Can you build an aero road bike for £3k
Discussion
Getting to the point where I'm thinking of replacing my 2014 Cannondale CAAD8 (round aluminium tubes, 30mm rims, external cables), lovely bike to ride but I think I've "outgrown" it, and want to get on something more aero. Can do 100km in under 3 hours but it feels like I hit a bit of a brick wall as speeds increase and I know people that seem to be able to go faster with less power which is frustrating. I've got the front of the CAAD8 as low as I can using the lower top cap from the Supersix so not much I can do, position wise.
Obviously bikes have gone up loads recently so was wondering what components could be used to build a half decent aero road bike- would be looking for carbon frame, disc brakes with through axles (so can swap wheels with my CX bike), 50mm+ carbon rims. Not too fussed about drivetrain, mechanical 105 would be fine.
any ideas for good value 2nd hand stuff, suppliers of carbon wheels that won't break (or break the bank)?
bit of a paper project at the moment but would be interested to see how you guys would approach this
Obviously bikes have gone up loads recently so was wondering what components could be used to build a half decent aero road bike- would be looking for carbon frame, disc brakes with through axles (so can swap wheels with my CX bike), 50mm+ carbon rims. Not too fussed about drivetrain, mechanical 105 would be fine.
any ideas for good value 2nd hand stuff, suppliers of carbon wheels that won't break (or break the bank)?
bit of a paper project at the moment but would be interested to see how you guys would approach this
Scribe wheels seem to get a good write up. I'd prob start with them since they can be used on your CX bike in winter, and if you sell the CAAD first you've got something for the road.
Then start hunting ebay, forums (I don't actually know of any good roadie ones) and shops for deals. Slowly build up the bits until you've got everything you need.
Then start hunting ebay, forums (I don't actually know of any good roadie ones) and shops for deals. Slowly build up the bits until you've got everything you need.
Would the Planet X aerobike frame be a good place to start?
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FTPXEC130D/planet-x-...
For the frame, I'd be looking for something that is either the top or second echelon from a reputable builder. If you're able, I'd go for the lowest end of the SRAM that do wireless electronic shifting, since routing of cables can be a pain if you're going for integration. Looks like £1,500 for the full set, if you can fine one:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-force-etap-axs-hrd-f...
Doesn't leave a lot for wheels and finishing bits and bobs, what else do you have in the garage?
https://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/FTPXEC130D/planet-x-...
For the frame, I'd be looking for something that is either the top or second echelon from a reputable builder. If you're able, I'd go for the lowest end of the SRAM that do wireless electronic shifting, since routing of cables can be a pain if you're going for integration. Looks like £1,500 for the full set, if you can fine one:
https://www.wiggle.co.uk/sram-force-etap-axs-hrd-f...
Doesn't leave a lot for wheels and finishing bits and bobs, what else do you have in the garage?
Yes it's crazy how quickly the bits add up.
Not got much in the garage of any use, current road bike is rim brake and never bothered upgrading much on it as the frame will always be the limiting factor.
One of my mates has the PlanetX aero frame, it looks good (apart from I don't like curved or sloping top tubes but thats not a big deal) and the graphics are pretty subtle so it's not too obvious it's a Planetx
certainly an option.
the Pinkbike classifieds are great for MTB stuff but there doesn't seem to be an equivalent for roadie stuff.
Not got much in the garage of any use, current road bike is rim brake and never bothered upgrading much on it as the frame will always be the limiting factor.
One of my mates has the PlanetX aero frame, it looks good (apart from I don't like curved or sloping top tubes but thats not a big deal) and the graphics are pretty subtle so it's not too obvious it's a Planetx
certainly an option.the Pinkbike classifieds are great for MTB stuff but there doesn't seem to be an equivalent for roadie stuff.
I bought a Canyon Aeroad di2 for about that from the outlet. I know they have put prices up, but you do find some bargains in that outlet every so often.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164929787460?hash=item2...
Job done, I doubt it's much worse than anything that you can buy today for 3x the price. Probs the wrong size, but there are plenty that get sold for similar money.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/164929787460?hash=item2...
Job done, I doubt it's much worse than anything that you can buy today for 3x the price. Probs the wrong size, but there are plenty that get sold for similar money.
Edited by okgo on Monday 28th June 11:01
I'm a bit biased as I've got one but have you considered an Orbea Orca Aero?
They start at about £3k for 105 mech spec.
Whilst you might have to wait to get a new one delivered I'd reckon you might have a similar wait for specific components if you decide yo build your own.
Epic Cycles (no connection to me) have good 'wheel deals' on new bikes. Worth at least a phone call and 3 minutes of your time before you commit one way or another.
They start at about £3k for 105 mech spec.
Whilst you might have to wait to get a new one delivered I'd reckon you might have a similar wait for specific components if you decide yo build your own.
Epic Cycles (no connection to me) have good 'wheel deals' on new bikes. Worth at least a phone call and 3 minutes of your time before you commit one way or another.
For under £3k I'd be looking at a Giant Propel. Very good bike for the price (albeit higher than a year or two ago).
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/propel-advanced-...
If you are willing to go second hand there are some very nice examples to be had on eBay (a di2 equipped propel sold for £2600 recently.)
