New Bike Build...Need Help Choosing Parts

[gazcoign]

Hi folks, long time visitor on this forum and have picked up some valuable points/tips on road biking...now need some more specific help with a new bike i'm gonna be putting together.
Basically, i would love to go out and buy a Merida Reacto 909 off the shelf, but as i don't have £5,600 that ain't gonna happen! I recon, with a little help, i can put (nearly) as good a bike together for cheaper. So far i've decided on the Reacto frameset, ultegra 6700 groupset (39/53 11/25) and mavic cosmic carbone sl wheelset (see follow up question! ) What other parts should i be looking at to finish the bike off, obviously handlebars/stems/tape...any recommendations?
Ohh, and on the groupset, what crank length would be best to use?

Thanks for any help!!

Gaz

 

[Tim Bennet.]

You need to work it out very carefully, but in my experience, there is no way you can economically build a bike of the same specification as the big bike manufactures give us 'off the peg'.

Build your own is only 'cheaper' if you have a substantial number of parts already that you want to re-use, such as wheels and / or a complete groupset.

 

[gazcoign]

Cheers Tim, i can imagine it will take a wee bit of working out regarding sizes and specs, but hopefully the costs should be easier to manage. The off the shelf bike has dura ace groupset and wheelset, i'm looking to get both the ultegra and cosmics for the same price as the dura ace groupset. Personally, i don't think dura ace is worth the extra money, and i think the cosmic wheels will suit me better...win win i hope!!

Cheers again

Gaz

 

[monkeypony]

For starters I'd suggest paying to get properly fitted and then finding a frame that best suits your needs and shape. This will also tell you what stem length you'll need and what shape of bars will suit you best.

Trust me, it will be the best £150 you'll ever spend

 

[gazcoign]

Hmm, will look into the bike fit option, think Dales in Glasgow is the nearest place to me...only problem is they don't do Merida. Defo that frame i'm looking for, fits my needs perfectly.

Cheers.

Gaz

 

[monkeypony]

Hmm, will look into the bike fit option, think Dales in Glasgow is the nearest place to me...only problem is they don't do Merida. Defo that frame i'm looking for, fits my needs perfectly.

Cheers.

Gaz

Any place worth its salt will be able to match your fit to any frame, even if its not one they actually sell.

 

[downfader]

Hmm, will look into the bike fit option, think Dales in Glasgow is the nearest place to me...only problem is they don't do Merida. Defo that frame i'm looking for, fits my needs perfectly.

Cheers.

Gaz

If you can get to a good shop try out other makes of bike to see how the geometry fits you, then apply those figures to the frame size of the bike you're working on. Another way is to take your inside leg, reach and height and email the frame company and ask what they suggest.

For handlebars, stems etc theres so much to choose from. I personally liked the shape and spec of the Easton EA90 range.

Seatposts, for quality and feel go for carbon, same with forks. Easton, Cinelli, Kinesis, Richey all good makes.

Ultegra groups are great, but the new 105 is pretty close for the money saved. I nearly went Ultegra but in the end went 105 and have been very happy with it.

 

[Garz]

Ultegra groups are great, but the new 105 is pretty close for the money saved. I nearly went Ultegra but in the end went 105 and have been very happy with it.

Very true.

The 105 stuff is an absolute bargain with great performance £ for £.