All the gear, no idea. Sub 6 build

[GreenBlood]

Hey peeps.

Brit here, 53, not a super fit thing, 89kg working hard to get back down to 72...
I life in france, and it's hilly here, and I like that. When I was 72kg I felt great and the feeling of getting up hills before your mates was fab...sooo..
As a treat to myself on reaching my goal weight, I had planned on chucking 10-12k at a new all singing all dancing low weight bike. But, as a mechanically competant chap, I fancy having a pop at building my own. So here I am.
Goals- cost is not a big concern, if I can keep below 9k I'd be happy.
I am inspired by Twisted Wheels's recent 5.5kg build with atheos frame and AR25 rims, those brisk spokes or them floppy Berd ones. Extralite hubs, SRAM wireless groupset. 12x2 most likely. As I do a lot of climbing, I want to have gears closer at the grany gear end rather than the small cog end, for as smooth as possible changes to keep me in the sweet spot (75-90rpm)
I've been recommend the Tarmac SL8 over the Atheos. Cheaper but a tad heavier.
Frame size - Specialised's site says I should be a size 52. I'm 1.68 tall or 5'6.5" ish. I measured my shin length as per their site and I measured 37cm. I think I'm on the cusp between 52 and 54 frame sizes?
My riding is not serious, it's for fun and fitness. I ride with my mates for a 50mile ride typically 6-800m of climbing. On the way down hills, I sit up and rest...so I'm not exactly aero! It's all about climbing for me.
I'm happy for any advice and especially for keeping groupset weight down, frame choice etc.
Cheers
Steve

[Knightyboy27]

Given the amount of money you're willing to spend, and the fact that you mentioned that you're not sure what frame size to get, I would HIGHLY recommend that you get a decent bike fit. Best bang for your buck you can get, so that you enjoy cycling (and don't end up potentially wasting money on parts that don't work for you).

SRAM is notably heavier than Shimano, but if you're already locked in on Sram, that's fine (and they do have options for slightly easier gearing).

[GreenBlood]

Thanks for the reply. I am not too locked in to SRAM. I do like the idea of automatic gear determination as I understand Shimano has? Although battery in frame is a downside. Definitely will have a bike fit; probably Birmingham UK in October to determine frame size for sure. I don't want to take any chances !

[Nixster]

I strongly doubt that you are a 54 on a Tarmac given your stated height, age and, ahem, profile but like knightyboy said get a fit. Even on a frame only sale the likes of Sigma Sport will fit you for size if not optimum position but at that money I'd want to be sure.
Given where you live have you considered Look or Time as options? Their reputation for quality is very strong.
Building your own bike will be so much more rewarding than off the peg, hope you enjoy it!

[GreenBlood]

I strongly doubt that you are a 54 on a Tarmac given your stated height, age and, ahem, profile but like knightyboy said get a fit. Even on a frame only sale the likes of Sigma Sport will fit you for size if not optimum position but at that money I'd want to be sure.
Given where you live have you considered Look or Time as options? Their reputation for quality is very strong.
Building your own bike will be so much more rewarding than off the peg, hope you enjoy it!

Cheers! I Will check time and look out. If I could pick up a light frame for a better price than the gorgeous Atheos, you never know.
What was your initial thought regarding frame size then?
Steve

[waswerte]

I'd go with an S-works Aethos frame + TW Wheels + Dura ace with 11/34 + Rotor crank and 46/30 chainring for easy climbing gears. With an extralite stem, Björn Handlebars, stock seatpost, stock expander, 28mm GP5000, TPU tubes, Berk Lupina saddle and Galfer discs you should be somewhere around 5,2kg. I don't know if I'd trust those spokes tho. Budget should be somewhere around 10k€, but you can probably get it for less than 9k or probaly even 8k if you look for deals.

[GreenBlood]

I'm not far off that spec actually, not heard of the galfer discs nor Bjorn Handle bars. Was going with darimo. What are TW wheels?

[waswerte]

The Galfer discs are great lightweight and reasonably priced rotors. Björn Handlebars are supposed to be stiffer than Darimo, but I never tried them. TW meaning Twisted Wheels.

[Nixster]

Sorry, missed your question on frame size! I'd say 52 is more likely than 54 and better an Aethos than a Tarmac.
Personally I'm a fan of Darimo seat post and stems, no experience of the bars.
I remain to be convinced by rope spokes personally! Check out Far Sports carbon spoke options maybe?
Enjoy