Parts for my Festka

Broadly speaking, a bicycle is divided into the frame, groupset and wheels. The other parts, like the handlebar and seat, contribute to make the bike rideable. As I began my search for the components, it seemed like simply ordering the parts and putting them together. But little did I realise that each part was interlinked with the other and this required a comprehensive approach, rather than a piecemeal one. No wonder, purchase decisions for each part often become a debate on discussion forums. If cost were not a factor, it would be relatively easy to just go in for the bestest and brightest parts from the best builds. However, despite it being a dream build, it was by no means a no holds barred one. At each stage, and with each part, I sometimes spent days if not weeks, repeatedly placing components in the shopping cart, trying to evaluate the cost benefit ratio across different websites. Head over heart. Logic over desire. It was not easy to take decisions, with costs piling up through the build.

Commencing the search, I also made up my mind to go in for the lightest build I could afford. No, I am not a hill climbing champion, nor did I have any aspirations of becoming one. However, even with my Scott Addict 10, the feel of 7.7 kilograms, when compared with a heavier bike, was just too alluring, especially since I had junked the idea of an aero bike. And the Scalatore provided the perfect platform to attempt such a build.

This was going to be my first attempt at getting bicycle parts from abroad in addition to whatever was available in India. While I had some idea of duty and tax structures, however, in the past, with bicycle clothing, my experience with some of the major courier companies had not been great. While their delivery timings were fantastic, it was their costing that always seemed to be on the higher side. In addition, these companies also charged a heavy handling fee. Luckily, a lot of websites in Europe, possibly in a bid to save costs, used a hybrid model with an international courier and India Post combination. While slower, it was equally reliable and certainly cheaper. I think, I must have saved 10-15 percent at the very minimum on parts that came from abroad because of this combination. The courier company would hand over the package to India Post, who would assess it for duties and deliver it. I have no hesitation in recommending websites like bike24, bike-discount, starbike and bikeinn. It would be best to just scout for parts on each and get the best deal available. This cross-searching also saved me quite a bit of money, thanks to deals being offered at some website or the other. In addition to these sites, I also used bikebug in Australia and biketyresdirect from the USA, specifically for parts from companies like Shimano and SRAM, which do not allow shipment of their components into India. Examples were the front derailleur and the crankset. It is best to find such alternatives when stuck with existing regulations that become more of an impediment rather than a regulatory mechanism for individual companies.

If a build is likely to take time, as is usually the case these days with sourcing issues, it is also a good idea to wait for annual sales in Europe and the US. This can allow major savings in costs, especially if the build is based on components that are no longer considered state of art. My rim brake wheels and the mechanical build helped with such opportunities.

I am guilty of not necessarily adhering to the next logical suggestion. A build is not a collection of individual parts. Components must not only function well with each other, these must also meet the aesthetic that drives the build. The tendency to procure parts because these are available cheaper or suddenly come back in stock must be avoided. Even if it is difficult to create a mental image of the build, a look at similar ones can provide the necessary framework for planning purposes. 

Groupset

Before I go into the details of the groupset I finally chose, let me once again underline my sentiment. Yes, an electronic groupset shifts better, especially between the front chainrings. I am not one to get fuzzy about the entire issue and deny it. But, at what cost? I could not digest the fact that manufacturers are charging twice the amount for a top of the line electronic groupset! I understand the logic of research costs, but can the escalation be justified? I think not. I was in no mood to accept it. And since I was already using a mechanical groupset without any issues, the choice seemed obvious. Besides, the  groupset fitted perfectly with my conceptualisation of a light build. So that was it.

Between Shimano and SRAM, I was fine with either, though SRAM Red 22 was slightly lighter. However, the complete absence of Shimano Dura Ace mechanical parts made the decision easier. It is not that SRAM Red parts were waiting for me at a shop only to be paid for and picked up. All I could get initially, to begin the process, was the rear derailleur and that too in size small (which I did not realise to begin with).

By now, the weight weenie bug had also caught me. I realised that this bug was an incremental process like quicksand. And once it turns on its properties, there was no escape from its grip.

(Weight: 150g)

In addition to the rear derailleur, I also got a 11-25 cassette (choice based on availability, compatibility with the derailleur and weight), the shifters and brake calipers. And that was it!

