daviddavieboy

I am not what you would call a patient man, so what to do when a frameset arrives in the mail? Do you 1-search out for the "correct" parts to assemble your project, or 2-raid the parts bin and your less favorable bikes to slap the puppy together and ride the guts out of it ! I opted for choice 2 and glad I did. It may very well be an attempt at making a silk purse from a sow's ear but hey, I like bacon! I really wanted to hold out for some nuovo or super record parts but It can wait until winter when I strip and refinish this pig. If it was not for the wheels this project would fall into the sub $100 build, it rides very nice and still quite smooth for an old bike with a mish-mash of parts. I had to straighten out the fork a bit when it arrived and some touch up paint here and there but over all a nice addition to the collection.

ryansu

Fantastico!

beicster 

francophile 

I've had too many times when option 1 resulted in me taking forever to get my ass on the bike to ride and find I don't like it. Then dump salt on the wound because you nearly always pay at least 50% more for parts when you're hunting for very specific things.

As someone who was also eyeballing that frame, I'm glad to see it's (already!) built up and been ridden. Looks great! Good choice on option 2!

malcala622

I'm very patient when I get a frame to build. I don't keep a parts bin so its impossible for me to slap on parts on Day 1. I make sure all parts match and they're thhe right color.

I think thats why it takes me 6+ months to finish a build. I take my time

rumrunn6

when in doubt, build a bike! well done! so clean!

madpogue 

There's actually a very practical reason for the instant-gratification approach, esp. with something ordered and delivered. If there's any issue with the item that would only come up during a test ride, you want to know that sooner than later, so you can follow up with the seller.

ksryder

A bike on the road is worth two on the message board... I think that's how the old saying goes. I could be misremembering...

daviddavieboy

I am glad I am not the only one who does not think it a compromise to get out and ride. I had it for a quick 20km and I was smiling almost all the way. Around the 15 km mark one link in the chain started to stick making 'that' noise. other than that is was all good. Taking it out on a fast group ride tomorrow night just to see who notices. It should be good for a laugh.

Bikerider007

I have favorites I ride. I get set in my ways and fit. I get impatient and clean and break down to the last bit but enjoy getting a package in the mail with what I need. If I don't have the parts I sit on. I've had an MKM for nearly two years trying to decide what to do and have 95% of the parts I want. And a couple others.

xiaoman1 

I am never in a rush to "finish" a build, part of the fun is sourcing the parts that I want to use for assembly...notice that I did not say correct.
Best, Ben

seedsbelize 

I always choose option two. And, in this case, we used the same rd. I put the matching fd on mine too.

abellanti

hey, I could somehow die, or worse, no longer be into vintage bikes if I wait too long to build it, got to blow all my savings on parts and somehow justify it too myself...like...I'll just sell one of my other bikes. Interesting, I rarely sell my other bikes. it's really hard not to just to peek in ebay... you never know if that part your looking for is listed cheap! Ha, the fun. yea, I have no patience

Pompiere

I learned from experience to get the bike on the road with whatever parts I have first. Then I can see if it is even close before I worry about the final build. I'll definitely have some ideas about the direction the build should take, but I won't wait to acquire parts to finish it.

daviddavieboy

jimmuller 

Sometimes I've built up from available parts and sometimes I've held out for just the right ones. You can always replace expedience-driven parts later.

I'd write more but I don't have time. There is a bike in the basement that needs finishing now.

SJX426 

Only sometimes.....

1983 Trek 610 60 cm (24&quot, on Flickr

Pinarello Veneto, on Flickr

1994 Burley Duet in the raw, on Flickr

madpogue 

^^^^^ Wow, how do you handle looking at those wild colors?....

Wildwood 

SJX426 

Grey is the new rainbow!

noglider 

I guess I'm patient to a fault. It is taking me seven years and counting to build my Raleigh International, though I'm riding it nearly every day now. My first build was with stuff I had at hand to make sure I liked the frame. Then I assembled stuff I plan to keep on it. And it has evolved. I still don't have fenders on it, which it really needs.

Stormy Archer

Maybe I'll be the first to say I don't think its always a compromise. Maybe you set up a Tommaso with a 1x10 Deore drivetrain and an Ultegra shifter and decide you really like it. Or at least like riding that setup on vintage steel. You never know until you (franken)build it!!

Stormy Archer

...also I do want to add that for a few of us, impatience can mean taking the bus to work instead!!!

daviddavieboy

I had it out on a group ride tonight and OMG it was fun. The looks were more than worth it I thought I would need a grinectomy. I was limited to a 25t x 46t because the derailleur I put on will to travel to the top of cassette so climbing was a bugger, the single pivot brakes really suck on the other side of the hill and I tore the skin off the side of my finger during some spirited shifting, I wouldn't change a thing! 45 miles, 2000' climbing, hit 44MPH and a handful of PR's - good times.