[Road Racing Build, Budget 35k]

My point is: start with the frame you want. This should be based on geometry and ride quality. The Cervelo is in my opinion far better than the Swift - just more responsive and compliant. And the geometry (esp. reach and stack) suits me better. 

I am thinking it is probably worth investing in a proper bikefit, so that I can make sure I am going for the right option, so I will probably be updating this with some fit details (Hopefully shortly). I am definitely open to buying and waiting for a pm. Thanks for the advice! Keep well

[Road Racing Build, Budget 35k]

Hi Sid, welcome to the hub.

 

While building a bike is really fun and if you are prepared to wait, you will get some really good deals, but in general, building your own bike is normally slightly more costly (I prefer to build my own bike, so this thread makes sense to me).

 

That being said, don't be afraid to look at complete bikes on the hub which will meet most of your requirements that are within your budget. You can always sell of a few components and purchase others to meet your requirements.

 

Some examples:

 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/423944/swift-ultravox-rs-1

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/423837/team-edition-cannondale-super-six-evo-himod

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/411379/giant-tcr-adv-pro-0-di2

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/398700/bh-quartz-disc-ultegra-di2

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/423291/cannondale-supersix-evo-2018-neg

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/road-bikes/424619/madone-slr-9

 

I wish you the best of luck with your build / purchase - a new bike is the best!

Thanks for this! About half of these are on my favorites already... I am going to have to rethink some of them. As you said the temptation to have MY build is quite strong and I think the desire for a power meter pushes me over the edge for a few of these but I will add them to my spreadsheet. Thanks for your time. I really appreciate it. 

[Road Racing Build, Budget 35k]

I'd get this, and have Nick build you a lekker carbon wheelset.....

I had a look at this, tempting but I am not sure if the sizing would work. I'll swing him a message. Thanks!

[Road Racing Build, Budget 35k]

After about two years of lurking and seeing the success of some of the other build projects posted on the hub, I am hoping to pick some brains about a road bike build up after having just sold my first 'real' road bike.

A little bit about me: I have been involved in relatively high performance sport for the last 5 years training 12 hours a week, I am 177cm tall and weigh in at 64 at the moment but probably racing around 62ish (whenever that starts again). I have been riding 15 hours a week for the last two months as I picked up more cycling due to a running injury.

Here are some of the conditions:

1. My budget is around R35 000. I could maybe stretch to R40 000 if the 'marginal gains' could be justified.

2. I am hoping to source as much as possible off the Hub over the next few months, and I don't mind shipping across the country. I am based in CT. 

3. I have no problems with 2nd hand carbon - if the seller seems sketch I am willing to pay for a workshop to inspect the frame. I am also happy with the new Chinese carbon route but I am not sure if this is still an option at the moment. I am thinking of going for more aero geometry but I am open to being convinced otherwise as I think climbing is one of my greater strengths. Frame budget around R10 000. 

4. I am hoping to go for Ultegra R8000 or SRAM's Force 22, mechanical seems more budget friendly and #savetherimbrake. Hoping one will pop up on bikehub in good knick sometime for less than R10 000. 

5. Rim brake carbon wheelset 30mm-40mm deep. I don't really mind if they are clincher or tubular. Rim just seems like the right choice for a budget friendly build and there are a lot more around second hand. Again budget just sub R10 000.

6. The leftovers will go towards a power meter. There always seem to be a few well priced R8000 power meters popping up here so that is why I am leaning towards the Ultegra. 

7. Total build weight I am trying to achieve is around the 7,5 kg mark, hopefully less.

If you made it to the end, thanks for reading all that and I look forward to your input and advice!

 

[Saddlebag Alternatives]

Land Rover owner or former Land Rover owner. The fear of breaking down never leaves you… ;-)

This is relatable... The other day I helped push start a taxi in Noordhoek - you never know when you will need the favor returned with a Defender