The Cyclingnews Build a bike thread - Week 1 "The Frameset"

[El Imbatido]

I propose that with the input of everyone here on the cyclingnews forums we build a hypothetical bike. That comes in with a pricetag of around $8,000AUD (about $6,620USD, 4,685Euro or 3,960GBP.) Doesn't need to be exact but around that figure. I purposely didnt make a humongous budget, so that we would actuallty have to think about what we put on the bike instead of just saying ie. Baum, Dura-ace, lightweights, Vittoria Corsa Evos, King cage titanium bottle cages, prologo scratch saddle all for $17,000.

The way i propose we build this bike is by having a new thread each week (or a set period of time eg 5 days) to discuss each of the following:

Week 1 - Frameset
Week 2 - Groupset
Week 3 - Wheelset
Week 4 - Accessories (saddle, Cycle computer(?), Power meter(?), pedals(?))

So we'll start with the frameset. These are the options included in the poll. I tried to provide an even spread of bike and prices but could not really come up with a really good frame that fell in the $1000-$2000 range. I also have not included any out of this world high-end frames ala Time RXR Ulteam or De Rosa King 3 as these would probably retail for almost our budget and then we would have to slap Sora or Tiagra with Alex rims on it. Ha Ha That would be hilarious

- Parlee Z4 $2999 USD
- Felt F1 $2600 USD
- Cervelo S2 $2800 USD
- Independant Fabrications SSR $3600 USD
- Colnago CX-1 $3100 USD
- Bianchi 928 Carbon SL ON SALE $2100 USD
- Look 595 ON SALE $2554 USD
- Cannondale CAAD 9 $799 USD
- Planet X SL Pro Carbon $700 USD
- Ridley Helium $2799 USD

The idea is to build a great allround bike that can be used in all forms of racing and riding


So my vote is for a Look 595 at $2550 it is an awesome buy. The poll is open for 5 days so get voting.

 

[15kphslower]

My vote is for Bianchi, one of the great classic frame makers. So I'm going for a 928 Carbon SL, must be in Celeste, for about $3000. When the time comes we mustn't ruin a great Italian with Japanese components!!

 

[Eva Maria]

Pedalforce R2 $750

Who needs labels?

 

[LugHugger]

Can I just ask, what are we intending to use the frame for and for how long?

By the way, no way am I backing Bianchi, I have heard too many stories about their shocking QC recently.

Edit: Sorry, great idea, by the way

 

[180mmCrank]

Can I just ask, what are we intending to use the frame for and for how long?

Options

1. A piece of art to hang on the wall?

2. To impress the ladies/guys..."ooh you ride a bike"

3. To rip it up on your club run

4. To kick a$$ on your local race scene

5. A mighty steed worthy of your pro-hero who is a
A. Sprinter
B. Climber
C. ITT
D. Super Domestic
E. GC guy
F. Classy Classic guy
G. Lady

6. To go shopping

I think I might be taking this too seriously* / or not seriously enough*
*(delete as applicable)

Great thread by the way

 

[LugHugger]

Should we put the use options in a poll? Give people, say 48 hours to respond, and then argue the toss?

It's your thread El Imbatido, what d'ya think?

 

[180mmCrank]

I think it would be cool to put together a bike that anyone with a reasonable budget could actually ride - and IMO race - in a typical 50- 80 mile race with a few bumps (but not Alpe D'Huez) - What do you think?

El Imbatido - you decide.

 

[Eva Maria]

Parlee Z4 $3,000
Record 11 Groupo $1,700
Campy Shamal Wheels $1,200

The rest we all have laying around our garage You can also get a Pedalforce, Record 11, DT 1.1 wheels, about 15 pounds for $3,600

 

[LugHugger]

Aw, come on, Eva M,play the game

I'll second the all rounder, occasional race frame. The Parlee Z4 is a good shout. Prefer that over the BMC. Sorry, boss

Edit: Although for your US$3,600 you could have an IF SSR, full custom. That's my nomination.

 

[hampstenrider]

Felt F1 - $2,600

 

[Steampunk]

Cervelo S2 @ $3,100

 

[biker77]

For the framest recommendation? My major experience is on a trek 5200, which is awesome (imo).

A Trek madone would hit the budget, but I hope the QC on the bontrager wheels is a bit better lately than in the past.

 

[El Imbatido]

Can I just ask, what are we intending to use the frame for and for how long?

By the way, no way am I backing Bianchi, I have heard too many stories about their shocking QC recently.

Edit: Sorry, great idea, by the way

Yeah, the idea was for an allround bike, so not a climbing or sprinting bike, something that is solid in all areas of racing and riding.



Edit: The poll option i like, although we can do it one of two ways.

Option 1
The poll can have a max of 10 things in it. So first 10 people to give me a bike frameset go in the poll. And then we vote on them.

OR

Option 2
With the help of all you guys we can together come up with a 10 bike list that we will then put in the poll so we can vote on it. This way seems fairer to people who want to help.

