Cheap frame & good components or vice-versa?

[Kermit power]

Evening all,

I know the perceived wisdom is that it's better to spend more on a decent frame and upgrade components when you've got some spare cash, but has anyone done the maths on this to see if it actually holds true?

Is it not probable that you'd spend less overall getting a lesser frame from one of the big manufacturers (who presumably have the best negotiating power with the Shimano/Campag/SRAM) than buying the nice frame bike but upgrading the components at web/retail prices?

[Matt_N]

Main issue I can see is that most manufacturers only sell a few framsets and they tend to be the higher end ones whereas it's easy to go out and get whatever groupset you want.

That probably works out if you want to upgrade from a mid level frame to a high level frame, but not if you're looking to go from low to mid as they're won't be many to choose from.

[itsnotarace]

It sometimes makes sense on sale bikes, I've bought 2 CAADs in the sale and upgraded the groupsets (or at least parts thereof). If you strip the unused groupset or components off a new bike they have easy resale value to recoup your costs. I'd never buy a new bike at full price and consider upgrading the entire groupset

Components can also be individually upgraded at little cost spread over a longer period too, as and when they wear out

[anonymous-user]

When have you ever seen a half decent carbon frame with Tiagra or an alu frame with di2? For years the magazines have been drip feeding the notion that carbon is superior without ever really explaining how the quality and performance of carbon frames can vary across the price range.

The manufacturers also know that no one will want tiagra on their carbon frame because all their mates will laugh so they start spec'ing 105 on their entry level carbon frames. Even if you start upgrading the components, you still have an entry level carbon frame. Try explaining to someone that a steel frame built with Reynolds 953 tubing is better than a cheap carbon frame...

Or to put it another way, if Audi released an R8 with the 1600cc from the A1, would anyone really buy it?...... really?.....

[Rouleur]

pablo said:

When have you ever seen... an alu frame with di2?

Never heard of Canyon?

I think the are two options to get the best frame/component mix - either buy a Canyon or Rose where you get a great frame and bits for whatever price you want to pay, or build up your own. It's amazing how little you can pay for stuff if you're prepared to shop around.

Also bear in mind that although people say that components wear out the reality is that anything at 105 level or above will last pretty much for ever with normal use. You're better off getting the bike right from day one IMO.

What are your budget and requirements?

[anonymous-user]

shh! there had to be one didnt there!