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/propel-advanced-...
If you are willing to go second hand there are some very nice examples to be had on eBay (a di2 equipped propel sold for £2600 recently.)
Ian-27xza said:
I'm a bit biased as I've got one but have you considered an Orbea Orca Aero?
They start at about £3k for 105 mech spec.
Whilst you might have to wait to get a new one delivered I'd reckon you might have a similar wait for specific components if you decide yo build your own.
Epic Cycles (no connection to me) have good 'wheel deals' on new bikes. Worth at least a phone call and 3 minutes of your time before you commit one way or another.
Yes lovely bikes- have been looking at them that's where the £3k figure came from, as with a better set of wheels the price is more like £3.5k and i wondered if I could do better building something. There was a lovely blue Orca aero frame on ebay last week but was a size too big (60cm, I'd need a 57).They start at about £3k for 105 mech spec.
Whilst you might have to wait to get a new one delivered I'd reckon you might have a similar wait for specific components if you decide yo build your own.
Epic Cycles (no connection to me) have good 'wheel deals' on new bikes. Worth at least a phone call and 3 minutes of your time before you commit one way or another.
Giant Propel- couple of riding buddies have them but would have to be the newer disc version as they both reckon the funny little aero mini-V brakes are awful. ETA actually hadn;t realised how reasonably priced they are new, good shout.
canyon Aeroad always a good option, they do seem to fetch a premium on ebay though, some crazy prices people are expecting on there.
Edited by lufbramatt on Monday 28th June 12:08
lufbramatt said:
Yes lovely bikes- have been looking at them that's where the £3k figure came from, as with a better set of wheels the price is more like £3.5k and i wondered if I could do better building something. There was a lovely blue Orca aero frame on ebay last week but was a size too big (60cm, I'd need a 57).
Giant Propel- couple of riding buddies have them but would have to be the newer disc version as they both reckon the funny little aero mini-V brakes are awful. ETA actually hadn;t realised how reasonably priced they are new, good shout.
canyon Aeroad always a good option, they do seem to fetch a premium on ebay though, some crazy prices people are expecting on there.
My Argon 18 bikes both use similar TRP road/mini-v brakes to the rim brake Propel and they're fine, but can be a faff to get set up compared to conventional calipers. There are also two similar but different standards, so parts can be a PITA. I ride regularly with two guys who have Propels, one disc and one rim and they're nice frames.Giant Propel- couple of riding buddies have them but would have to be the newer disc version as they both reckon the funny little aero mini-V brakes are awful. ETA actually hadn;t realised how reasonably priced they are new, good shout.
canyon Aeroad always a good option, they do seem to fetch a premium on ebay though, some crazy prices people are expecting on there.
Edited by lufbramatt on Monday 28th June 12:08
Orbea Orca Aero is lovely.
MockingJay said:
For under £3k I'd be looking at a Giant Propel. Very good bike for the price (albeit higher than a year or two ago).
https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/propel-advanced-...
If you are willing to go second hand there are some very nice examples to be had on eBay (a di2 equipped propel sold for £2600 recently.)
I bought a rim brake (I didn't want discs anyway) Propel with Ultegra Di2 2 years ago for £2500 from PedalOn. Price has jumped now that they have refined the design and tidied the front end. The Giant name definitely doesn't attract as much of a price premium as some others do, so you do get a lot of bang for your buck.https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/propel-advanced-...
If you are willing to go second hand there are some very nice examples to be had on eBay (a di2 equipped propel sold for £2600 recently.)
Can't fault it - it could be slightly lighter - it isn't as light as my (much) older Scott Addict - but it's stiff as hell and demolishes the flats.
I imagine stock levels are still low all over the place and the chances of end of season sales is pretty low, but might be worth seeing what happens when newer models start being launched?
Parsnip said:
Beauty in the eye of the beholder and all that - I would struggle to put many aero bikes in the pretty category to be honest - if we are chucking stones - I'd take my "ugly" Propel over your Aeroad's imploding handlebars 
That's only the new modular bars 
released in the last year or so, not a 3k bike thing.The Ribble Endurance SLR comes out about £3800 with ultegra and a decent set of carbon wheels, makes the Giant Propel Advanced 1 Disc seem great value at £3500 with the same groupset and I expect a better/more aero frame (I've got a Ribble CX-SL cross bike and from what I can see the CX frame is basically identical but with more tyre clearance).
Pedalon do Giant and you end up with about £450 worth of free stuff with their podium point thingy. Might be worth considering seeing as there's not really any discounts around at the mo.
Pedalon do Giant and you end up with about £450 worth of free stuff with their podium point thingy. Might be worth considering seeing as there's not really any discounts around at the mo.
The middlingly annoying one from GCN (I love them all really) did a series about building a TT/aero on a budget... Starts here.
https://youtu.be/sOmLV0EVv_4
I'm sure you could spend more or less, unless you're doing triathlons or racing TTs why bother?
https://youtu.be/sOmLV0EVv_4
I'm sure you could spend more or less, unless you're doing triathlons or racing TTs why bother?
Edited by BobsPigeon on Monday 28th June 19:32
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