Planning to splurging on a custom build- How should I spend my money?
09-17-14, 10:48 AM
#26
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the 721 has better aluminum and is lighter, all for a cheaper price with a more appropriate geometry for street riding.
Overall, i'd go with the precursa or 721. both are solid and affordable choices.
EDIT: Regarding messengers, they're not terrible and will probably suffice for everyday riding. However, I've heard they're prone to stripping (however, my peers can be unreliable resources so this may or may not be true) and are very heavy.
The issue of longevity is not the issue for used cranks. Cranks can often outlive a frameset. You can probably buy a 10+ year old campy record pista crankset and have it ride amazing. The quality difference then comes in the stiffness, weight, and more resilient to problems such as stripping. But you could probably ride messengers your whole life and never know a difference, but finding that little quality difference is the satisfying part of owning high-end cranks.
Overall, i'd go with the precursa or 721. both are solid and affordable choices.
EDIT: Regarding messengers, they're not terrible and will probably suffice for everyday riding. However, I've heard they're prone to stripping (however, my peers can be unreliable resources so this may or may not be true) and are very heavy.
The issue of longevity is not the issue for used cranks. Cranks can often outlive a frameset. You can probably buy a 10+ year old campy record pista crankset and have it ride amazing. The quality difference then comes in the stiffness, weight, and more resilient to problems such as stripping. But you could probably ride messengers your whole life and never know a difference, but finding that little quality difference is the satisfying part of owning high-end cranks.
Right now, it's between a dolan or leader. While I like dolan's heritage and clean geometry, I'm not sure if it's different enough from my Masi to warrant a completely new build. Looked at the track champion and while it was nice, it was far beyond my reach..
As for the cranks, that really good to know! I never knew that cranksets could last that long, I'll probably go for some sugino 75's then. I also heard that messengers also have a more jagged shape similar to \_/ instead of a smooth U shape, making the pedal feel different.
Outside of my frame, it looks like I'm taking the time to invest on a crankset and wheels for the greatest improvements in regards to performance and such.
So assuming that my frame's going to be 300-350 I still have quite a nice leftover sum to upgrade with [200-300].
My saddle, wheels, frame, and crankset situation is pretty much figured out, what other components do you guys suggest I invest in for the best grams saved to weight value? My guess at the moment is either seatpost or handlebars as they're nearest the contact points. Would switching them out for carbon make for a ride difference that's worth dishing out the money for considering my budget?
09-17-14, 11:16 AM
#27
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Interesting, I guess I'll put the 721 on the roster. In regards to leader's frames, does anyone know if their decals can be removed, or are they covered in a clear coat?
Right now, it's between a dolan or leader. While I like dolan's heritage and clean geometry, I'm not sure if it's different enough from my Masi to warrant a completely new build. Looked at the track champion and while it was nice, it was far beyond my reach..
Right now, it's between a dolan or leader. While I like dolan's heritage and clean geometry, I'm not sure if it's different enough from my Masi to warrant a completely new build. Looked at the track champion and while it was nice, it was far beyond my reach..
I've been riding my 725 for almost 6 months and have no complaints whatsoever on the frame set.
But I agree with others on going with a really good wheel set or crankset right off the bat with a decent frame and upgrade the other parts as you go.
09-17-14, 11:49 AM
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In terms of 721 v 725 metal, i remember reading and checking up some time before that the metals were different, with the 721 having a weight advantage and better treated aluminum. This may or may not be true for 2013+ models. My bad if i am incorrect
09-17-14, 11:53 AM
#29
Your cog is slipping.
Pre-2013 Leader 7 Series frames were all made from 6061. For 2013 & 2014, the 721 was made of 7001. There are no new (2015) 721 frames in production yet.
09-17-14, 01:13 PM
#30
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09-17-14, 01:21 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by Yusuf
The 6000 series alloys are primarily made with Magnesium and Silicon. T6 means the material has been solution heat treated then artificialy aged without cold working(ie rolling or folding and pressing).
The 7000 series is alloyed with zinc and doesn't require the extensive heat treatment of the 6000 series.
The 7000 series came later than the 6000 series. It is now the most extensively used alloy due to its greater ease of manufacture.
Both materials can be found at the lower end and the upper end.
It depends more on the frame manufacturer as to the quality of design. Factors such as double butting, weld quality and tube shape come into play here and are being continually developed.
