Higher End Frame or Higher End Groupset

[bpsmith]

Simple question really, at most price points, is money better spent on a higher end frame or a higher end groupset?

 

[JhnBssll]

I tend to choose based on the frame, components can be upgraded later if needed.

 

[bpsmith]

That’s been my view so far but interesting to hear other views.

 

[fossala]

I think a balance is needed. What bikes are we talking about? There is little point having Sora on a Colnago C64 neither is there any reason to have super record on a BSA.

 

[JhnBssll]

I think a balance is needed. What bikes are we talking about? There is little point having Sora on a Colnago C64 neither is there any reason to have super record on a BSA.

Valid point

I tend to upgrade wheels first on road bikes but have always found it make less difference on mountain bikes so tend to stick with the standard hoops for longer...

 

[bpsmith]

I think a balance is needed. What bikes are we talking about? There is little point having Sora on a Colnago C64 neither is there any reason to have super record on a BSA.

That’s fair enough. I am thinking of the balance based a see price.

For example, a midrange frame with Dura Ace vs a high end frame with Ultegra?

Not necessarily those specific groupsets, just demonstrating different levels.

 

[JhnBssll]

Although soon I will be putting SRAM Rival 22 on my Charge Plug 2 which is potentially overkill... It came with Claris but I'll be shifting all my groupsets down when I get Dura-Ace Di2 for the Bianchi (which I bought with Ultegra)

 

[fossala]

That’s fair enough. I am thinking of the balance based a see price.

For example, a midrange frame with Dura Ace vs a high end frame with Ultegra?

Not necessarily those specific groupsets, just demonstrating different levels.

I understand what you mean but what mid-range frame are you on about. One mans mid range is an £800 giant bike, to another it is a mid level Look. I think normally there is no reason to go above Ultegra/Record/Force.

 

[I like Skol]

It is never cost effective to upgrade components after the event! I would always suggest buying the bike that has the frame and parts you want in the first place.

 

[winjim]

I understand what you mean but what mid-range frame are you on about. One mans mid range is an £800 giant bike, to another it is a mid level Look. I think normally there is no reason to go above Ultegra/Record/Force.

Above Record?

 

[Vapin' Joe]

I think a balance is needed. What bikes are we talking about? There is little point having Sora on a Colnago C64 neither is there any reason to have super record on a BSA.

Fitting a C64 with a Sora groupset would make next to bugger all difference to how the bike performs unless you are at the cutting edge end of racing. All shifters change gear without issue and all chainsets drive the rear wheel just the same.

 

[JhnBssll]

It is never cost effective to upgrade components after the event! I would always suggest buying the bike that has the frame and parts you want in the first place.

If you can afford the frame you want and the components you want at the time then I agree. If not, getting last seasons groupset in the sales 12 months later isn't a bad option especially when you consider the original components won't owe you as much if you've put a decent number of miles on them... In the past I've just upgraded parts as they've worn or been damaged - it takes longer that way but is very cost effective.

 

[JhnBssll]

Fitting a C64 with a Sora groupset would make next to bugger all difference to how the bike performs unless you are at the cutting edge end of racing. All shifters change gear without issue and all chainsets drive the rear wheel just the same.

I don't think many bicycle upgrades are bought through necessity

 

[fossala]

Above Record?

Super record.
https://www.merlincycles.com/campagnolo-super-record-ti-groupset-2017-71983.html

 

[winjim]

Super record.
https://www.merlincycles.com/campagnolo-super-record-ti-groupset-2017-71983.html

That's not really above Record though, it's just Record made silly.