New bike

[Square Wheels]

So, you're building a nice bike, not a dream bike, but a really nice one.  What am I missing?  I highlighted what I am leaning toward.

Feel free to offer any opinions

Budget, 10ish

Brands

• Giant
• Trek
• Cannondale
• BMC
• Pinarello
• Specialized

Stuff

• Carbon or aluminum frame?
• Carbon or aluminum bars?
• Brakes - rim, mech disc, hyro disc
• Wheels - clincher, tubular
• Wheels - carbon, aluminum
• Wheels - deep, not deep

Chainring

• 50 / 34
• 53 / 39
• Other

Shifting (only considering Shimano)

• DuraAce
• Ultegra
• 105
• Electronic, Mechanical

Paint

• Stock
• Factory custom
• Bring to independent painter for true custom

Bottom Bracket

• Not sure what are good options here

Pedals

• Garmin Vector 3

[Airehead]

Pinarello, electronic. 

[bikeman564™]

10 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

• Cannondale

Stuff

• aluminum frame
• aluminum bars w/ anatomic bend & stem
• Brakes - hyro disc
• Wheels - clincher,
• Wheels - aluminum
• Wheels - not deep...maybe deep, like ZIPP 303s

Chainring

• 53 / 39

Shifting (only considering Shimano)

 

• Ultegra
• Mechanical

Paint

• Bring to independent painter for true custom

Bottom Bracket

• any non press-fit, if possible...probably not though

Pedals

• LOOK KEO blade carbon or Shimano SPD SL

my 2 cents

[Square Wheels]

1 minute ago, bikeman564™ said:

my 2 cents

 

Thanks, lots of info.  Why alum over carbon?

[bikeman564™]

12 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

Thanks, lots of info.  Why alum over carbon?

YW. I've ridden aluminum since aboot 1990. I like it. I'm not a weight weenie, and besides my CAAD10 is as light, or a touch lighter than some carbon bikes (but not all bikes I know). I prefer an alloy for it's yield strength. Carbon has a higher ultimate (tensile) strength but lacks impact strength. And can fail w/o warning.  Yes I know aluminum can fail too, just look at the Shimano cranks. Current ones have stress corrosion issues because their hollow, as opposed to the forged aluminum cranks from yesteryear. With that said, my CAAD10 has a completely carbon fork which is the same fork used on the supersix evo. Also a carbon crank (FSA-SLK light), and carbon seat post.  For the aforementioned reasons, I will never use a carbon bar or stem. Stay away from Mavic though, my rear Ksyrium cracked (was replaced free) but still. I think Mavic is not what they where. Shimano hubs are much better than Mavic too. I agree, and my LBS guy said this also.

Furthermore, Cannondale was the pioneer of aluminum back in the '80s, and IMO still is. To this day the CAAD frame is still on top and a great contender.  For the record, my CAAD10 w/ ultegra, FSA crank, mavic ksyrium wheels, look KEO pedals is aboot 17.5 pounds. 

[maddmaxx ★]

Budget build.  (some of have to)

Aluminium Frame relaxed road

Carbon Fork

Aluminium wheels, mid deep with 32mms tires

Carbon Flat bar

Mechanical disks

SRAM X0 gear (over the years I've always liked high grade twist shifters)

Some form of compact double gearing up front with the 9 speed mountain cassette in back.

Strange bike eh?

 

[ChrisL]

Road and not gravel right?  10’ish as in $10,000 for the bike?

Assuming this, I think if you really want custom paint you have to go Trek with the Project One. Nobody else offers that type of program.  But any of the brands you noted make awesome bikes I’d love to have.

You have the budget for carbon and with the Trek Project One you may have to go Carbon.  There are a lot of curmudgeons here who will say steel is real or get AL.   If I was spending upwards of 5 grand I’d go carbon.  It’s light, strong and durable. 

Assuming you can pick parts, a la Project One, I’d go Ultegra level, maybe even cable actuated and bling out wheels and contact points like saddle, seat post, bars (that means carbon) & pedals (which you have).  If you can bling out the bike and still get DA then go that route but if you have to save somewhere it would be drivetrain. You really can’t feel a difference between 105 & DA.

If you are strictly road in good weather rim brakes are fine. If you ride in the slop then consider disc. If the frame you want or the deal you find is disc only that’s fine.  Overkill for your uses but great brakes.  
 
Most high end wheels are tubeless ready anyway but I’d run em with tubes if on the road. Less hassle.   I did tubular, unless I have a team car I’m never going tubular again.  Carbon hoops are sweet if you can afford them but not necessary. High end aluminum wheels will get the job done. Many believe aluminum hoops offer more compliance over carbon too.

