Bike building

[sticky sherbert]

I'm thinking of building myself a road bike, I would like to end up with a decent carbon frame and good groupset. The thing is it's going to cost more than I can currently afford so do I go for the good groupset and put it on a less expensive frame, then replace the frame when I can, or would I be better putting cheaper parts on to a decent frame. Any advice is welcome.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

I'm thinking of building myself a road bike, I would like to end up with a decent carbon frame and good groupset. The thing is it's going to cost more than I can currently afford so do I go for the good groupset and put it on a less expensive frame, then replace the frame when I can, or would I be better putting cheaper parts on to a decent frame. Any advice is welcome.

decent frame then you can upgrade parts

 

[sticky sherbert]

Whats the expected lifespan of a good carbon frame then?

 

[Ivan Ardon]

The cheapest way is to save up and buy a bike fully kitted out so you get the advantage of manufacturer's buying power for the components. So start saving now!

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Whats the expected lifespan of a good carbon frame then?

trek have a lifetime warranty

 

[Happiness Stan]

Get a decent frame over parts, you can upgrade at your leisure.

How long do carbon reinforced plastic frames last? Who knows.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

Get a decent frame over parts, you can upgrade at your leisure.

How long do carbon reinforced plastic frames last? Who knows.

a good carbon frame will last for yearsssssssssss

 

[sticky sherbert]

The cheapest way is to save up and buy a bike fully kitted out so you get the advantage of manufacturer's buying power for the components. So start saving now!

that would mean a bike next year instead of this.

 

[MadoneRider1991]

that would mean a bike next year instead of this.

just go get a good frame, then put shimano 105 and you have a pritty good bike

 

[sticky sherbert]

Is there a major problem with doing it the other way round?

 

[MacB]

Is there a major problem with doing it the other way round?

I don't see one, I've been amassing bits for several months now. I've tried saving but every time I build up a balance in my paypal account I get an itchy keyboard finger. Rather than just my usual frittering I started adding in components. Only problem I have is that I keep redirecting my thoughts around the new bike. so some of my carefully purchased bits will need to be sold on again.

 

[Wocce Racer]

a good carbon frame will last for yearsssssssssss

A good steel frameset will last you for liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiife!

 

[MadoneRider1991]

A good steel frameset will last you for liiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiife!

well with my treks life time guarantee on its frame mine will last for lifeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

 

[accountantpete]

Personally I see frames developing at a greater pace than the group kit so it makes sense to update the frame last -especially as the cost of carbon frames seems to be coming down as the technology becomes more widespread.

Also, if you are getting an expensive frame, apart from a brief test ride, you need to put a great deal of faith in the manufacturers ability to produce a good frame. I'd shop around the decent frame builders and then get an alloy entry level frame to give you confidence in that manufacturer.

 

[PpPete]

I don't see one, I've been amassing bits for several months now. I've tried saving but every time I build up a balance in my paypal account I get an itchy keyboard finger. Rather than just my usual frittering I started adding in components. Only problem I have is that I keep redirecting my thoughts around the new bike. so some of my carefully purchased bits will need to be sold on again.

That's the problem with building up collection of bits....

I'd buy they cheapest frame available which is equipped with the groupset you want. That way you take advantage of the manufacturers buying power. It will probably cost very little more than the RRP of the groupset. Replace the frame when you can afford it.

Now if only I could take my own advice....yes dear, I know there are 14 complete bikes and 2 more frames in the garage.