Lostdog
new member
Reged: 09/11/04
Posts: 2
Loc: Dallas, Texas
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I have been seriously riding for about a year, having purchased a Specialized Allez Elite last summer. After becoming unexpectedly passionate about the sport, I am upgrading to a Luna Pro and could use some advice on adding the components.
Am I crazy to consider the Colorado Cyclist build a bike program over my local bike shop? It seems to my uneducated eye that it would save me several hundred dollars to go that direction.
My budget calls for Ultegra, Velomax wheels and probably Easton or Reynolds bits.
Any comments?
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Unless you are a top notch wrench and can do all your own work you don't want to be "penny wise and pound foolish." Find the LBS that has the best wrench for building. Then your bike will start out its life built well. A top build should include a torque wrench being used. In the day of light weight components this is more crucial than ever before.
Plus if you never support your local shop what are you going to go when they are not there any longer and you need them? I split my purchases but a great deal goes to my LBS. I only go elsewhere when the savings are huge such as 1/3 to 1/2 or so. For a few dollars more it is best to support them and have a place to go if there is a problem. Plus they are fun places to hang out and BS.
Pick the best shop and go talk to them. If you haven't ordered your Luna yet and there is not a dealer near you they can order it and they'll like you more. They only have to order 2 frames in 6 months to get full margin. (That was the rule the last I heard.) That is very unusual. Even if you ordered it already you can discuss what you want to do and buy. They will usually work with you.
However please remember the margin they work is very low compared to other businesses. If you want a shop that thinks you are a jerk and won't know your name later just nickel and dime them to death. It is a tough business to make a buck and most people got in it because they like bikes. Think about it have you seen bike shops in high rent retails areas? They aren't there because they don't make enough to be there.
Enjoy your Luna. A Calfee is a truly awesome ride. 
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trikobe
friend
Reged: 01/02/04
Posts: 31
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If you are unsure of your correct stem length, bar width and crank length then I would definately go to your LBS for fitment and suggestions. LBS will vary in knowledge, experience, and customer skills so find a LBS you like and trust. They can be very helpful. It will take the guesswork and possibly limit wrongful and costly purchases.
On the other hand, if you are familiar with your sizing and even if you are not mechanically inclined, I would purchase from a mail order company. The savings would be substantial over what the LBS could ever offer you. I make most of my purchases over the internet and find that they actually have them in stock and the prices can't be beat. LBSs don't carry huge inventory and thus most items need to be ordered (usually when they make their next order which could take some time). Unless you will put the bike together yourself, you will still end up paying for your LBS to assemble the bike for you, whether you order parts from them or Colorado Cyclist.
I always hear people say support your LBS. I think thats great if you are always there mingling with them or going on their group rides. I think you owe it to them in that sense. As for myself, I've got a busy schedule (as most here) and precious moments I do have I would rather be riding or with my kid. I'm only at the LBS to buy tubes, lubes or misc items. If my LBS has good prices, they get my business. It's hard earned money, get the most you can for it. Any amount saved can be used to upgrade parts.
One thing I find with the Colorado cyclist build program is that some of those parts may not be what you want. They give you options to substitute but in the end it ends up costing you...not necessarily the best deal. Other places will give you great deals as well (esp when you are buying an expensive build kit) and you actually get to choose which parts you want. I would shop around, find out which parts you want then call them and ask them for their best price on it...you can even negotiate a little after that as well. They don't want to lose your business. Some may call it penny pinching, I call it smart shopping. Good luck>
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flythebike
captain
Reged: 08/26/04
Posts: 272
Loc: N. Virginia, USA
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I'm one of these people who likes Campy much better than Shimano. I'd urge you to at least try out a Campy equipped bike and see which shifting set up you prefer. Campy is definitely more precise dropping into the small ring. Shimano might be faster into the big ring, though. The rear shifting is also different and you should really check it out before you throw down your money. One thing is for sure the Campy levers are lighter. You could probably get a Centaur group for a comparable price as Ultegra, you'd have to check.
I have a set of Velomax circuits and they are universally lauded wheels. See www.roadbikereview.com; really durable and fast. Only knock is that they are a bit sluggish to accelerate. But they make Orion's and Ascents that are lighter and quicker, but I think that they are probably still tough, especially the Orions. Made in the USA.
I'm not sold on Easton bits (made in Mexico). I'm not so sure about the QC. Reynolds forks are ubiquitous in the pro peloton for a reason, they are reliable and reasonably light, and they ride extremely well. My Calfee has an Alpha Q and it is a terrific fork that makes the bike steer very very well; quite quick and precise. It is super-light, but amazingly strong.
Internet places get prices on stuff that are often way below wholesale. For example I bought a Carbon Crank on the internet for $257 + shipping. My shop pays $300 for the same crank. So their best price is $340. That is just how it works. I buy some things online but I throw my shop a bone whenever I can. You need to keep your shop around unless you are totally self-sufficient as a mechanic, right? Who else is going to help you when you are in a pinch. Sometimes I ask them for a deal, sometimes I don’t. Be generous, but don’t go broke in the process!
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flythebike
captain
Reged: 08/26/04
Posts: 272
Loc: N. Virginia, USA
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cyclingnews.com just reviewed the Centaur group here: http://www.cyclingnews.com/tech.php?id=tech/2004/reviews/centaur-first-impression
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Lostdog
new member
Reged: 09/11/04
Posts: 2
Loc: Dallas, Texas
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Thanks for taking the time to thoughtfully answer some of my questions. I have one more, though. I can't figure out what nude really is. Ive seen pics in the gallery that make it appear anywhere from grey to black. And how is that different from the clear? Confused...
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Nude is raw carbon with a UV protectorate on it. It is called 303. You have to reapply it as part of maintenance. However there isn't waxing!
There is not clear coat or paints to chip. Carbon no matter how well done a finish is does chip much more easily than a metal bike. Carbon is worth putting up with it!
With Nude you have none of those problems. Craig did his personal Fly #1 in nude and took it around the country to shops big and small. I just had this conversation with him. He prefers nude for its practicality and appearance (nobody has another bike like yours)and other factors. Interesting it is their #1 finish.
It is said that the look of nude is more "industrial." That is what those who don't like it say. Those who do like it love it and would not switch for anything. Right Bruce? Those who like it like the fact it is unique, stands out from the crowd, is lighter, more practical yada yada yada .
I have a clear Luna and it beautiful. Originally my Luna had a translucent paint Cabernet Red. I personally prefer the clear. I am waiting for my nude Fly.
It is a personal choice. I have a good friend that got a Tetra and had it painted with opaque paint in a fade. He loves it. I have another friend that he has his painted to look like a DeRosa to a large degree. Whatever floats your boat.
Good luck.
P.S. If you are ordering one I'd start a new thread asking for color advice. You will hear a variety of opinions.
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vaxn8r
contributor
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 222
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Lon, perfect summary of past threads.
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Lon
sage
Reged: 12/20/03
Posts: 595
Loc: Pittsburgh, PA
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Thank you...thank you very much... 
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flythebike
captain
Reged: 08/26/04
Posts: 272
Loc: N. Virginia, USA
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My D-Fly has a cabernet red clearcoat with Zipp 202 wheels which also have an intrinsic red tint to them so it creates quite a stunning look.
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