(Weight: 158g)

My search across websites the world over indicated that most of them had restrictions on selling and shipping parts to India, perhaps as a result of SRAM regulation. It was also true for Shimano and several other brands, which had distributors in India. I understood the logic of this policy. However, what I could not understand was the dilemma of a consumer when a part was not available in India and a website in Europe would not sell it. That just did not come across as a fair or logical move.

(Weight: 280g)

And thus began the search for sites that did sell and ship components to India. And this was not enough. I also wanted competitive costing, as taxes and duties could completely stall the build.

(Weight: 76g)

Luckily, I found the front derailleur from a site in the US. The crank set was found from Australia and  in the 165mm crank arm length, which I wanted in contrast to the 170 that came on my Scott. I accordingly picked a 52-34 GXP for my build. I had read a lot about crank arm lengths usually being longer than recommended on most bicycles sold by major brands. And this opportunity to pick individual parts gave me the choice to purchase what I thought was better suited for my height.

(Weight: 595g)

I also scouted around for cables and thanks to the Weight Weenies discussion forum which came to my aid on several occasions, I came across the Jagwire Elite Link option. It seemed perfect for my build. I got the shift cables in India, but the brake cable and a spare came from Germany. These cables are lighter, have a distinct look and to my mind, reinforce the character of the bike.

Next came the bottom bracket (BB). And the debate only became murkier. At one end of the argument lay top end Ceramic Speed, and at the other was Hambini. Yes, that is true. It was not a question of which BB, but more about the problems associated with ceramic BBs. I understood the logic given by Hambini and was happy to go along with it. But the next challenge was to find high-quality steel BBs. Given my need for a GXP based BB, I found availability to be limited. None of the high-end brands making steel BBs were available, including Hambini. Eventually I did pick up a couple of SRAM GXP BBs and a Ceramic Speed one. The latter primarily because of a heavy discount on offer, to check for myself how it fared over time. And I hope there will not be a need to bring into force its four-year warranty!

(Weight: 62g)

Just as I thought my search for the groupset was over and done with, I came across the THM Clavicula spider and the Carbon Ti chain rings. They are a work of art. But I, or rather my pocket was saved by the company. They do not make it in sizes less than 170mm. And even the 170mm was on a waiting list of almost one year. So, with a sigh and a grin, I let it pass. It could have been a classy option though and a ton of weight saved. Unless, THM does plan on a 165…

And finally, the Cane Creek ee brake calipers came out of nowhere. When I had initially looked at it, these seemed and frankly were far too expensive for the weight saving offered. I mentally added the duties plus tax, and the possibility quickly went out of the window. Then, just as work began on the frame build, I came across a set at a great price on one of the German sites. The gap had been reduced drastically with the SRAM Red calipers. I once again looked at the weight difference, the distinct industrial look it gave to the build, and after my new credit card cycle began, yours truly took the plunge!

(Weight: 168g) Credit: Cane Creek

Third party bike chain options did not offer any major advantage. I therefore chose to stick with SRAM's eleven-speed offering.

(Weight: 242g)

Wheels and Family

The search for wheels was equally laborious if not as diverse in terms of locations. By now it was clear to me that I wanted lightweight, high quality wheels. The “Lightweight” represented by the company by the same name, was way beyond my budget. They are classy no doubt but there was no way I could pay such a premium on wheels. Others in a similar weight category, were just too narrow and therefore, primarily a hill climbing option. A choice that was as light, distinct and came with a good recommendation despite the mid-level depth of 45mm were the Schmolkes. I read about these only after the search for bike parts began. It therefore did take me some time to make comparative assessments and come to a decision. But then, I yet again got caught between the option of SL and TLO (the lightest one). It took me a month to finally take a call. And the TLO it was with a 17.5mm inner and 26mm outer width. I know the inner width is a little lesser than prevailing trends, but it seemed fine with the choice of tyres I wanted to go in for. Besides, a rim brake Scalatore allowed a 28mm measured maximum outer width. Additionally, Festka themselves also recommended Schmolke as one of their favoured and recommended brands. That assured me of compatibility and suitability.

I went in for the black-on-black wheels rather than the predominantly red on black team colour or white. Given the choice of my frame colour and its lively design, an overly colourful wheelset could have clashed with the overall build.

(Weight: 1198g) Credit: Schmolke

The absence of a tubular wheel option should be a logical question at this stage, given the choice of a lightweight build. I chose not to go in for it, given the challenges of changing tyres and limited availability of tubulars in India. I guess, saving 200 odd grams was just not the practical choice for me. It seemed worth taking a hit of a few extra grams in weight in this case.

