To build or to buy.....

Steve_F

Hi all,

Last week I bought one of the Giant TCR Advanced frames in an online as it had a good amount knocked off in a 24 hour sale.

I was planning to buy something later this year but when I saw this offer I jumped at it.

Plan is to fit it was SRAM Force and stick with the Ksyrium Equipe wheels I currently have at the moment. I will also be getting fitted so I get the proper length stem etc.

Looks like the build will come in around £1.8k so my question is have I made a mistake jumping in and buying the frame instead of shopping around?

For info, my current bike is a Giant SCR 1.5 which I've been happy with.

kfinlay

If by 'mistake' you mean it will cost you more then maybe but you have the benefit of fitting what you want to the frame so less chance of any compromise overall. I'd say keep an eye out for more good bargains on the equipment you want/need and then you'll end up with something a bit more special than buying an off-the-pegg Giant. A lot of us buy a bike then go on to spend more money 'upgrading' or changing things like saddles, stems, tyres or wheels that the bike originally comes with so considering this you could still end up saving money.
I'm considering buying a Canyon yet still keep an eye out for good frame deals so enjoy so now you have a frame I'd enjoy picking and buying the parts for it.

HTH

Lillywhite

kfinlay wrote:

If by 'mistake' you mean it will cost you more then maybe but you have the benefit of fitting what you want to the frame so less chance of any compromise overall.

That's the major benefit of building your own bike. There are always deals out there on equipment if you keep your eye out.

Steve_F

Thanks guys.

I've build up mtbs before so do like how easy it is to customise what parts I want on the bike. With having decent wheels already I guess the self build route is indeed the way to go.

Not actually sure what I'm worried about, suppose it's the fact that I've never ridden a TCR advanced and the first time I do will be after I've spent a lot of money on the build.

The reviews of it do seem very good and I like my current Giant so hopefully I'm worried about nothing. Time will tell I guess! Should make a big difference when it gets delivered and I see it in the flesh.