If $10k was my budget I would probably go Trek PO so I could customize the build.

 

[Square Wheels]

Leaning toward PO Trek.

100% road, no gravel.

Yeah, I'd go 10k on it.  My wife's was around 6 or so.  Then I put on cardon bars and my Boyd carbon wheels.  Will be hard to go back from that.

[ChrisL]

Just now, Square Wheels said:

Leaning toward PO Trek.

100% road, no gravel.

Yeah, I'd go 10k on it.  My wife's was around 6 or so.  Then I put on cardon bars and my Boyd carbon wheels.  Will be hard to go back from that.

I bought my bike on a similar program through an online shop who happened to have a nearby store. I literally picked out the frame I wanted & then picked out every component.  If I could also pick the paint... ohh la la!

Yeah Trek  PO is a cool program!

[bikeman564™]

3 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

Leaning toward PO Trek.

100% road, no gravel.

Yeah, I'd go 10k on it.  My wife's was around 6 or so.  Then I put on cardon bars and my Boyd carbon wheels.  Will be hard to go back from that.

Friend of mine has a PO, and it's damn sweet. I stole this pic off his strava. I like how every cable is hidden...except if I had to wrench on it.

[Square Wheels]

2 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

I bought my bike on a similar program through an online shop who happened to have a nearby store. I literally picked out the frame I wanted & then picked out every component.  If I could also pick the paint... ohh la la!

Yeah Trek  PO is a cool program!

This is the color I'm leaning toward, I love the purple.

[bikeman564™]

Just now, Square Wheels said:

This is the color I'm leaning toward, I love the purple.

that's damn sexy...get it

[Square Wheels]

1 minute ago, bikeman564™ said:

that's damn sexy...get it

@petitepedal would be disappointed.  Maybe springtime.  My wife started training with her old coach, it goes until spring.  If she keeps riding, she'll want her bike back, then I'll seriously look

[ChrisL]

14 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

This is the color I'm leaning toward, I love the purple.

Yeah that is a bad ass paint job! 

[Dirtyhip]

5 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

Yeah that is a bad ass paint job! 

Gorgeous. I can’t add much in this convo, I just came here for porn

[Ralphie ★]

Could you please pass the jelly?

[Square Wheels]

34 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

Yeah that is a bad ass paint job! 

The pic is clickable, then when it open in a new window, more clickabke.  I think it would look spectacluar in the sun.

28 minutes ago, Dirtyhip said:

Gorgeous. I can’t add much in this convo, I just came here for porn

Nonsense.  I have very little hardware knowledge.  For instance, I have no idea what the best bottom bracket is, or why, or am I buying junk when I could have bought a different frame?

[Dirtyhip]

1 hour ago, bikeman564™ said:

Friend of mine has a PO, and it's damn sweet. I stole this pic off his strava. I like how every cable is hidden...except if I had to wrench on it.

This is not a great bike for long rides or lots of twisty turns IMHO

The angle is so aggressive.  My back hurts just looking at it.

Looks too TT. 

[ChrisL]

1 hour ago, Square Wheels said:

Nonsense.  I have very little hardware knowledge.  For instance, I have no idea what the best bottom bracket is, or why, or am I buying junk when I could have bought a different frame?

Many frame builders gravitated to press fit as they can widen & strengthen the BB area and manufacturing was easier.  But press fit BB’s tend to creak, are harder to service and sometimes have fitment issues so bike companies are moving back to threaded bottom brackets. 

My Bianchi has an external threaded BB and it’s been trouble free.  My Giant has a press fit BB and has also been trouble free.  I wouldn’t let the BB type be the the ultimate deciding factor. 

For your budget you won’t be getting junk. They key is getting the right bike for your intended use and of course a proper fit.

[bikeman564™]

8 hours ago, Dirtyhip said:

This is not a great bike for long rides or lots of twisty turns IMHO

The angle is so aggressive.  My back hurts just looking at it.

Looks too TT. 

nonsense, gotta get the "slammed pro look" of the stem JK.  He had a fit completed before buying it. He road and criterium races with it.

[Tizeye]

$10ish is a healthy budget

1. Custom? While Tom Kellogg is retired/semi-retired so don't know the situation at Spectrum, there are other custom builders like Carl Strong may want to look at. Have it designed for your riding style.

2. Material. While personally leaning towards carbon (Pinarello vs Colnago and others specifically) re-assessing after my wipeout that probably would have trashed it. My steel frame unscathed. Consider steel or titanium with that budget.

3. Production non-custom frames - Moots, Seven, Alchemy among others. On carbon fiber, a Colnago "still Made in Italy" C64 paired with Campy Record comes in under budget @ $9799 https://www.wrenchscience.com/WSLogic/Road.aspx?&buildid=28773124 . Carbon opens up other frames including Parlee, Alchemy (both carbon and ti), Calfee.

