Question for those with a lot of time...

pottssteve

Hello again!

I've been quoted US$640 for a 56 or 58 cm titanium road frame (no forks). For US$690 I can have a custom one. My question is this:

How much would it cost me to build this into a fully functioning road bike? I realise that price will vary enormously depending on components, so I was thinking of going for the "mid price" bracket for all the kit (wheels, forks, cranks etc). For example, fitting Shimano 105 parts, rather than Dura-Ace or SRAM Red!
I'm looking for a ball-park figure to build a bike from scratch. Anyone got the knowhow to help me? Any advice appreciated.
Cheers,
Steve

ronthechef

Steve it depends how much time you have, here is a rough cost
From eBay
105 groupset £250
Bars/stem/post/saddle/tape £90
Mavic akisums/shimano RS20's/105 handbuilts £150
Tubes/tyres £35
I would say around £525 but would take time

Or go retail at merlin/wiggle/ribble/CRC
105 groupset £400
Bars/stem/post/saddle/tape £90
Mavic akisums/shimano RS20's/105 handbuilts £150
Tubes/tyres £50
Around £690

I have a custom XACD frame that I built up with Dura ace/bonty race x lite for just over £1000 all in
have a look at my blog http://ronniethescot.blogspot.com/search/label/xacd

maddog 2

I'd go along with that. (the second option adds to 690 though )

You'll struggle to get it much below £500, even with the odd s/hand canny ebay deal.

When I build up mates bikes (which I do as a hobby...) I usually recommened going new on most the drivetrain but picking up some ebay bargains on the non-moving parts like stem/bar/post/seat and maybe brakes too then spending what's left (or a bit more) on the best wheels you can afford.

huuregeil

Another way of doing it is to buy a secondhand "donor" bike on ebay. Strip the donor bike and transfer the groupset etc to the new frame. You're then left with one complete (new) bike and an (old) frame, which you can sell on.

Careful shopping will unearth complete bikes with decent groupsets and wheels going for very much less than the sum of the individual secondhand component costs on ebay - you get a discount for buying a whole package.

Worth considering if you're on a budget, because done this way, you can get a complete build "kit" for very nice money. Only thing is the hassle (or fun, if you're so inclined!) of stripping and rebuilding, the risk that components don't suit (seatpost, bottom bracket, stem), and the selling-on risk/hassle.