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2011-12-22 2:19 PM

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Subject: Estimated cost of bike build
I'm in the market for a used tri bike but haven't found one that I love in my size. Found a Scott Plasma frame in my size that is sharp. Have no clue as to what it will cost to get all components on. Excluding the race wheels, what is the range that I should anticipate to outfit the thing in DuraAce compatible componentry? Any one with build experience know the rough cost? Just a quick estimate would help. Thanks!



2011-12-22 2:32 PM
in reply to: #3950291

Master
5557
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, California
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

It'll be a lot higher than buying a complete bike.  There are a lot of little things you have to remember in addition to the component group if you're building a bike.  Pedals, saddle, bars, wheels, and so on.  Plus labor to assemble everything if you're not up to it.

For DA you're probably in the ballpark of $1500-2000, for the group alone, not including what I listed above.

2011-12-22 2:47 PM
in reply to: #3950291

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Champion
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Brooklyn, NY
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build
It's not an exact science, but you can go to nashbar.com and get an idea of what each of the components will cost individually if you get them at a discounted retail price. It adds up pretty quickly. $450 for a crankset, $175 for a rear derailleur, and so on.
2011-12-22 3:00 PM
in reply to: #3950291

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Regular
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Westfield, IN
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

You can do it a lot cheaper too.

It's not always extremely expensive.

I just got most of a SRAM  Red group for $325 

2011-12-22 3:19 PM
in reply to: #3950291

Expert
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Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build
I did this twice. Around $1000 to $1500, not including frame or race wheels, is a good range for top end stuff. I used eBay, but took my time in collecting parts. One bike was done with Dura Ace and Ultegra 9 spd gruppo, significantly cheaper than 10 spd. All in all, while I enjoyed building them, didn't really save any money.

You may want to search for any cheap tri bike with good components, no mater what frame size. Then buy your frame, and strip the components off the other bike. Odd size bikes, or off-brands with Ultegra components and possibly good carbon aero bars (a high cost item) are often priced less than a grand.

2011-12-22 5:34 PM
in reply to: #3950383

Master
5557
50005002525
, California
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

vonschnapps - 2011-12-22 1:19 PM I did this twice. Around $1000 to $1500, not including frame or race wheels, is a good range for top end stuff. I used eBay, but took my time in collecting parts. One bike was done with Dura Ace and Ultegra 9 spd gruppo, significantly cheaper than 10 spd. All in all, while I enjoyed building them, didn't really save any money. You may want to search for any cheap tri bike with good components, no mater what frame size. Then buy your frame, and strip the components off the other bike. Odd size bikes, or off-brands with Ultegra components and possibly good carbon aero bars (a high cost item) are often priced less than a grand.

Speaking of that, I saw 3T Ventus bars on bonktown yesterday for $450 or something.  Not sure if they'll show up again but that's a sweet deal.



2011-12-22 9:00 PM
in reply to: #3950291

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Veteran
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Madison,
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build
Full carbon aero bars w/extensions, cf stem and cf spacers for $310 on eBay. These are the Chinese knockoff version but if you do a little research they get great reviews. Admittedly the Chinese covered them in mercury and lead and implanted a chip that allows them to hack into your email and bank accounts but it is still a great price.

Edited by melle 2011-12-22 9:02 PM
2011-12-22 9:53 PM
in reply to: #3950291

Veteran
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Fort Worth, Texas
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build
I built a carbon tri bike last summer. Total cost $650. I bought the frame on eBay. Took all the ultegra components off my rode bike and used eBay to buy the other parts. Some were new some used. Now I have a Kuota that was $3500 new with the exact same components for a ton less money. The trick to save money is to be flexible. For example, I wanted certain set of aerobars, but they kept selling for too much money. I waited and found a set of Ritchey bars that were brand new for $35. Are they the newest and greatest? Nope. Are they highly adjustable and very light? Yep! Took me 3 months to piece it together, but it was fun finding all the parts and staying within the wifes budget. Oh and that total cost includes the LBS doing all the assembly.

Edited by bdye101 2011-12-22 9:54 PM
2011-12-23 9:06 AM
in reply to: #3950291

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Pro
3804
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Seacoast, NH!
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

Do you have to have all new components or are you willing to settle for last years models?

For example, I bought an R3 frame and built it up from scratch for less than $3k with full sram force & 3T carbon parts, but that was all new stuff.  If you are patient and keep an eye out for stuff that has been taken off new bikes, you can get great deals.  I just bought ultegra 6700 group for cheap off ebay piece by piece.

Honestly, Dura Ace is really nice....but over rated for the price.  There are a ton of people upgrading from ultegra to dura ace, so those parts are more available and for a better price.

The key is to get the frame in a size you know you can build up to be correct to your specifications. 

2011-12-23 10:03 AM
in reply to: #3950291

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Champion
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Tacoma, Washington
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

About the only time it's economically sensible to piece a bike together is when you've got a pile of parts already binned in the garage. And have at least most of the tools already. And can do the work yourself.

If you know what you're looking at, used parts off eBay or Craigslist can help lower the cost dramatically.

But there's also something priceless about riding a bike that you put together yourself, and having the knowledge and experience of wielding the wrenches.



Edited by briderdt 2011-12-23 10:05 AM
2011-12-23 11:44 AM
in reply to: #3950291

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Regular
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Tucson, AZ
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

bswcpa - 2011-12-22 2:19 PM I'm in the market for a used tri bike but haven't found one that I love in my size. Found a Scott Plasma frame in my size that is sharp. Have no clue as to what it will cost to get all components on. Excluding the race wheels, what is the range that I should anticipate to outfit the thing in DuraAce compatible componentry? Any one with build experience know the rough cost? Just a quick estimate would help. Thanks!

 

You would almost certainly save some coin if you bought the bike whole.  Piecing a bike together can be very expensive.  My first bike ever was road bike from bikesdirect - I bought it new for $1199 and road it for two yeas.  After that I stripped it and sold it and got over $2000 for all the parts.



2011-12-23 11:50 AM
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Pro
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Seacoast, NH!
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build
briderdt - 2011-12-23 11:03 AM

But there's also something priceless about riding a bike that you put together yourself, and having the knowledge and experience of wielding the wrenches.

Bingo.

2011-12-26 8:08 AM
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2011-12-26 9:27 AM
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Master
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Sunny Southern Cal
Subject: RE: Estimated cost of bike build

melle - 2011-12-22 7:00 PM Full carbon aero bars w/extensions, cf stem and cf spacers for $310 on eBay. These are the Chinese knockoff version but if you do a little research they get great reviews. Admittedly the Chinese covered them in mercury and lead and implanted a chip that allows them to hack into your email and bank accounts but it is still a great price.

LMAO

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