So far we have 6 framesets (that have prices attached to them):
- BMC Pro Machine SLC01 $3600 USD
- Pedalforce RS2 $750
- Parlee Z4 $3000
- Felt F1 $2600
- Cervelo S2 $3100
- Independant Fabrications SSR $3600
We can always add more or take some out with this option. I'm also assuming you guys used USD as the currency. We should probably decide on what currency to use as well.


I like option two. So speak now or forever hold your peace. (on which option we should do). Or if someone has an even better way to do it you should also speak up.

 

[Steampunk]

Forgot to mention: great idea for multiple threads!

I like option 2, but it's probably worth adding the price of the frames to the poll, so that we don't go over with subsequent options for wheels, etc.

 

[psychlist]

You could have a custom frame made for that money.

 

[M Sport]

Great idea!

My vote for the frame is a Colnago CX-1 USD $3,199.

 

[runninboy]

Pegoretti Marcelo $ 3,000

You'll never guess what kind of components i will suggest next week

and i like option 2

 

[53 x 11]

Idealy I would like to suggest a King 3 or RXR but they are both top $$$$$$. My budget do it all recomendation is the CAD 9 BB30. Well under AUD $2000 and a top ride. All the extra money can go into some sweet wheels (Or a training and racing set). And a lifetime waranty!

Noooo Cervelo's I'm so sick of looking at them.

And I like option two.

 

[LugHugger]

You could have a custom frame made for that money.

The IF SSR would be custom. Not sure whether Parlee Z4 is custom at the price quoted above.

I'm in for option 2, too. I think that having a range of carbon/steel/aluminium/ti (which has no nominations yet!) adds an extra dimension to the discussion. Currency suggestion: US$ since this allows for vagaries in import costs for us poms and aussies for overseas sourced frames.

 

[El Imbatido]

So far:

- Parlee Z4 $3000 USD
- Felt F1 $2600 USD
- Cervelo S2 $3100 USD
- Independant Fabrications SSR $3600 USD
- Colnago CX-1 $3100 USD
- Bianchi 928 Carbon SL ON SALE $2100 USD
- Pegoretti Marcelo $3340 USD
- Look 595 ON SALE $2554 USD
- Cannondale CAAD 9 $799 USD
- Planet X SL Pro Carbon $700 USD
- Pedalforce RS2 $750

I have added a few myself. Please have your say as to what else could go in and what you would take out as there is 11 at the moment and only 10 spots in the poll. I took the BMC out didnt like it as much as the Look 595 which at $2550 is an awesome buy and is my personal favourites at the moment.

Remember we also need a wheel and groupset to go with our frame and accessories (cycle computer,power meter(?), saddle), so that is why i added a few cheaper frames. Because at the moment there is no way we can get Super Rec and an awesome wheels set (ie. Campy Boras, cosmic carbones etc) on for $6000 USD.

So choose wisely. Your thoughts......

 

[elapid]

I was going to suggest another Cervelo model, but their frame sets are too expensive. Can you really get a Parlee Z4 for $3000? Anyways, my vote is for the Look 595. Great deal and excellent frame.

 

[mistahsinclair]

Ridley Helium - $2,799 @ bikeman.com

I'm pretty partial to Ridley and the Helium would make a good all round bike.

 

[Steampunk]

I was going to suggest another Cervelo model, but their frame sets are too expensive.

Frankly, I'm blown away that they can stay in business with no low-end bikes available. And, sponsor a fairly strong pro team. Where does the money come from?

 

[mistahsinclair]

Frankly, I'm blown away that they can stay in business with no low-end bikes available. And, sponsor a fairly strong pro team. Where does the money come from?

Ever been to a triathlon in the US?

It must be close to half of all triathlon bikes in the US are Cervelo. They are BY FAR the most popular bikes for the sport.

 

[El Imbatido]

Ok the poll has been added (sorry if your pick didnt make it but there are only ten spots) and the original post at the start of the topic has been updated with new information. This is basically a copy & paste of the post:

The idea is to build a great all-round bike that can be used in all forms of racing and riding

So we'll start with the frameset. These are the options included in the poll. I tried to provide an even spread of bike and prices but could not really come up with a really good frame that fell in the $1000-$2000 range. I also have not included any out of this world high-end frames ala Time RXR Ulteam or De Rosa King 3 as these would probably retail for almost our budget and then we would have to slap Sora or Tiagra with Alex rims on it. Ha Ha That would be hilarious

- Parlee Z4 $2999 USD
- Felt F1 $2600 USD
- Cervelo S2 $2800 USD
- Independant Fabrications SSR $3600 USD
- Colnago CX-1 $3100 USD
- Bianchi 928 Carbon SL ON SALE $2100 USD
- Look 595 ON SALE $2554 USD
- Cannondale CAAD 9 $799 USD
- Planet X SL Pro Carbon $700 USD
- Ridley Helium $2799 USD

Poll Is open for 5 days

Please get voting!!!