Subject: RE: If you build it.... kmeisman - 2010-04-22 4:40 PM I am trying to decide if it is better to build a tri bike from frame up or buy a finished bike and swap out parts as I go. I am in no hurry for the bike, I don't even want it for this season. I don't have enough knowledge of bikes and need guidance. Which way is more cost effective? Piece by piece? Any help in either direction would be appreciated. I think it's going to boil down to "how pimped" a bike you want when you are done whether it will be cheaper or more expensive. Want a bike to ride with some mid range components or you want all new - Buy one built, it will always be cheaper to buy a new bike equipped with 105 than to buy a frame plus a 105 gruppo new. If you want the top of the line Zipp wheels Dura Record 13 shifters on a 1.2lb Frame that comes directly from a French man's labor shop... and don't mind used... you will likely save some money buying it part by part and putting it together yourself The tools spectrum... seriously, to put a bike together you need a 6 year old childs tool set and a wrench for the crank. The rest of it you can "do"... maybe not with the tool intended to be used, but you can make it work perfectly fine. |