Synapse v Trek 1.2

[rcannon100]

The kid is officially thinking steel! Now we look at Surly’s!

[acc]

@rcannon100 59614 wrote:

The kid is officially thinking steel! Now we look at Surly’s!

I’m glad you are patient enough to let the kid try a bunch of different bikes. In the long run, learning to make a considered decision about a longterm investment is a terrific experience. Besides, the kid gets to learn a lot about bikes. Nicely done.

[rcannon100]

@acc 59617 wrote:

I’m glad you are patient enough to let the kid try a bunch of different bikes. In the long run, learning to make a considered decision about a longterm investment is a terrific experience. Besides, the kid gets to learn a lot about bikes. Nicely done.

He may also get to learn how to assemble a bike! He has figured out that in our price range, if we buy the frame, he can by a better groupset – if we assemble it ourselves!

So, um, which of you am I buying the 6-pack for when I am stuck with too many parts on the floor??

[DismalScientist]

@rcannon100 59622 wrote:

He may also get to learn how to assemble a bike! He has figured out that in our price range, if we buy the frame, he can by a better groupset – if we assemble it ourselves!

I find it hard to believe that it is cheaper to assemble a bike from a frame and components than buying the package deal.
A 105 groupset retails for $600 but you can get a Nashbar Steel touring bike for $700 or a Nashbar steel cross bike for $750, which is mostly assembled and has a frame, wheelset, bars, etc. The Nashbar bikes both have 105 groupsets (although with FSA cranks and Tektro brakes substituted).

P.S. You son is welcome to test ride my Nashbar touring bike.

[mstone]

Agreed; building the bike is basically never cheaper unless underestimate the costs.

For an entry level racy bike, you’ll find a lot fewer choices in steel, and the components will be a step down at a given price point. Take a look at the jamis satellite, maybe some of the raleighs, and bianchi has a really retro model with down tube shifters. Lower component level may be a good thing if he’s planning to take it to school, though, and even the 2300 is perfectly functional.

[hozn]

Yeah, this is true; you can’t compete with the wholesale prices the companies can get for groupsets, wheels, etc. Even w/ ebay, etc. But you can probably build up a bike that is as cheap (or cheaper) than a bigger name brand bike. Don’t forget that a bike costs more than a frame + a groupset too. The cost of the wheels+tires, stem, handlebars, pedals, seatpost, seat, cables + housing can add another few hundred dollars (or more) to the build.

For steel bikes, there’s the Nashbar that Dismal mentions. And the Motobecane Gran Premio from BD: http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/gran_premio_xiii.htm (Looks like sizes are a little limited right now.)

(Yeah, $799 for a complete bike w/ 105 is getting close to the price of the 105 group alone. I know that some folks buy BD bikes just for the groupset and turn around and sell the frames.)

OTOH, building a bike up is a ton of fun and I wouldn’t do it any other way. But that’s mostly because I’m particular about the build, and know that I’d replace the stock stuff anyway. I want to build my own wheels and use tires that I like. I want a specific handlebar. I definitely don’t want the saddle that will come with the bike. I want a two-bolt micro-adjust seatpost, probably a Thomson. I want my own pedals (of course, that’s typically not included anyway on any higher-end models). And I want Jagwire ripcord housing. So, yeah, I’d rather pay a little more and get exactly what I want. This probably doesn’t apply as much to someone that is building up a bike for the first time, but the fun/educational factor is still relevant.

If you do decide to build by pieces, I have a Kinlin XR300 wheelset that I built but no longer need (I’m a “wide rims” convert) that I’d be happy to sell at massive discount to support the cause.

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