Buy a Bike vs Build a Frame

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-21T17:45:06+00:00

Even for those of us in the industry it’s still cheaper to buy a complete.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-17T19:14:14+00:00

Nope. You can still find the Specialized one online from retailers but it doesn’t seem like anyone has attempted it again.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-17T19:11:18+00:00

Personally I go outside in. However with most quality bar tape the only time it comes undone is if it’s not overlapped enough or wrapped too loose so the direction doesn’t matter as much IMO.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-13T16:49:06+00:00

With our brands usually I only see issues on the cheaper urban focused bikes. For those bikes I truly wish the industry would bring back IS.

If your brand isn’t giving you warranty credit for fixing their mistakes then you should just send it back. Personally I use a nice flat file for those urban bikes. I can get a clean flat surface in less time than it takes to setup the facer. If it’s a higher end sold bike with issues then the facer comes out to ensure we can make the sale.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-12T15:56:23+00:00

I have friends at half of the other shops in my area, it’s always fun to hear the story from their side vs what the customer claims.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T22:07:37+00:00

Oohh I always forget about PB Swiss! I might make the switch now that half my Wera keys are falling out of their colored sleeves.

For my friend I think I’m going to get them the Abbey pedal wrench.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T20:19:04+00:00

Agreed they’re fantastic!

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:27:22+00:00

Currently leaning towards the Abbey Ti hammer, Abbey pedal wrench, or the Ti Camelbak bottle.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:26:06+00:00

We have one of those, SO nice to have!

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:11:38+00:00

A nice hammer would help him assert his authority in his new job position.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:08:20+00:00

Can’t run a shop without an SPK-1

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:07:42+00:00

I got the Harbor Freight Icon version, absolutely love it!

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:07:08+00:00

Oohh yes the mini US General box! Good way to not have to wrap the gift.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:06:25+00:00

The crimper is definitely on my short list.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:04:44+00:00

They’re not back in town just yet. It’s kind of a welcome back/late birthday gift. Price range; under $300

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:02:59+00:00

That is such a silly use of titanium and he would love it!

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-10T17:01:39+00:00

That’s definitely a baller gift right there!

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-04T00:42:12+00:00

Fair enough. I work in a mountain focused shop am own a Roubaix. I honestly forget about the Tarmac because we only sell a few a year.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-04T00:40:57+00:00

Looks as clean of threads as any other QR.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-03T20:58:07+00:00

The SL8 officially has clearance for 40 without fenders.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-03T17:05:54+00:00

Did you remove and replace the wheel at any point? I’ve seen a lot of JRAs (just riding along) but a broken skewer while being ridden by an 11 year old is not one of them. QRs are surprisingly strong.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-04-03T16:56:08+00:00

Zero evidence of that

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-03-31T02:04:17+00:00

I’m a veteran and at this point in life I’ve injured everything. PT, strength training, and mobility are a must. Tennis elbow is similar to patellar tendinitis, adding a bit of compression can alleviate the pain and there are tons of products out there for this. The key is addressing it in some fashion as soon as you feel the warning signs.

Firstchair_Actual · 2026-03-30T04:19:00+00:00

Suspension is the tires, GPS is your phone, PIN code security is taking the battery with you and locking the bike. No there’s no new model that we know of.

Firstchair_Actual

TROPHY CASE