broon-loon Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I intended to build my own bike this year, but it didn't come to anything. The plan was to polish up my maintenance skills and also have a unique, bespoke bike at the end. The plan didn't seem so attractive when I started to price components, though. Off the shelf bikes benefit from economies of scale, and you can buy a bike that costs the same as the groupset and frame alone, but obviously includes wheels, stem, seatpost, saddle, etc....etc.... Don't get me wrong, I still fancy the idea, and will always be on the lookout to scavenge bits from here and there, but I reckon you could buy a better-specced ready-built bike for £700 than you would end up with if you built it up yourself (unless you inend to beg, borrow, and/or steal the bits). This is spot on IMO.... A couple of years ago I really did think this was an option and I browsed endless magazines reading and pricing components. Sadly the reality set in and of course it hasn't happened. I could live with spending a wee bit more to create my bespoke machine and it might happen one day.....? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvio Tattiescone Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 If you want a custom build, this guy seems to be highly regarded - http://www.rourke.biz/custom_framesets.php 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
broon-loon Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Sorry, not reading the last 100 pages, but has anyone tried a Boardman bike, any good? I don't have one, but have read many magazine reports which are very favourable. It seems you get a lot of bike for your buck... It ulimately comes down to the model as there are so many to choose from. They also tend to use Sram groupsets which you either love or hate.. I quite fancy a go with Sram TBH... Not sure if Halfords being the agent is in their favour though............ 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
endieinreekie Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Ta. Quite fancy the top-end Hybrid for nipping about in, very light for a metal frame. And the team carbon road bike, I could go on... (If you watch that Halfords site you can typically find them on sale for a period where he knocks a couple of hundred quid off although probably not now in the lead to Christmas). I have a Boardman Hybrid (Comp 2011 version) and it is the best bike I have ever ridden, I would definitely recommend the Comp. In fact I have a spare one for sale if interested???? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Broccoli Dog Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 I intended to build my own bike this year, but it didn't come to anything. The plan was to polish up my maintenance skills and also have a unique, bespoke bike at the end. The plan didn't seem so attractive when I started to price components, though. Off the shelf bikes benefit from economies of scale, and you can buy a bike that costs the same as the groupset and frame alone, but obviously includes wheels, stem, seatpost, saddle, etc....etc.... Don't get me wrong, I still fancy the idea, and will always be on the lookout to scavenge bits from here and there, but I reckon you could buy a better-specced ready-built bike for £700 than you would end up with if you built it up yourself (unless you inend to beg, borrow, and/or steal the bits). I reckon if I just invest in a decent frame and wheelset, I'd be able to scavenge other parts from my current bike, and maybe a few upgrades here and there. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffy Posted November 22, 2012 Share Posted November 22, 2012 Thanks good to know. I have not decided if I will go for the full blown road bike or the hybrid. I have also been holding out hoping he would do a hybrid with a carbon frame (but it is so light already I am not sure it will make a huge difference if he does). Thanks for the offer I'll bear it in mind. Are you buying a tandem for you and SS 18, or will you just be giving him a 'backie ' ? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unleash The Nade Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 I intended to build my own bike this year, but it didn't come to anything. The plan was to polish up my maintenance skills and also have a unique, bespoke bike at the end. The plan didn't seem so attractive when I started to price components, though. Off the shelf bikes benefit from economies of scale, and you can buy a bike that costs the same as the groupset and frame alone, but obviously includes wheels, stem, seatpost, saddle, etc....etc.... Don't get me wrong, I still fancy the idea, and will always be on the lookout to scavenge bits from here and there, but I reckon you could buy a better-specced ready-built bike for £700 than you would end up with if you built it up yourself (unless you inend to beg, borrow, and/or steal the bits). Two sheets of plywood from B&Q,hey presto, a home built bike for £15.00 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Where's the mudguards? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Silvio Tattiescone Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 Where's the brakes? 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted November 27, 2012 Share Posted November 27, 2012 (edited) I had a bike like that once. [The Phoenix]It wooden go.[/The Phoenix] Edited November 27, 2012 by Gaz 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Can anyone recommend a moderately-priced pair of full-finger gloves? The ones I've got don't seem to be very effective and left my fingers freezing this morning! 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
