Danhedonia

I'm in N+1 mode, looking at a few options. Was thinking about having CC do a build.

Anyone have experience with that? Any thoughts on the topic?

Iride01 

Not sure what you are getting at. Competitive Cyclist is just another online presence that sells bikes and bike parts. I'd buy pieces parts from whomever has a reasonable deal at that point in time when I pull the trigger on a purchase.

Sy Reene

I guess similar to WrenchScience or Adrenaline bikes, they offer custom build-ups -- picking parts/groups with selected frames etc.. eg start here by picking a frame:
https://www.competitivecyclist.com/r...s&nf=1&fl=true

Iride01 

Oh.... Thankyou!

Then I'd still recommend pretty much the same thing. But I'd add that if the OP doesn't have enough experience with road bikes or any bike and what is comfortable or fits well, then they stand a better chance of making a mistake when they get to picking out stems, handlebars and crank lengths.

Different geometry like stack will make some difference to the length of stem and handle bar reach you select. If they give you those options. At least in a shop I can tell pretty much right away if it won't do.

Pop N Wood

Can't say I've ever seen a post of someone that had a bike build by CC

Whatever you do you might check for availability first. Things are still nuts supply wise.

Iride01 

It also seemed to me that the offerings weren't much different than the myriad of configurations already offered for a model frame at a LBS that deals in those brands.

But I suppose if you knew you needed a 80 mm stem vs a 100 mm you might save the purchase of a stem and save some space in the spare parts repository in your bike room.

Sy Reene

True, but I expect the difference is that if it's on CC's website, the frames, sizes and parts that you can select is whittled to what they actually have available in inventory. I don't have the impression that most LBSs are sitting on lots of unbuilt frame sizes, groupset, cockpit and wheel inventory etc.

Pop N Wood

Competitive Cyclist throws stuff on sale at times at pretty good prices. I got a set of Mercury wheels from them for Christmas two years ago. I got them impression they got a truck load of Mercury wheels at close out prices.

This time of year is always difficult to find deals anyway. The covid economy hasn't made that any easier, sellers market right now.

Danhedonia

I know exactly what I want; perhaps Iride01 you should re-read the post (or maybe you just didn't understand).

I'm asking about the vendor. I've bought the stray item off CC, and agree the prices are "optimistic" unless they're on sale; I was more curious about things like service, turnaround time, finish, etc. If you're going to build up a bike for me and ship it, I don't want it arriving in crap condition, using "the parts we had on hand" vs. what was quoted/spec'd etc.

I know places that have great reps, and others that don't. Just wondering if CC has a good rep for builds, because I kinda like some of what they have available.