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Road Bike Self Build Bike Fit advice

by SilverMerlin
Fri, Jul 04, 2014 09:36
4

Unfortunately I am going to be 40 soon and to get over the depression I am thinking of building a road bike. I have been mainly a runner and mountain biker over the past 12 years but seem to be enjoying more and more riding on the road - my converted hybrid just won't cut it anymore!

What I would like to do is build my own road bike ideally for long distances - I might decide to do a sportive at some point. The mechanical side does not bother me too much I have always upgraded and replaced parts on my current bikes my self. What I am concerned about is choosing a frame etc. that is comfortable for me. I don't want to build the bike and then find that it is uncomfortable to ride - which my current hybrid is.

My question is should I build my own bike or should I just buy one from the LBS? If I build my own I worry about frame size, head angles etc. and that the bike will be uncomfortable. Can anyone who has built a road bike before offer any advice on choosing a good size frame and suitable components that will offer a good fit?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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4 comments

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SilverMerlin | 9 years ago
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Thanks for all the comments some really good advice, please keep it coming 36 . Like the idea of getting a proper bike fit so I can get some measurements to work from. If i decide to buy an off the shelf bike this would be handy anyway.

The way I see it is that there is not much point in getting a frame from a standard company and building it from that as I might as well just buy a full bike as I won't be reusing any components they will be all be new.

If I did go down the self build route seems to make more sense to get a custom frame built. But I do want it to be reasonably light (around 9 kg when fully built).

Based near Durham so a north east england frame builder would be useful. I've still got a few months yet so I have plenty of time to have a think.

I am based near the cube bike centre at infinity cycles so that may be an option for an off the peg bike.

Getting excited there is an upside to becoming 40!

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Flying Scot | 9 years ago
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Shand is another for custom build if you're up north.

A full bike fit can get you a set of measurements to compare against stock frames for about 100 quid, if it doesn't work out, take the sizes to a frame builder.

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vorsprung | 9 years ago
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Seeing as you are turning 40 get a custom made frame from a noted builder like Mercian, Roberts or Dave Yates

You will get a fitting as part of the process and they would be happy to do you a frame with nothing fitted or a fully kitted out bike

The cost of a "nice" off the peg non custom steel frame is likely to be £500+ but a custom frame is more like £1000+ So it's twice the price but you get what you pay for

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esayers | 9 years ago
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Not built a road bike, but in the process of building a new fixie (first one I've built).
I would say go to a bike shop and try a few bikes out, if you have one or two preferences you can ask or look online at the dimensions and materials of that bike and then use that as a guide for your own purchases. Of course, if you find one you really like, you may want to buy that instead as it may be cheaper than building your own.

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