4. Groupset - Nothing against Shimano...but if going to have an Italian frame... just say'n.  Personally, I think there is better value in the step down group Ultegra/Chorus than the faster wearing but more bling Dura Ace/Record Super Record (or SRAM equivalents). Apply the savings to wheelsets or splurge on electronic shifting.

5. Brakes - Disk hands down. I attribute my rim brakes to the reason I couldn't slow down fast enough to negotiate the 90 degree unbanked turn. The hydraulic discs on my mountain bike grab much better - and far smoother feel than the mechanical version. 

[smudge ★]

@ChrisL is wise.

[Prophet Zacharia]

I am a fan of Specialized road frames. I have a Tarmac SL. That is my $0.02.

[Square Wheels]

Hmm, didn't think about custom.  Interesting idea.  So, I'd go to them, get a million measurements, they'd build me my bike, 100% designed for me?  I still need that paint job above.

[Dirtyhip]

55 minutes ago, bikeman564™ said:

nonsense, gotta get the "slammed pro look" of the stem JK.  He had a fit completed before buying it. He road and criterium races with it.

This makes sense.  

[Dirtyhip]

4 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

Hmm, didn't think about custom.  Interesting idea.  So, I'd go to them, get a million measurements, they'd build me my bike, 100% designed for me?  I still need that paint job above.

With that budget you could get a very very good build, even custom.

[bikeman564™]

13 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

Hmm, didn't think about custom.  Interesting idea.  So, I'd go to them, get a million measurements, they'd build me my bike, 100% designed for me?  I still need that paint job above.

I know another dude that bought a custom independent fabricator bike in 2012. Titanium. Sweet bike.

[bikeman564™]

10 minutes ago, Dirtyhip said:

This makes sense.  

perhaps. I see so many people on the book of faces pages that want the "pro look".  meh, my stem points up..hehe. Those aggressive positions are more aero, but look uncomfortable. I had a custom fit completed and my bike is set up for "me"

[Dirtyhip]

5 minutes ago, bikeman564™ said:

perhaps. I see so many people on the book of faces pages that want the "pro look".  meh, my stem points up..hehe. Those aggressive positions are more aero, but look uncomfortable. I had a custom fit completed and my bike is set up for "me"

First thing I did with my first road bike...stem upside down. 

[ChrisL]

29 minutes ago, Square Wheels said:

Hmm, didn't think about custom.  Interesting idea.  So, I'd go to them, get a million measurements, they'd build me my bike, 100% designed for me?  I still need that paint job above.

You didn’t reference it in the OP so I didn’t bring it up but yeah that’s an option within your budget.  Some builders have semi custom bikes too where you don’t necessarily get to pick every angle & tube length but do get to pick color ways & other options off a “stock”’frame.  Others offer full custom builds.  

Not likely you can get that paint job tho and custom does add cost (still within your budget but probably less bling parts due to cost of build) and wait time. But you probably have to wait for a PO as well.

I’m actually eyeing a Co-Motion Klatch if I bonus big next year but I’m a curmudgeon and do lust for steel. 😁.   

[Razors Edge ★]

14 hours ago, Square Wheels said:

I highlighted what I am leaning toward.

Gravel or MTB.  Pretty much the only ones you should be thinking about.  Another road bike seems a waste.

[ChrisL]

26 minutes ago, Razors Edge said:

Gravel or MTB.  Pretty much the only ones you should be thinking about.  Another road bike seems a waste.

For you (and me) maybe but not SW. We don’t get to pick his object of desire!

[Razors Edge ★]

2 hours ago, ChrisL said:

For you (and me) maybe but not SW. We don’t get to pick his object of desire!

Ha!  He asked.  He also seems to need something "new".  Riding in the countryside or the hills or the woods is often what folks need.

He should consider an Open UP/UPPER.  Relatively  rare, can be custom painted. Very customizable. 

-----------------------------------

WHAT IS THE U.P.(P.E.R.)?

• With road tires, it is a very fast road bike
• With big road/cross/gravel tires (32-40mm), it’s a go-anywhere bike perfect for mixed surface rides and most gravel routes
• With 650b mountain bike tires, it's unstoppable on very tough terrain yet much faster on pavement than you'd expect thanks to the road position

So the position lets you get out of town and reach the gravel/dirt/trails quickly (unlike a mountain bike). Space for big tires lets you tackle any route (unlike a road bike). And you can do that with one type of tire for everything or finetune your ride with multiple wheelsets or tires.

[ChrisL]

31 minutes ago, Razors Edge said:

Ha!  He asked.  He also seems to need something "new".  Riding in the countryside or the hills or the woods is often what folks need.