The best guide to quallity I should think is to look at who manufactures the tubing ie, columbus , reynolds etc. alongside the frame manufacturer ie Cannondale, Treck, Look, etc.
I hope this helps.
The 7000 series is alloyed with zinc and doesn't require the extensive heat treatment of the 6000 series.
The 7000 series came later than the 6000 series. It is now the most extensively used alloy due to its greater ease of manufacture.
Both materials can be found at the lower end and the upper end.
It depends more on the frame manufacturer as to the quality of design. Factors such as double butting, weld quality and tube shape come into play here and are being continually developed.
The best guide to quallity I should think is to look at who manufactures the tubing ie, columbus , reynolds etc. alongside the frame manufacturer ie Cannondale, Treck, Look, etc.
I hope this helps.
09-17-14, 01:38 PM
#32
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The tubing and geometry of the precursa just looks too similar to my current fixed gear at the moment. I've always wanted a frame with aero tubing, and the leader covers that requirement.
As for the heritage, it was brought to my knowledge that Dolan is one of the most common track frames in europe, leading me to believe that it's held in high regard. Although it may not be old as Bianchi, Colnago, etc, it does have a better reputation than leader. However, I'm just a sucker that that tubing, what can I say?
I was looking around for some leaders and I really dig the raw 725 frames, but they're nowhere to be found...
As for the heritage, it was brought to my knowledge that Dolan is one of the most common track frames in europe, leading me to believe that it's held in high regard. Although it may not be old as Bianchi, Colnago, etc, it does have a better reputation than leader. However, I'm just a sucker that that tubing, what can I say?
I was looking around for some leaders and I really dig the raw 725 frames, but they're nowhere to be found...
09-17-14, 02:44 PM
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To get to your weigh range, your gonna need lighter wheels. The owner of wabi told me he has been experimenting with 20/24 spoke counts and they have held up fine for him. If they are fine for road bikes and your not too rough on the wheels, I don't see the problem.
09-17-14, 02:44 PM
#34
Your cog is slipping.
09-18-14, 04:31 AM
#35
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Not unless you're at an elite level on the track.
People who ride on the street and start buying loads of carbon just need to learn to ride their bikes. Saving 100 grams with carbon handlebars doesn't make you any faster up the hill if you're out of shape and ate McDonalds last night.
Weight weenies suck.
09-18-14, 06:42 AM
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Not unless you're at an elite level on the track.
People who ride on the street and start buying loads of carbon just need to learn to ride their bikes. Saving 100 grams with carbon handlebars doesn't make you any faster up the hill if you're out of shape and ate McDonalds last night.
Weight weenies suck.
People who ride on the street and start buying loads of carbon just need to learn to ride their bikes. Saving 100 grams with carbon handlebars doesn't make you any faster up the hill if you're out of shape and ate McDonalds last night.
Weight weenies suck.
09-18-14, 07:22 AM
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09-18-14, 07:34 AM
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Agreed. It's far more important to focus on the proper colorway.
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Last edited by TejanoTrackie; 09-18-14 at 07:42 AM.
09-18-14, 07:36 AM
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Well of course, we all have our own reasons when it comes to spending money on things like carbon, etc. Part of the fun in planning out this project is to make a bike as light as possible given my constraints, and I do have quite a bit left over in my planned budget.
All things considered, this weight weenie stuff is pretty fun when it comes to planning a new build.
Since it seems that carbon handlebars seem to affect ride feel more, I might just go with carbon or a nicer pursuit bar, I'm not quite sure yet. I also talked to Richard of Wabi cycles and he said that the wheels with the 24/20 spoke count were quite sturdy, and would weigh in at around 1600.
All things considered, this weight weenie stuff is pretty fun when it comes to planning a new build.
Since it seems that carbon handlebars seem to affect ride feel more, I might just go with carbon or a nicer pursuit bar, I'm not quite sure yet. I also talked to Richard of Wabi cycles and he said that the wheels with the 24/20 spoke count were quite sturdy, and would weigh in at around 1600.
Last edited by jvse; 09-18-14 at 09:59 AM.
09-18-14, 10:35 PM
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You want to go light?
Find a Jamis Sonik from 2010 or 2011: 14.75lbs
They were a bargain: American Classic 420 Aero Track wheel set, FSA Carbon cranks, Deda stem and bar
The newer ones have crappy components and weigh 17lbs.
Though the frame is the same, light and you can race it on the velodrome.
