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I'm planning my treat for my 40th and want to know what you'd all do.
I've currently got a 2005 S-Works Tarmac frame with a mix of 2011 Ultegra STI levers, 2008 DuraAce mechs, and CK hubs on Ambrosio rims- nice bike, good nick and does the job very well but the drive chain is start to show it's age and money will need spending soon.
The thing is I'd really like a hand built steel frame and have permission to spend for my birthday but the cost of the frame would mean building it up with my old kit for along time after so.......
Would you get the frame and have old kit or keep the S-Works and fit a full Chorus or DuraAce groupset?
personally, I'd treat drivetrain as 'wear and tear' and replace as it wore out so I'd go for the frame as a 'birthday treat' every time.
New frame.
Frame, no doubt about it.
Frame. I treated myself to a Soul and some DT Swiss XMM120s for mine. This incarnation of the bike is the best one so far.
Freame, for sure, you're likely to still have it in a few years, whereas you won't have the transmission.
New frame. Not only for the above reasons but because in 10 years time you'll still have the frame but a new groupset will have worn out.
Edit: Beaten by 37 secs
My Roberts white spider frame from 1989 is hanging in my garage stripped of pain and a little rusty. I still look at it and especially the fillet brazing and it still gives me pleasure even though I haven't ridden it in nearly 15 years. I don't have any similar feelings for the bits of old groupsets lying around.
Frame. It's your 40th and should be something you'll remember. You'll probably still be using the frame in a few years when the drivetrain has expired or been sacrificed to upgradeitis.
It's my 40th next year and I've already got wife approval for a Cotic Rocket. She doesn't know yet, but I'll be working hard to add a Soul to to the birthday list if things go well this year 8).