well fan for life Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 Can anyone recommend a moderately-priced pair of full-finger gloves? The ones I've got don't seem to be very effective and left my fingers freezing this morning! I bought 2 pairs of cheap gloves that were absolutely no use. I shelled out a bit extra for a pair of Goretex Windstopper gloves and they are tremendous. It's worth paying a bit extra for gloves that actually do the job. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bold Rover Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 This untrendy old cyclist thinks that a lot of kit for cyclists is overpriced once it's decided that it's specifically for cycling - gloves would be an example. I use my ordinary gloves and am perfectly happy. In my view, only the shorts are necessarily for cycling. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gaz Posted November 28, 2012 Share Posted November 28, 2012 This untrendy old cyclist thinks that a lot of kit for cyclists is overpriced once it's decided that it's specifically for cycling - gloves would be an example. I use my ordinary gloves and am perfectly happy. In my view, only the shorts are necessarily for cycling. I'd agree with this. I'm by no means a hardcore cycler but the only bit of specific kit I have bought was a pair of padded cycling shorts, a helmet and a pair of cheap gloves. I cycle in shorts and a football top, with my running leggings if it's cold. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fanny paddery Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Can anyone recommend a moderately-priced pair of full-finger gloves? The ones I've got don't seem to be very effective and left my fingers freezing this morning! Im using these just now http://www.tredz.co.uk/.Madison-Stellar-Waterproof-Long-Finger-Gloves_42163.htm They are excellent and if you shop about you will pick them up for about £15 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Master Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 Ta for the ideas. The problem I found with normal gloves is the lack of grip (stop sniggering at the back). But I came up with a solution this morning - fingerless cycling gloves over ordinary woollen ones. Nice and warm. I doubt they'll be so good in wet weather, though, so I might still suggest the above two recommendations to Santa 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drooper Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 When I got into work this morning, my hands were so cold I felt physically sick I was wearing waterproof, windproof, Polaris winter gloves, but my circulation seems to be fucked recently, so I'm not sure if even the most expensive gloves would do that grand a job. I'm fine up to about 2 - 3 degrees, but anything below that is nightmarish. The roads were very dodgy on the road home, so the bike will be staying in the shed tomorrow, unfortunately (at least me fingers will remain attached to my hands). 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bold Rover Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 When I got into work this morning, my hands were so cold I felt physically sick I was wearing waterproof, windproof, Polaris winter gloves, but my circulation seems to be fucked recently, so I'm not sure if even the most expensive gloves would do that grand a job. I'm fine up to about 2 - 3 degrees, but anything below that is nightmarish. http://www.raynauds.org.uk/raynauds/raynauds 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Drooper Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 http://www.raynauds.org.uk/raynauds/raynauds My youngest was diagnosed with Raynauds last year, but, like the pictures in your link, her hands go strange colours, while mine just go a bit red but hurt like buggery. That said, you might well be on the money. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dorlomin Posted November 29, 2012 Share Posted November 29, 2012 When I got into work this morning, my hands were so cold I felt physically sick I was wearing waterproof, windproof, Polaris winter gloves, but my circulation seems to be fucked recently, so I'm not sure if even the most expensive gloves would do that grand a job. I'm fine up to about 2 - 3 degrees, but anything below that is nightmarish. The roads were very dodgy on the road home, so the bike will be staying in the shed tomorrow, unfortunately (at least me fingers will remain attached to my hands). Tried silk inner gloves? Also look at motorbike gloves for the outers. Heavy leather is not popular with cyclists but with modern touch shifters its possible. 0 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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