Advice re gravel bike

[GrahamS2]

Quick question to those of you that have built up bikes: is it worth buying a frame (i.e. Farr) then all the bits separately and building up the bike? Worth it in terms of cost: of course the drivetrain alone will come close to matching the cost of the frame; then add wheels ($$)and all the other bits ...

It’s more expensive, unless you buy on sale, but well worth it. You end up with exactly what you want

[Grease_Monkey]

Quick question to those of you that have built up bikes: is it worth buying a frame (i.e. Farr) then all the bits separately and building up the bike? Worth it in terms of cost: of course the drivetrain alone will come close to matching the cost of the frame; then add wheels ($$)and all the other bits ...

For me it was because I had bits and pieces in the garage - wheels, cranks, pedals, rotors, etc.

But if you have to buy all your parts it is way more cost effective to buy a complete bike. Just as an example, you can buy a Momsen build for 15k with a groupset on it that alone costs 11k aftermarket... When you look at something like the Titan Carbon builds that will cost you nearly 2x it's retail price to build yourself...

 

I feel like most people buy a gravel bike as n+1, so they are not too fussed about having the exact components they want - if that's you - buy a complete build.

[Patchelicious]

For me it was because I had bits and pieces in the garage - wheels, cranks, pedals, rotors, etc.

But if you have to buy all your parts it is way more cost effective to buy a complete bike. Just as an example, you can buy a Momsen build for 15k with a groupset on it that alone costs 11k aftermarket... When you look at something like the Titan Carbon builds that will cost you nearly 2x it's retail price to build yourself...

 

I feel like most people buy a gravel bike as n+1, so they are not too fussed about having the exact components they want - if that's you - buy a complete build.

The other thing I have noticed is that you end up cool stuff you would never have bought.

 

I have ended up with wheels and components that I love, that I would never have bought if I had an option.

[MORNE]

just in time....

momsen special on gravel bikes:

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/183561-gravel-mania-big-specials-on-2019-and-2018-models/?do=findComment&comment=3559031

 

also....some Lynskey Ti goodness on special from G&T too:

https://gravelandtour.co.za/product/2018-lynskey-gr260-gravel-frame/

 

 

and then some carbon catalogue frames from a local hubber:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/367394-carbon-gravel-disc-road-frameset-700c/

[Jewbacca]

I have not actually bought a whole bike since 2008...

 

I do build my own wheels and build the bike up myself completely, but I find I want to ride the bike more if I have put it together with what I want, not what someone in an office could save money on...

[Grease_Monkey]

The other thing I have noticed is that you end up cool stuff you would never have bought.

 

I have ended up with wheels and components that I love, that I would never have bought if I had an option.

For sure, custom builds are always way more staisfying, the end product is just so much better! My wallet always cries though...

[Wayne pudding Mol]

For sure, custom builds are always way more staisfying, the end product is just so much better! My wallet always cries though...

Custom costs me less in the long run - when I have bought a complete bike I’ve always ended customising anyway and discounting the unwanted parts

[Grease_Monkey]

Custom costs me less in the long run - when I have bought a complete bike I’ve always ended customising anyway and discounting the unwanted parts

Agreed.... Personaly I don't see myself buying a complete build ever again.

 

But I guess for lots of people it's the lots of money now, or a bit less now and then incrementally more in the long run. I've been guilty of that just to get a purchase past my better half!

[Patchelicious]

That's good to know, will explore this for sure.

 

 

Haven't found it just yet, but trying to establish if they still offer that ...

 

 

Definitely on the cards. Thinking Swift Pro then change cassette and crank (to 1x)?

Ping the Farrnus here:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/user/121972-farrnus/

 

I’m sure he will sort you out.

[tinmug]

Ping the Farrnus here:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/user/121972-farrnus/

 

I’m sure he will sort you out.

 

Unfortunately he's sold out of complete bikes.