First scratch build frame options up to £300

[Alembicbassman]

I have done a few strip and build projects on old bikes and have amassed a stock of new and nearly new parts for a scratch build. I've probably gone about this a bit arse about face, frame first and then bits would have been more sensible.

All the drivetrain bits are 8 speed. 2 cassettes:12-25 and 13-26. 4 front mechs: Double/Triple braze on, double/triple band on, 2 chainsets: 34/50 compact, 30 42 52 triple. 2300 STI shifters and R400 8sp downtube shifters. Campagnolo cable adjusters. Tektro RL340 brake levers. Sunrace RD-R82 short cage rear mech, 2300 long cage rear mech.

Scor oversize bars, FSA OS stem, Miche long drop brakes, Tektro short drop brakes, Brand-X headset spacers.

Selle Q-Bik saddle, Mach 1 wheels.

Can't decide what to build now - I do like the look of the Surly Pacer as this allows the most felixibility on bits as it can be set up with downtube shifters or STI, other options are something like the Dolan Preffisio frame which comes with carbon forks, headset, seatclamp and seatpost.

 

[smokeysmoo]

As your considering the Dolan, (FWIW I don't like the decals on the Preffisio TBH ), have you considered the RIBBLE?

Excellent VFM, nicely finished, looks great in metallic blue, and they ride really nicely too IMO.

 

[biggs682]

just remember it will cost more than you initially hoped for

 

[black'n'yellow]

at the risk of asking the obvious - what type of riding do you want the bike for..?

 

[Alembicbassman]

All the above came in at about £250, the whole 2300 group with brake calipers was £100 (100 miles use) most of the rest was soucred from Planet-X Chain Reaction bargain sections and ebay.

I like slow long rides with no hills

 

[smokeysmoo]

just remember it will cost more than you initially hoped for

Amen to that.

 

[black'n'yellow]

I like slow long rides with no hills

in which case, almost anything will do

 

[Alembicbassman]

The Surly in Sparkleboogie Blue would look nice with the FSA polished double, downtube shifters and Tektro levers.

 

[Hacienda71]

Go older but quality. Something like this.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Sorry to hijack your thread!! I'm looking at doing the same. Do you think the Dolan is a bit flashy as a commuter? Obviously would be well locked up but rather not attract too much attention. If the surly was cheaper I would have a cross check in a heartbeat

 

[Alembicbassman]

I wasn't able to justify the £300+ on the Surly. In the end I bought a cheap Sab frame and Ness carbon forks (£70 + £50) from Planet X and built this:

Rides really well. I may still buy the Surly Pacer, but just dumped £372 on my car's MOT

If you want a cheap frameset try this guy on fleabay:

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Paul-Milnes-Cycles?_trksid=p2047675.l2563

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Cheers. Looks nice that Sab.

 

[400bhp]

As your considering the Dolan, (FWIW I don't like the decals on the Preffisio TBH ), have you considered the RIBBLE?

Excellent VFM, nicely finished, looks great in metallic blue, and they ride really nicely too IMO.

I think they are the same frame, or very very similar?

I have a Surosa and it's almost identical to the Ribble, which looks very similar to a Prefferiso someone has in my office block.

 

[smokeysmoo]

I think they are the same frame, or very very similar
.

They could well be.

I know years ago Dolan used to supply frames to Ribble who just re-branded them, but then they started having their own manufactured.

So if there isn't Dolan DNA still in Ribble's frames I'll knit fog.

 

[Buzzinonbikes]

Went for the Dolan Preffisio arrived at work this morning! It is a lovely looking bike. Frame looks very well made, all joints look great and the graphics are so cool and understated imho. Can't wait to get this bad boy built up!