Road Endurance Bike, Build? Buy used? Buy new?
Getting into cycling to stay in shape now that I'm no longer a student-athlete. Could use some advice. I have been riding a old Giant Iguana casually that my parents got me years ago, it's nice and has done the job. But, I want to move to a road bike, I think road riding is better suited for me and my goals.
Based on some research I've done I think an endurance road bike is the way to go for me. I'll still have some flexibility to ride "rougher" terrain. My budget is about $1500. Which I have come to find out is not as much as I thought it would be.
Based on my measurements omnicalculator recommended a 57 cm frame, which obviously isn't possible. So I've been looking for 58's.
I found this Felt VR A endurance frameset (58cm, alloy frame/carbon fork, BB386, 12x142 thru-axle disc) marked down to $300. Thinking about building it up rather than buying a complete bike.
https://outlet.wheelandsprocket.com/products/0840075143017
I am fortunate to have a bike co-op in the area that I can go to have help building and potentially source some parts (mostly hardware tbh). One of my dads friends is also a big cyclist and could probably talked into providing some assistance.
A few questions for anyone with more knowledge than me:
- Is this actually a good deal, or am I underestimating hidden costs (labor, shop fees for pressing BB386, cable routing, etc.)?
- Used vs new parts? What's worth buying new and what is still good used?
- Would you just buy a complete bike in this price range instead? rather than piecing this together.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you thank you