Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Custom bike or Off The Shelf?

Started by parawolf · · Last activity · 5 posts · 1,250 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
19 February 2006
Last activity
20 February 2006
Original author
parawolf
Posts
5
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Public discussion
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1,250
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Topics
Carbon frames

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  1. Original post
    parawolf
    Archived post
    #1

    Hi all,

    In about 6 months or so (more than likely towards the end of this year), I am looking to get a nice drop bar road bike. I want something that is going to be comfortable to eat up the distances, climb some nice hills and maybe 12 months from now do some newbie entry level racing just to keep me entertained.

    I don't know I huge amount about bike hardware, but i'm learning. Going on 'spec sheet' I like this bike, theJamis Xenith Pro. Its a nice lightweight bike, with Ultegra stuff and Mavic wheels. Also at 16.75lbs it is a nice weight (though that is probably for the smallest frame).

    However being 192cm tall and about 85kg - at this sort of price point US$3150, would I be better off getting a custom built frame with similar componentry?

    Bear in mind that I am in Melbourne, Australia so availability of certain things will be different to US/UK/CA. I am of average proportion for my height so fitting a bike should be fairly straight forward.

    I'm just wondering, if we assume for the moment that a custom bike is approximately the same cost (maybe more, I havne't looked too much into it) why would I go custom vs off the shelf? Or is a custom bike just something i'll value more say 3 years down the track if I feel like getting more competitive?

    I was going to go ask at Cecil Walker in Melbourne CBD some time to get an honest opinion about a custom bike vs off the shelf - but i thought I would ask here first.

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  2. MikeThe Bike
    Archived post
    #2

    I'm not sure of the metric stuff. Unless you are freakishly tall or freakishless heavy, or your legs are too long for your body, you will probably find everything you need in "factory spec'ed" models, and won't need a custom built frame. However, the price point you mention seems expensive for the Jamis. Nothing wrong with Jamis, but it's not a "top" brand and I'd expect to be able to get a good Ultgra bike from Trek, Giant, Cannondale, Specialized, Felt, etc. or some of the Italian builders for $2500 or less. My point is that pehaps with the import situation down under it may actually be less costly to have a good frame build there.

    Curoius to see what you find out at the shop you specified.

    In Australia, do you still say "rubber side down" or is it the reverse?

    Cheers,
    Mike

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  3. DV1976
    Archived post
    #3

    I would guess that most off the self bikes around size 60 and with a few stem adjustments would fit you very nicely. Try out a few geometries to see which one you prefer. There is no need to spend money on a custom bike. I like Orbeas myself and I would guess that Onyx is in your price range (Full Ultegra, carbon frame) but you could get very good value for money with Giant, Scott, Trek (even though I don't like them) etc...

    I think that you should test a few bikes, see which ones fit your body and (very important) which ones please you aesthetically.
    Try also www.wrenchscience.com and their sizing system to give you an indication.

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  4. parawolf
    Archived post
    #4

    192cm ~ 6'2
    85kg ~ 187lbs

    The reason I picked Jamis, is because my current flat bar is a Jamis Coda Comp, which does me nicely, very happy with the fit, and ride quality. My LBS gets good pricing with this so Rec Retail Pricing may not apply - but at this price point I will certainly shop around and test some out.

    MikeThe Bike said:

    In Australia, do you still say "rubber side down" or is it the reverse?

    Never heard of this before... 🙂

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  5. MikeThe Bike
    Archived post
    #5

    [Never heard of this before... 🙂[/QUOTE]
    It's a parting greeting among cyclists - "keep the rubber side down."

    Cheers,
    Mike

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