Whats the most impotant part of the bike?

eladbell

Hello all,
After having saved up for a long time I m finally going to buy a higher end bike.If I had to spend about 2000$ what should be my most important consideration ; The frame or the components? This is an important question at the moment because I am have the choice of 2 bikes (on ebay) one a kestrel sci with reasonable components (105 and ultegra).The other bike is a mid level track frame (500$ retail for frame) buts it;s built up with phil wood dura ace, king and other treasures. Both bike are asking arounf 2000$ "buy it now". Anyway, to cut very long story short,what is the most important part of the bike -ie; what should I really spend the money on; great frame average parts or great parts average frame.

WattsAMatta

This doesn't really answer your actual question, but it might give you something to think about if you plan to upgrade in the future...

If you buy a high-end frame with low-end components, you can slowly upgrade over time and buy the exact components you want and eventually you'll end up with your dream bike.

If you buy a low-end frame and high-end components, then not only would you need to do a big upgrade all at once, but there might be issues where your old parts don't fit your new frame, e.g., front derailer clamp, BB spindle length, stem length, seatpost diameter, etc.

-- Bryan

TheDarkLord

I would say that the frame is more important, since you can always upgrade components in future. Also, most people would agree that the Ultegra goup are very good components...

sogood

If you don't plan to keep throwing money at the bike, then balance the quality and level of all the components.

__________________
Morphed Bianchi Camaleonte IV 2006, Ridley Damocles 2006, Garmin, Mac

alfeng

For your $2000, you could probably do better than either of the choices you've described ... much better.

FWIW. I would say the frame is less important than the components UNLESS the geometry & fit are so far off that they don't work for you ... a reasonably good frame (i.e., one with good geometry) is something to hang the components on, first/IMO, and for show/'bling', secondarily UNLESS you are a sponsored rider OR an aspiring racer.

In that regard, you probably shouldn't bother with the Track frame if it is for toddling around town because you will probably find the geometry unsatisfactory for most road riding -- steep headtube angle (~74º) and short rake ... good for riding around a track OR for messengers, but probably fatiguing if you are planning any rides longer than a few miles. If you only want a "track" bike for riding around town, then look for a shop that sells BIANCHI -- there is a nice "starter" bike which used to be about $600 & a more expensive model which was about twice as much.

The Track/Pista frame will only have 120mm rear dropout spacing AND can only be use as a single speed bike UNLESS you put a Sturmey-Archer-type 3-speed hub on it.

KESTREL makes great frames, but the one you are thinking about (what is it, the 200 or 300?) + components probably only cost the original buyer a little over $2000 when it was brand new. The USED/out-the-door value is probably closer to $1200-to-$1500 ... maybe, less ... much less.

The USED Track frame + components that you described is probably worth under $800 unless it has some documented, historical provenance.

On eBay, almost every week of the year, you can get a superbe quality, USED Italian steel frame (if you are looking for quality) for under $1000 (probably, between $350-to-$800) ... add a NEW Campagnolo (Centaur) group for under $600 ... plus, some wheels & saddle/etc. ... and, you'll have the best of both worlds -- a quality frame + quality components for your $2000.

Mish

Had to jump in here. You can do a lot better than that on e-bay and craigslist, but don't discount the local bike shop.

swampy1970

Grips/Tape: Black CorkChain: CN-5600 10-speedSaddle: Fizik ArioneHeadset: FSA Sealed Bearing InternalFrame: GTR Carbon Monocoque FramePedals: NARack Mounts: NoneFork: Ritchey Carbon Pro w/ Integrated dropoutStem: Ritchey Logic Pro, 3D Net forged w/ Stainless Steel bolts, 4-bolt, 31.8mm clampHandlebar: Ritchey Logic Pro, Butted 7075 Aluminum w/ Anatomic bend, 31.8mm clampSeatpost: Ritchey Pro CarbonWheelset: Shimano 105 Wheelset w/ offset, heat treated Alloy rim and precision sealed hub w/ rear 10-speed cassetteFront Derailleur: SRAM CompactBottom Bracket: SRAM OutboardBrakes: SRAM RivalLevers: SRAM RivalRear Derailleur: SRAM RivalShifters: SRAM Rival 10-speedCrankset: SRAM Rival Compact, 50/34TCassette: SRAM, 11/25T, 10-speedTires: Vittoria Rubino Pro



17lb.

$1999 with an additional 10% off until Sunday night - use the coupon code shown on the top of each page...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop...&estore_ID=1667

Not bad for a 3 minute search on google huh?

I'm sure there's a massive amount of 2006 and 2007 model year "closeouts". Happy hunting!

Mish

Yep. Just as I thought. Plus if he buys into the club he gets an additional 10% in points to use for shoes, pedals, etc.

rosborn

I'm going to say the saddle. The saddle is the most impotent part of the bike. Definitely the saddle.

Sorry. I couldn't resist.

Rob

rparedes

Get the best frame and wheelset you can afford, then build from there. Components: you should be able to get full Ultegra OR Ultegra drive train with 105 STI's and brakes. For that price you can do much better than what you're looking at; IMHO (check out Giant TCR, Specialized Roubaix, Motobecane Immortal, Douglas Fusion, Scott CR1, Tommaso Aggraziato, many others)

dbackmtg

The rider is the most important part. Buy one your happy with. Just my opinion, but I wouldn't buy one I couldn't test ride. If I had saved a hard earned 2 grand I'd be test riding.

graf zeppelin

I'd say frame and wheels. In my opinion, put the bulk of your funds there and upgrade the rest as you can. This pretty much only applies if you're building the bike yourself (or collecting the parts and having the LBS build it) and have ~$3000 or more to spend though. Its pretty hard to buy a nice frame and wheels and still have enough money left for the other parts and then components while sticking to a $2000 budget.

In the $2000 range, the best bet would be a good deal on a fully built bike (though you'll be wanting to upgrade the wheels at some point, maybe even the frame, and the parts, depending) or a used bike. Imho. Really depends too on what riding level you're at. A $2000 pre-built bike might last a novice rider a couple years before they might wish to delve into details, but at that point you might be better served replacing it.

rparedes

Agree on the first part. But you can get a nice bike for $1400 to $1700 especially if you build it yourself. I just got finished buying the last parts for my build and finished my total spent to date calculations:
Frame and fork: Giant TCR C1 (used but mint condition, 2005); headset ( used, came with frame): Cane Creek; wheels (new): Mavic aksium; BB (new) Durace; Crank (New): shimano Compact; Shifters (new): Ultegra ; derailleurs- 10 speed- and brake calipers (new) Ultegra; Cassette (new): Ultegra; Seat post (used): Giant Carbon; Handlebars (new): FSA compact wing pro; stem (new) thompson; chain (new) Ultegra 10 speed; cables and housings (new); saddle (new): Rido; Tires: Contis.
total spent: $1,525 (excluding saddle, tires and tubes) (but took 4 months) Purchases were made on Ebay, and various on-line stores; just waited for the right sales. I may upgrade the wheelset next year or if a find the right deal on lighter mavics in the next few months

eugkimj

For less than 2k, you should be able to get a new Cannondale six13 with 105. I'd take it over a Kestrel any day of the week, especially a used one.