum budget to get something that'll ride okay.

    That's why a good condition s/hand bike offers a lot more. Something that was 500-600 new might come in at 250-350 s/hand and will be noticeably nicer to ride, and much lighter.
    Facts are meaningless, you can use facts to prove anything that's remotely true! - Homer
  • Pom
    Pom Posts: 9
    hi. just an update. thanks for all the advice above its really helped. ive found a second hand dealer, who has a Giant OCR3 that he will sell me fore £275 + £15 for postage. he says it is in immaculate condition. is this a good deal?

    new ones seem to go for near £400 so is £275 for a good condition second hand one worth it? also what do you guys think of the bike?
  • Mettan
    Mettan Posts: 2,103
    Another alternative if you're around the £ 300 max bracket: Brand New:

    Giant SCR 4 (2008) - £ 305

    http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/product/110019.html

    It's got a 50/36 Compact so it should be ok for a novice on undulating rides.

    (Obviously for more money you could move up to the SCR 3 or Spesh Allez etc)

    Keep reading up on it though - don't rush into it.

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