I’m in the process of building up a new frame. Two issues: First, can any one direct me to where I can purchase a tri specific dura ace 10 grupo? Second, my trusted, honest mechanic of 10 years has left the LBS to go back to school. He will still work out of house/garage. Do I “pay him on the side” to build up the new frame, or go back to the LBS a let an average mechanic build it?
Not sure what a “tri-specific dura ace 10 grouppo” is - don’t you just need bar end shifters instead of the STIs? As for the mechanic, it’s not really “on-the-side” if he’s working for himself.
exactly, on both points.
Regardless of the semantics over what to call his work, I’d go with the guy who’s been handling my bikes for 10 years.
The details of building up a bike properly are different from a simple drivetrain tuneup or even a BB rebuild… Its more than simply hanging the parts on and making them click when they’re supposed to… facing the bottom bracket and/or bottle mount bosses is just one detail that can screw up a bike build if not done or not done properly…
Then again, now that I think about it, your trusted guy may not have ALL of the stuff he needs in his garage to do the proper job…so there’s that…
QBP has a triathlon build kit and/or groupo that will not make you pay for both STI’s and barends - and it will give you a slight discount as well.