Groups Vs Build Kits

[TXRAiDR]

I'm building up another bike, and have noticed "groups" and "build kits". Now, from what I've noticed, build kits include everything, except tires, tubes, and pedals, for a complete bike. The groups contain everything from that particular component group; sans minor things (seatpost). I've also noticed that build kits are about $300-$400 more than a group only. Is it worth it for a build kit? As for drawbacks, I can see that if you want to swap a part or substitute a part,you're pretty much at a loss. Although, some places give you your base group, and then let you add everything else for you customized build kit. Problem with that is it starts to get outrageous in price. I mean that in terms of just buying the group, and then buying the additional parts seperately VS buying a customized build kit. Any thoughts; Pros/Cons?

[carlos]

it basically comes down the questions of: what's the bike going to be used for?

if it's not the main bike, a build kit might be the way to go since the wheels come built and all the other parts have pretty much been choosen.

if this is gonna be a main bike or second bike, and you don't mind spending a bit more, then the best thing to do is start with a base. get the drivetrain figured out (med cage, long cage, shifters with or without a display, chain type, cog ratio, front der (clamp size, pull, and swing)....) and then get to the wheel build, then all the other parts. it's a bit more but in the end you end up with a bike that fits your needs.

see if they will substitute? if it comes with a top pull/top swing...see if they will trade it out for a top pull/botttom swing (or whatever you need).


whatcha building?

[TXRAiDR]

Thanks for the response. I'm building another road bike. KHS 800 Flite with Chorus. I'm starting to price compare, both on the net and in my shops. What I mean by substituting is this: Say I'm looking at a build kit from Company X. They offer it with the 3T Prima Handlebar and 3T Forgie stem. Say I want the Forgie handlebar, willing to pay the difference too. Won't sub. So, what I'm thinking is buying the base Chorus group (F-hub, R-hub, headset, FD, RD, Chain, Brakes, Shifters, BB, Cranks, Cassette), and then buy the rest of the parts the way I want them. So far on paper, I spend about the same as I would if I buy a build kit. In the end, it'll probably come out to a small sum more depending on the rims I get, along with the extras: Seat post, bar tape, rim strip, tires, pedals, seat, computer.

Another racing bike. This won't be my all around bike, but it will see about as many road miles as my mule does (around 4-5K a year). That's the idea anyway.

[mgruene]

Check with your shop. I have a couple of dist. that will substitute and I only pay the difference. Sometimes depending on the company they run monthly specials and sales.

[TXRAiDR]

Will do Mgruene. BTW, I'll be in SA this weekend. I'll give you a shout out on Saturday to arrange a time to pick up those SRAM shifters. Thanks for finding those.