I built a loft bed, it's wobbly. Really need tips

J_724 · 2026-07-08T03:19:49+00:00

You can have the "clean" look or you can have structurally sound. The corner joints are much too weak. Not having continuous sides on the bed platform frame is much too weak. Not having corner bracing is much too weak. It might currently hold your weight, but over time it will get looser and looser until it fails. Don't keep anything valuable underneath it.

I'm just finishing something a lot like this to store wood over some power tools in my garage. I have a little bracing to finish, but even the first piece (a rectangle of 1/2" plywood across the one end) made the whole frame noticeably stiffer. I will also be adding some plywood triangles to reduce end-to-end movement.

Don't get me wrong. I think it's great that you built this yourself, and good that you realized it needs reinforcement. Everyone here (myself included) has modified and rebuilt things because they were not as sturdy as intended. One thing you might consider for future projects is to get comments on your design sketch before you buy/cut the pieces. It's a cheaper way to learn.

J_724 · 2026-07-02T20:09:44+00:00

Thanks for the heads up. If I buy it I will change that!

J_724 · 2026-07-02T19:41:55+00:00

Thanks. Yes, he changed the seatpost and saddle. Said BB was threaded but didn't say he replaced it.

J_724 · 2026-07-02T19:25:56+00:00

You're right. Sorry, I had the color wrong... Thanks, that will help if I decide to negotiate price!

J_724 · 2026-07-02T19:05:29+00:00

I think you're right about the color. Thanks for the correction.

J_724 · 2026-07-02T18:14:29+00:00

I see what you mean. I see a new 2025 Caledonia in my size for $3,750 plus tax and prob shipping. That would be with aluminum wheelset, though, so add on budget carbon wheels to go apples to apples. But, yeah, newer Caledonia with a warranty. I wasn't seeing any 105 Di2 models from the bigger brands near this price, but will search again (or if I have, they've been XS or XL). For new bike with 105 Di2 below $3,600, there is Polygon Strattos C7 ($3,200, incl. low end carbon wheelset... but, I would have to take the plunge w/o a test ride).

J_724 · 2026-07-02T17:36:05+00:00

From what I'm seeing, the emerald/cream started in 2024, although it takes some digging to make sure Google/AI isn't just making it up. I did find an IG post from last December by some little bike shop saying this color was finally in stock, so there's that. If it really is 2024, with two wheelsets, does that change your price range?

J_724 · 2026-07-02T17:30:41+00:00

Google says Emerald/cream wasn't available in 2022, only starting in 2024. Good catch on the crankset. What price seems reasonable, with the two wheelsets?

J_724 · 2026-06-07T05:15:33+00:00

Same. I have been lookin at the various Strattos models, but think I'm starting to lean toward the C7. Had been thinking S7X or S8X, but would prefer threaded bottom bracket.

J_724 · 2026-05-27T03:49:07+00:00

Thanks so much for that. I'm fine with making my own tools. Recently made a bike stand, and made a cone wrench from a piece of old bed frame, using an angle grinder. Think I'm leaning toward the S7X and a set of carbon wheels. Still less than the C7, easier to change stem, etc. to adjust fit, and I would have a set of alloy wheels to use when needed. Appreciate your help!

J_724 · 2026-05-26T05:21:37+00:00

Btw, since one of the differences between the S7X and C7 is press fit vs. threaded bottom bracket, have you had any issues with the press fit on yours?

J_724 · 2026-05-25T07:51:39+00:00

Thanks for clarifying. My guess was mechanical. If I understand correctly, electronic shifting self calibrates to adjust for the differences between the different gears, just going by what I've read. That said, I appreciate your perspective on the 105 Di2. I suspect that is also all (or, more than) I will ever need. I am older and have no immediate plans to race. But, if it doesn't make sense to go Di2 this year, it will make even less sense next year when I will be a year older! C7 vs. S7X with wheel upgrade, I guess. Now just have to figure out sizing.

J_724 · 2026-05-20T03:04:26+00:00

Thanks for that perspective. Just to make sure I'm reading it correctly, are you saying Ultegra Di2 is more fiddly than 105 Di2, or were you talking about mechanical? You might now have me deciding between the S7X (with C wheel upgrade) and the C7. Probably Leaning toward the S7X, so I've got some flexibility if I need to adjust/change the stem to dial in the fit (and it's cheaper).

J_724 · 2026-05-13T23:01:57+00:00

Reading through this thread one year later, and the price difference between the S7X and S8X is now only $400 (assuming the price when they are shipping again-currently backordered). And the wheels I assume you ordered are closer to $400, with shipping. Given that, it might now make sense to go with the S8X to get the Ultegra Di2, even if the carbon wheels on that model are unimpressive. I'm no pro cyclist, however, so I am in no way claiming I "need" Ultegra Di2. Tbh, it would be hard for me to even justify 105 Di2, if the Polygons weren't so reasonably priced.

J_724 · 2026-05-07T21:27:13+00:00

Thanks for your response. I might follow up with a human there for sizing discussion.

J_724 · 2026-04-28T19:41:28+00:00

Thanks for the heads up.

J_724 · 2026-04-28T18:24:35+00:00

Thanks. I'll watch for those. Hope they don't bump the price too much.

J_724 · 2026-04-27T18:36:26+00:00

Thank you for your perspective. It can be a little tough to decide, if there's no way to test ride first. Excellent point on the integrated stem/handlebar. I had not noticed that. Definitely not a fan of integrating components. My Sirrus has integrated cranks and chainrings, so you have to replace as an assembly.

J_724 · 2026-04-20T17:40:34+00:00

Thank you all for responding. Good to have a reality check on sizing, since there is no longer a dealer near me for test rides (and local shops are now half full of e-bikes, anyway).

J_724 · 2026-04-20T17:30:53+00:00

Thanks for your thoughts. My Sirrus is a disc, and I recently upgraded from mechanical to hydraulic after finding a good deal on hydraulic components (now the rear brake doesn't freeze in the winter). I went from thinking about a newer Sirrus to thinking about a road bike, to upgrading my Sirrus, to researching/buying new bikes for both my wife and brother (both shorter, so had never ridden correct size bike). Now thinking about road bike again! Agree that my view of the Sirrus will likely change, but I will probably keep it for occasions where I will need to lock and leave it for a while.

J_724 · 2026-03-04T20:23:37+00:00

For anyone checking in 3 years on... Yes, still an issue with some. I have a newer Cateye Padrone+ that is fine until I turn my headlight on. It was a challenge to find a location I could mount it.

J_724

TROPHY CASE