As mentioned before, the canvas for this particular build originally had only:
- a frame, 56 cm made of Scandium
- a carbon fork (and headset)
- a 25.4 stem, 120 mm in length, and a Bontrager flat top racing bar (26 mm clamp diameter)
- front and rear caliper, Ultegra R8000 brakes
- seat post 31.6mm Kalloy UNO
-old Shimano RS010 wheelset
and nothing else.
Reality Check
After completion, I spent in total ~US$ 895.00; the race-ready bike (incl. two bottle cages and clipless pedals) weighed in at a reasonable 8.3 kg.
For some specialists, the weight might sound heavy. But 3 times world champion Peter Sagan rode an Alloy Specialized Allez race bike at the Tour Down Under in 2019. It weighed 8.0 kg while playing in a very different out-of-my price-and-parts-are-no-subject league.
Below, I will list the parts I've used for my build, the decision because I used them, their characteristics, and the price.
Handlebar, Deda RHM 02
Contrary to the bike picture above, I've decided against my old 44 cm wide Bontrager flat top handlebar with a 26 mm clamp diameter. I could not find a stem of the desired length...
I went to the parts bin and opted for a slightly narrower and more aerodynamic Deda RHM 02, 42 cm (outer - outer) handlebars. It has a kind of rough (raw) shiny black finish with bright red/white 'team color' graphics.
Stem
Deda's RHM (Hand Rapid Movement) let me decide on a longer stem to compensate for the shorter reach. I've used a white painted Kally Stem in 130mm, difficult to get in Taiwan.
The result of this handlebar-stem combination let me feel more agile on the bike, my neck pain disappeared on rides over 100 kilometers/
Wheelset
I bought a handmade wheelset, made with Kin Lin XR-240 rims, Bitex hubs, and Pillar 1432 spokes, made and hand-assembled in Taiwan. The wheels were lighter, stronger, and had better bearings than my previous Shimano wheels. Please see my review.
Derailleur/Brakes
Are all based on the mechanical Shimano 105 R7000 components with some exceptions:
- Ultegra R8000 Caliper Brakes
Instead of the lower-priced painted Shimano 105 caliper brakes I've opted for the anodized Ultegra (R8000) rim brakes. Both brakes look like the same design except for the finish. But upon further inspection, there is an additional bridge between the brake arms on the R8000 rim brakes which let them feel a little more direct and brake stronger.
The reach of the STI levers of Shimano 105 and Ultegra are the same, the caliper brakes are compatible.
- SunRace CS-RX1 rear cassette
I chose the SunRace CS-RX1 rear cassette over the R7000 part. The chain wheels have a smoother finish and are mounted on a red spider for lighter weight and more stiffness. The price of both cassettes is the same here in Taiwan.
Ride carefully,
Gerhard
A Word of Caution
Always ride with a helmet and in a way that you are in control of the bike and not the other way around. Ride responsibly and defensively and be prepared for a worst-case scenario! It is senseless to gain some seconds but spends weeks recovering in a hospital and/or at home for a stupid action! You, your body, your parents, your family, and your friends will surely appreciate your precautions before, during, and after a bike ride.
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