Hi everyone,
I recently had my bike stolen 🙁 and have saved up enough to start fresh. I had a steel framed Moser equipped with Dura Ace, and absolutely loved the bike. However since it no longer with me, I have started looking for a new bike. I have gone to a few local LBS shops in my area, and almost everyone tries to sell me something off the rack, i.e. a BA Lemond, Cannondale, Trek, Litespeed etc….. Which is fine and well I guess as long as they have my best interest in mind but it doesn’t seem to be the case. I am not the average rider, I am 6”6 250 something. I have only ridden for a couple of years, so I am not a good rider, I am an average/basic rider. The last LBS I went to actually talked to me about what I wanted and we conversed and sorted some things out. When I explained what some other shop tried to sell me he just shook his head, instead of steering me towards something that already assembled and on a rack he said my best option would be to build up a bike. He said I would fatigue an Al frame in no time, the rest of the exotic frames are just out of my price range. So he recommended a Steel Torelli frame, custom wheels {bomb proof}, best brakes available{in terms of stopping power} and a double chain ring, he thought I should spend money where the bike will be stressed the most, bottom bracket, crank and also recommended that I use 9sp technology as it is a bit sturdier. I don’t really have a need for the best, newest, lightest components. I just want to be able get out and ride, have a good time and do it again the next day. I have about $2000 to spend and I don’t know much about the components, my Dura ace was about three to four years old. I liked the way it functioned but I don’t think I will have enough $$ to get it on this build up. I try and read as much as I can but I know some of you have been riding and building and breaking bikes for some time, and experience seems to be the best teacher. So if any one has any thoughts concerning parts Crank, BB, Shimano or Campy etc…it would be greatly appreciated. I am looking to get parts that are both strong and reliable.
Thanks in advance