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forum
THE bike build
I was round at the inlaws yesterday, and their neighbour has just received his 50th birthday present from his wife - a 57-year-old MGA. Lovely looking thing. My wife then says "Is that the kind of thing you'd be interested in for your 40th?" (It's 2 years off yet) My reply was a predictable one involving 2 wheels and pedals, to which she looked thoughtful (woohoo!) This got me thinking about what I'd choose if this became a reality. I think the choices are probably:
- Enrollment on framebuilding and wheelbuilding courses, end up with something really nice, and built by me. I'd be aiming for something fast and fairly racy. 853 steel (don't think you can use 953 on a training course, guess it's too tricky to work with) with a nice paintjob, probably Campag (Shimano would seem wrong on a bike like this), nice wheels.
- A 'lifetime purchase' frameset like Ti, 953 or something, with everything else to make it a complete bike.
- Just take advantage of the opportunity to buy something quick and pricey, like a Cervelo or Colnago or whatever.
So, thoughts? Reckon I've missed out something? What would you choose?
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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7 comments
If it's a lifetime hand me down kind of thing, it has to be steel or titanium and Campag.
The latest carbon / shimano rapidly becomes like last years model TV.
Having seen a steel Colnago With no paint recently, I'm not sure I would go down that route. The guy doing the repair said it wasn't unusual, 200 quid frame with a 2 grand paint job was his opinion on the brazing.
65 and I have a Cervelo R5 and a Cinelli Saetta.....I'm happy!
+1 for Colnago master with super record
I'm planning a frame build for a significant work anniversary - as you say a nice 853 frame with a good paint job, handbuilt (by me) wheels and campy bits.
For a dream carbon bike I'd want something reasonably rare - probably a Time NXs or Look 695.
In Steel I'd go for a Colnago Master with Super Record.
Already got ... Kinesis Ti with Campag Chorus ... grin central
Enigma Ti, or their 953 or columbus XCR stainless steel frames, would be a fine choice. Certainly worth building it yourself with individually chosen parts too, both for the fun and future maintenance, and the excuse to buy all the tools.
Already chosen - an Enigma Ti frame + Campag etc. Haven't stopped smiling since.