A few weeks back I went to a LBS to ask about fitting and I explained what I am looking for in a Tri-bike.
DI2 with areo and horn shifting was a MST have.
The fitter recommended to get a used Cervelo P2C from ebay and then we go from there as he said that fitting me (6’6" (36" inseam measured)) limits the choices of bikes. He also offerd a deal on DI2 and some wheels.
Yesterday I went back to the store to drop of the frame and pick the other components and then I was told that:
they can’t run the DI2 cables internally
the quoted price was for the manual shifting
they would build up the bike first and then we would do the fit on it (I thoug you do the fit on a Retul Move first and then pick frame and cockpit based on that)
Now I am really upset (could barely sleep) because it seems that it might cost me more than $5k to get this bike done.
They way I see it, for $6k I can get a brand new Norcom Straight with DI2, versus if I continue this road I end up with a bike that has DI2, used wheels with a SL+ powertab and 5year old P2C frame.
I have not made a commitment on anything as I am waiting for a quote from the shop, but it was indicated yesterday that the DI2 and wheels (plus cockpit & saddle) will run more than $4k (and then I am out $1k for the frame already).
Is the 2008 P2C frame as good as the new 2013 NorcomStraight frame?
Should I pick-up my frame and then just try to resell and cut my losses?
Is it normal to pick frame and cockpit first and then start the fit process?
Am I just beeing a diva?
Is the 2008 P2C frame as good as the new 2013 NorcomStraight frame?
No
Is it normal to pick frame and cockpit first and then start the fit process?
Depends if you have no idea what your position should be or if you have a real good idea, and know the p2 will work fine, and just need to dial in what stems/spacers you need.
You most certainly CAN run the di2 internally, it will just take creativity.
But, yes, you can get much better deals on expensive gruppos by buying a whole bike brand new a lot of times.
You most certainly CAN run the di2 internally, it will just take creativity.
This is what I was expecting since this was the frame recommended to me.
But yesterday it was clear they can/will not do that.
But, yes, you can get much better deals on expensive gruppos by buying a whole bike brand new a lot of times.
Makes sense, so this is why changing plans might be a better idea?
If the P2C will work for fit, would the Norcom Straight work as well? (Reach P2C: 448 NS:449; Stack P2C:577 S:565)
I understand reach is more important as stack can be adjusted with spacers and saddle height if needed.
stack probably better for the P2 at your height, but as long as you can spacer or pad-riser the norcom where you need it, you would be good. It is only ~1cm of difference, but at 6’6" you might be borderline so it could matter.
If I were in your situation I would find out what kind of stack your fit will need. Either build the P2C yourself or get a brand new bike among the ones that will work for you.
Don’t go back to the LBS, it sounds like you don’t trust them anymore. Once you lose trust in a shop, you will question everything, including if the skewers are tight enough after a tune up.
Price out Ultegra Di2. Do NOT buy the older version. New version is so much better with thinner wires and customizations you can make. Ebay and google are your friend.
Ask around and find a bike person that likes to customize bikes. A typical LBS will not likely run Di2 internally on an older P2 as there is some drilling and soldering required. It voids warranties. But yes, Di2 can be run internally on an older P2.
Fitting can be done after as long as the frame is the right size. Cockpit won’t make a difference unless it has an integrated stem. For giggles, go get a fit now and then you can spend your time wisely buying parts on ebay and slowtwitch for bargains, plus you will have more fun doing it that way PLUS you will get very familiar with what you are using on your epic rides. It will make riding it better and repairing it easier.
You just need to find a bike builder that likes to make modifications and be creative. Or send it all to calfee designs and they will do it for you. Soup to nuts. And a custom paint job.
If you have not committed to anything or bought the frame yet, just find a new bike shop and move on. That big a change in 2 converstations means the communication is not there to justify dropping $4-6K with them.
FWIW, I keep trying to come up with a way to build up a nice used bike off eBay but it appears it really only works financially if you are starting with at least one or two of the major components already in hand or you are going for lower end components or stuff that is at least a couple years old. If you are starting totally from scratch and want top of the line new components, buying a full new bike is almost always a better deal.
Don’t go back to the LBS, it sounds like you don’t trust them anymore. Once you lose trust in a shop, you will question everything, including if the skewers are tight enough after a tune up.
Price out Ultegra Di2. Do NOT buy the older version. New version is so much better with thinner wires and customizations you can make. Ebay and google are your friend.
Ask around and find a bike person that likes to customize bikes. A typical LBS will not likely run Di2 internally on an older P2 as there is some drilling and soldering required. It voids warranties. But yes, Di2 can be run internally on an older P2.
Fitting can be done after as long as the frame is the right size. Cockpit won’t make a difference unless it has an integrated stem. For giggles, go get a fit now and then you can spend your time wisely buying parts on ebay and slowtwitch for bargains, plus you will have more fun doing it that way PLUS you will get very familiar with what you are using on your epic rides. It will make riding it better and repairing it easier.
You just need to find a bike builder that likes to make modifications and be creative. Or send it all to calfee designs and they will do it for you. Soup to nuts. And a custom paint job.
Ha,
the fun is that the LBS was goign to the fit after the bike was build. So where to go to get a fit without a bike?
Stupid as I am I left the frame at the store, not thinking fast enough on my feet that this might not work out as I wanted it to. I mean I will wait for the quote they e-mail me and if they manage to offer me the new DI2 plus cockpit, saddle and wheel incl labor for under $4k I am still OK.
Actually I LOVE tinkering with stuff myself! A few years back I bought an old car and worked on it. When I was 14 I did work in the mechnics department of a bike shop…
If you have not committed to anything or bought the frame yet, just find a new bike shop and move on. That big a change in 2 converstations means the communication is not there to justify dropping $4-6K with them.
I bought the frame on ebay, but worst case I can sell it and hope to break even.
I have a hard time seeing why I want a $6k DI2 build on a 5year old P2 frame when I can get a brand new bike for the same money.
I have a hard time seeing why I want a $6k DI2 build on a 5year old P2 frame when I can get a brand new bike for the same money.
All else aside I think this is the most pertinent question, and my answer would be I dont. New bike comes with warranty, service, etc, and the peace of mind that brings.
If you like tinkering keep the P2 frame and do a build of your own on it with whatever you can pick up from the classifieds or ebay. Thats essentially what I did and I had a blast for several months doing it. Then you can always sell that complete bike when you are done with it. Buy the new bike with the build you want in the meantime.
Now that you have the frame, you could take your budget, forgo the Di2, go with a used 9 spd Ultegra group ($275-$300), score some nice wheels and then go do a tri in Europe this summer
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Now that you have the frame, you could take your budget, forgo the Di2, go with a used 9 spd Ultegra group ($275-$300), score some nice wheels and then go do a tri in Europe this summer
I am from Europe, going there is always stressfull as I have to fit in visiting family…
