Re: Designing my new Calfee: Bikefanclub.com

I have mentioned in a post in a different thread that I made compromises in choices of components. The choice of pedals was my LBS guy, I simply accepted. I looked at the Coombe pedals and agree they look like excellent pedals. I see, however, no compelling reason to make a change in my choice of pedal since the cost/performance is not significant enough to make enough of difference for my purposes. That said, I would not rule out making a change in the future.

For me, ordering my Calfee was the culmination of a dream I had for some time that had little chance of becoming real before I had a windfall come in. I had some agonizing over how much I was spending and into what componenets I should put my money into. I relied a great deal on my LBS, and for good reason. When spending a lot of money on anything, and not being an expert in the field the services of the LBS guy are not to be dismissed. In my case I do not know the bike industry well. I rely on my LBS to know what's out there, what parts are suitable for my riding style and the cost/benefits of those parts.

I am aware that with the level of customization available that most bikes in the price range I am in are unique, no two being completely alike. For example, I'm agnostic on choice of drivetrain. It was a market choice to get Shimano for my bike as there was sufficient lead time to order the group and it would be cheaper than Capmy due to the exchange rate. For some parts there is no clear best choice; there are multiple vendors that make perfectly adequate parts. For some particular parts it was simply that the LBS had them in stock, so it was a bird-in-hand situation.

I'm also pragmatic when I make choices. Knowing that my seatpost extension will be reasonably short on my bike it makes little difference whether I get carbon or aluminum. The difference in price/weight and function indicate no clear superiority of any particular seatpost. Another thought occurred to me as wrote this. I would eagerly make any component change if I could be shown that I could save consderable weight without paying considerably more money. For example, saving a few grams in pedals but paying about $100 more doesn't cut it with me. I know the performance difference would be insignificant. On the other hand paying that much more for a wheelset that had lighter rims would make sense if the wheelset was also as rugged as I want. For my purposes I tend toward bulletproof rather than highest performance.

It's a juggling act with performance, availability, weight, ruggednes and cost in specing out a complete custom bike. I think there are many ways to come to an adequate solution. Whether I could have done better with different choices than what I made/agreed to is moot. I believe my bike will suit me well. Time will tell, and the proof of the pudding is in the eating. When I finally get to ride my bike I will have the impressions gained that I will share with you all.

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