Thanks both. I agree with you Cycleops... however when I start looking at whole bikes I want or lust after it all gets too expensive very quickly - I know this way I'm still compromisng, but doing it bit by bit possibly
feels less so as I'd be putting something together myself and I like the idea of my own project (there are worse hobbies!). I like tinkering (and learning, including getting it wrong from time to time). I was thinking about a whole pre-built bike not so long ago, but have a hard time justifying the cost of what I'd want to my missus (and myself) if I were to spend the cash in one big fat lump!
My current bike is a relatively stock stock 2014 Genesis Crois De Fer.
I do love my bike at the moment - but do flip and flop over time. When I bought it 4 years ago I know it was a good bike and does everything I need, but there's always better isn't there! My intension back then was to grow it over the years. Didn't happen though. I keep replacing bits likes for like. I'm currently cycling more than I ever have, fitter than I hever have been and it's helped me acheive a few personal goals... I feel an upgrade would be new motivation
The frame isn't overly special I guess, probably only worth couple hundred ££ if that now (think the frameset might've been around £500-600 new), but I'm happy enough with it. Fits me well enough, I like steel ('cept for the weight), rides well and gives me lots of options in terms of wheel sizes, lots of lugs for whatever I might want to attach down the line, takes mudguards when needed – it's versatile.
I'd like the light weight of carbon (mainly for accletation and hills and perhaps adding a kph or so to my average) - but would be worried about longevity and robustness. Ultimately maybe a Ti frame would be a good choice further down the line... slightly springy, road dampening ride like steel, but a little less weight... 'alas its expensive. Steel is fine for now. Myabe that could be something I could upgrade later.
Weight could be a little better. I've lost a lot of weight since I've had the bike... now it's time my bike shed a couple of kilos too. Wheels would be a good place to start there, forks too. Brakes could be better too. The mechancial discs work well on a good day when they're setup perfectly, but they're early disk brakes. only one moving caliper and I'm forever adjusting them, constantly trying to get them a little better, to bite a littel better. My Tiagra gears are fine too really when indexed perfectly, but I lust after a friends Ultegra... they seem 'clickier', faster and quieter - sad really isn't it!
Over-all I'm not a speed demon, at least not competitively with others, but do like pushing myself and improving. Ride daily or thereabouts. Weekend rides approaching 3hr / 85km and getting longer (I go until my back gets too uncomfy), daily fitness rides aim to do 30km @ 30kph average so usually a hour, but usually and up around 29kph. I guess from March to Oct / Nov I'd call it my hobby. Winter time less so, but do it (most years) for fitness. Roads around here are largley country lanes, so not super smooth, plenty of pot-holes, looser bits, bumps - it's varied. To be honest I;ve never hit the trails or tracks I thought I might with my Croix de Fer.
// EDIT bugger, see what you've done Cyclops. With your one susgestion / thought, I'm now looking at ( vaguely considering / day dreaming ) interest free credit over 3 years or so... Ti, Ultegra bike. Could I cope with spending half my monthly allowance for 3 years on this... hmmm