Find a Jamis Sonik from 2010 or 2011: 14.75lbs
They were a bargain: American Classic 420 Aero Track wheel set, FSA Carbon cranks, Deda stem and bar
The newer ones have crappy components and weigh 17lbs.
Though the frame is the same, light and you can race it on the velodrome.
09-19-14, 08:43 AM
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Also, why would you want to remove the decals? I've never seen one here in Ottawa so the leader name itself would be rare and sort of cool.
09-20-14, 10:15 AM
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sounds like a fun project
but i take issue with the op building a fixie that is akin to a sports car
fixies are more similar to drag racers imho
purpose built for a particular type of speed
maybe an even better correlation
is between fixies
and nascar stock cars
fewer gears and simpler
best for use on a banked oval
sports cars have more gears
not less
so
your cannondale is already a sports car
anyhoo
post pictures of your new ride when it is done
it sounds like an awesome project
but i take issue with the op building a fixie that is akin to a sports car
fixies are more similar to drag racers imho
purpose built for a particular type of speed
maybe an even better correlation
is between fixies
and nascar stock cars
fewer gears and simpler
best for use on a banked oval
sports cars have more gears
not less
so
your cannondale is already a sports car
anyhoo
post pictures of your new ride when it is done
it sounds like an awesome project
09-20-14, 02:17 PM
#45
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sounds like a fun project
but i take issue with the op building a fixie that is akin to a sports car
fixies are more similar to drag racers imho
purpose built for a particular type of speed
maybe an even better correlation
is between fixies
and nascar stock cars
fewer gears and simpler
best for use on a banked oval
sports cars have more gears
not less
so
your cannondale is already a sports car
anyhoo
post pictures of your new ride when it is done
it sounds like an awesome project
but i take issue with the op building a fixie that is akin to a sports car
fixies are more similar to drag racers imho
purpose built for a particular type of speed
maybe an even better correlation
is between fixies
and nascar stock cars
fewer gears and simpler
best for use on a banked oval
sports cars have more gears
not less
so
your cannondale is already a sports car
anyhoo
post pictures of your new ride when it is done
it sounds like an awesome project
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09-20-14, 02:48 PM
#46
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sounds like a fun project
but i take issue with the op building a fixie that is akin to a sports car
fixies are more similar to drag racers imho
purpose built for a particular type of speed
maybe an even better correlation
is between fixies
and nascar stock cars
fewer gears and simpler
best for use on a banked oval
sports cars have more gears
not less
so
your cannondale is already a sports car
anyhoo
post pictures of your new ride when it is done
it sounds like an awesome project
but i take issue with the op building a fixie that is akin to a sports car
fixies are more similar to drag racers imho
purpose built for a particular type of speed
maybe an even better correlation
is between fixies
and nascar stock cars
fewer gears and simpler
best for use on a banked oval
sports cars have more gears
not less
so
your cannondale is already a sports car
anyhoo
post pictures of your new ride when it is done
it sounds like an awesome project
...should in no way be considered an indication of credibility
09-20-14, 03:00 PM
#47
Senior Member
if you want a custom build without the headaches of needing specialty tools to assemble or know if youre installing something wrong or cross thread, over torque, strip.
why not try Factory Five: Custom Fixed Gear Bikes and Online Store
they offer a few quality frames and some decent components to pick from.
why not try Factory Five: Custom Fixed Gear Bikes and Online Store
they offer a few quality frames and some decent components to pick from.
09-20-14, 04:16 PM
#48
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The F550s look pretty nice, but I've had my heart set on a complete custom build for a while. I think I've collected enough tools/knowledge throughout my years of assembling/disassembling my fixed gear. I really like the cost/weight calculator though, that's awesome!
I looked around for some leader 725's with no decals on the downtube and there seems to be only one red one that's 53cm. Sent the company a message inquiring about any future plans for making 725s without those decals, hopefully they respond!
I looked around for some leader 725's with no decals on the downtube and there seems to be only one red one that's 53cm. Sent the company a message inquiring about any future plans for making 725s without those decals, hopefully they respond!
09-21-14, 08:52 AM
#49
Your cog is slipping.
I'll respond for them - Leader will not be making any more frames without decals.
09-22-14, 12:59 PM
#50
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Agh, so I'm looking around and the decal-less leader than I want is only available in 51cm... I'm 5'10.5" with a 31" inseam. Do you think that a seatpost with setback and a longer stem would make up for the tighter fit? As much as I want this frame, it'd be pointless to buy it if it doesn't fit.