He should consider an Open UP/UPPER.  Relatively  rare, can be custom painted. Very customizable. 

-----------------------------------

WHAT IS THE U.P.(P.E.R.)?

• With road tires, it is a very fast road bike
• With big road/cross/gravel tires (32-40mm), it’s a go-anywhere bike perfect for mixed surface rides and most gravel routes
• With 650b mountain bike tires, it's unstoppable on very tough terrain yet much faster on pavement than you'd expect thanks to the road position

So the position lets you get out of town and reach the gravel/dirt/trails quickly (unlike a mountain bike). Space for big tires lets you tackle any route (unlike a road bike). And you can do that with one type of tire for everything or finetune your ride with multiple wheelsets or tires.

Is the checkpoint offered on the Trek PO program?  That might be cool if so.

The Open bikes are cool but IF I get another bike it won’t be that one.

[Razors Edge ★]

54 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

Is the checkpoint offered on the Trek PO program?  That might be cool if so.

The Open bikes are cool but IF I get another bike it won’t be that one.

Computer says no

Stand out on the road with Madone, Domane, Domane+, Émonda or Speed Concept, or turn every trail into an art gallery with Rail, Supercaliber, Top Fuel, Fuel EX or Slash.

[Square Wheels]

Nope, road bike only.  And only if wife takes her Domane back.

[smudge ★]

8 hours ago, bikeman564™ said:

perhaps. I see so many people on the book of faces pages that want the "pro look".  meh, my stem points up..hehe. Those aggressive positions are more aero, but look uncomfortable. I had a custom fit completed and my bike is set up for "me"

I see what you did there....    

[Square Wheels]

Hmm, did a little looking around.  Not convinced I want a custom bike.  I'm kinda hooked on that Domane above.

[groupw]

Carbon frame, electric shifting,  hydraulic disc, aluminum wheels. Love that purple color! 
My Stradalli had carbon wheels. For our roads around here, they weren’t strong enough. I have replaced front bearings twice and rear hub once. I bought some Shimano aluminum rims. They are actually lighter than my carbon rims, much easier to ride in a crosswind. No difference in comfort level. 

[Kirby]

You need streamers!

[Tizeye]

22 hours ago, Square Wheels said:

  I still need that paint job above.

Where is Rattlecan when you need him.

[Razors Edge ★]

On 11/8/2020 at 8:26 AM, Prophet Zacharia said:

I am a fan of Specialized road frames. I have a Tarmac SL. That is my $0.02.

If he cares about "performance", here's a good list of performers!

...and practicality (almost all electronic) :

...and clearly, hydraulic discs are making huge inroads:

[ChrisL]

4 minutes ago, Razors Edge said:

If he cares about "performance", here's a good list of performers!

...and practicality (almost all electronic) :

...and clearly, hydraulic discs are making huge inroads:

And follow the money to see who gets paid to ride their frames/parts.  Also remember they have a full service course to take care of their bikes.  

I’m not pro or con for any brand or equipment but I think it’s more telling to see which teams forego bike & equipment sponsors & buy their equipment.  It’s also interesting to see what former pros ride.  Didnt LA switch to Spesh?  

[Razors Edge ★]

2 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

And follow the money to see who gets paid to ride their frames/parts.  Also remember they have a full service course to take care of their bikes.  

I’m not pro or con for any brand or equipment but I think it’s more telling to see which teams forego bike & equipment sponsors & buy their equipment.  It’s also interesting to see what former pros ride.  Didnt LA switch to Spesh?  

I can make it super simple - no muss, no fuss, just fast.

[ChrisL]

2 minutes ago, Razors Edge said:

I can make it super simple - no muss, no fuss, just fast.

It’s over budget. Maybe we need to crowdfund to get SW the extra $2,500 & tax.  😁

[Longjohn ★]

On 11/7/2020 at 9:36 PM, Square Wheels said:

@petitepedal would be disappointed.  Maybe springtime.  My wife started training with her old coach, it goes until spring.  If she keeps riding, she'll want her bike back, then I'll seriously look

Your wife says you can keep her bike and she will take the purple one.

[Razors Edge ★]

5 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

It’s over budget. Maybe we need to crowdfund to get SW the extra $2,500 & tax.  😁

I'm hoping he implements the cash cow "pin/unpin" function!

[Longjohn ★]

That guy Chris that just did the Ironman didn’t ride his new Ironman tri bike they gave him. Maybe he would make you a deal?

[Kzoo]

16 minutes ago, ChrisL said:

It’s over budget. Maybe we need to crowdfund to get SW the extra $2,500 & tax.  😁

Hence his 'pay for pin' program.