In addition, I decided to get the Schmolke wheels with Extralite SL and SL2 ceramic bearing hubs, which seemed perfect for the build and gave me good weight savings for the clincher set. The wheels also came with 20 Sapim CX-Super at the front and 24 CX-Ray spokes at the rear.

The skewers that I picked were the Extralite Road Ti quick release. These were a great savings on weight for the cost difference in price.

(Weight: 29g) Credit: Extralite

I also scanned through forums and decided on the Swisstop Flash Evo Brake Pads. These seem to be the ideal choice for Schmolke wheels. Though, I will be in a better position to judge these after usage under different conditions.

Interestingly the cost of Schmolke hub and wheels varied substantially on different sites. This was also true for most other parts. It makes a lot of sense to scout around prior to making the final choice. It can save a lot of cash individually and collectively, as the expenses on parts start accumulating.

It is also useful to look at the warranty and accident policy of wheels, wherein, manufacturers provide compensation in case of accidental damage.

Ideally, wheels should be picked up domestically. However, limited choices within the weight bracket I had in mind, left me with no option but to get these from an international seller.

And finally, the elephant in the room – the choice of Chinese wheels like Winspace. To be fair, I had read good reviews of these wheels and some other brands from China. The wheels would have perhaps reduced my cost of wheels by half, though they still would not have weighed as less for the same depth. But then these were Chinese and I could not convince myself to buy them. We have had some serious issues with China along the border. The thought of putting Chinese wheels on my dream bike seemed rather inappropriate. So there went the savings out of the window as well. But in this case, I have no regrets. Damn it! Schmolke is Schmolke after all.

I spent some time scouting around for tyres and tubes as well. The choice of tyres narrowed down to Pirelli P Zero Race black 26mm, which are amongst the best tyres and with the lowest weight amongst its competitors. However, it was a challenge to locate even these. Eventually, I did succeed in getting a pair from someone who did not complete his build. And a spare one came from London.

(Weight: 205g each)

The tubes unsurprisingly were the Tubolito. I got both the S version and the normal not so light ones. The S version is not really meant for rim brake bikes. I may still give it a try and then perhaps make a switch.

(Weight: 22g each)

Handlebar and Family

One of the first things that I purchased along with the seat post was the handlebar. I looked at carbon options and unsurprisingly, most high-end ones were high on cost as well. At this early stage of the build, I was relatively more practical than emotional about the build. Darimo was out on cost. It is nice but expensive. I checked out Schmolke and decided to go in for the SL instead for the TLO as I was getting a great price on it (in the context of a Schmolke that is). The eventual choice got me a 31.8mm Oversize Evo SL 1K team edition.

(Weight: 159g)

I looked around on forums for bar tape options. Since weight was rather high up on my agenda, thanks to Weigh Weenies, I got an all-black Lizard Skin DSP 1.80mm bar tape to match the build.

(Weight: 50g)

I bought the stem much later from Festka. The company provides the option of painting the stem in the same colours as the frame and I could not let go of this opportunity. They gave a few choices within the lightweight family. I went in for Schmolke yet again. Though rather expensive, it was distinctive, and retained build cohesion. This was the TLO option and compares favourably with its twin, the THM stem. That was one way of convincing myself of its price point!

Having selected the stem, next came the computer mount. Little did I realise while selecting the stem that mounts are closely linked to the stems. That is the cost of using proprietary parts from boutique brands. The most reliable and highly rated (unfortunately expensive as well) option that I could find was from Carbon Works. This had been improved upon in its second iteration by the company and weighed next to nothing. I consider that an expensive weightless bonus.

(Weight: 12g) Credit: Carbon Works

In addition, I also needed to use a GoPro, and more importantly a front light on the bike. I did not want to add a separate mount on the handlebar. It was just not a neat enough arrangement. The only option I could find, duly centred and clean, was from Topeak. Unfortunately, this was not available in India. Eventually, I got it from a website in Germany, though, I also gave in to the lure of some clothing items to divide the cost of shipping. Does that sound familiar? As a result, the inexpensive mount worked out to be rather expensive by the time it reached me.

(Weight: 52g) Credit: Topeak

During my search, I came across Schmolke bar plugs. Though not a substantial weight saving, it just seemed like a nice touch for the build, and I went in for a pair. I just hope these fit the handlebars!

(Weight: 3g)

Seat and Seat Post

The selection of the seat could have simply been a Schmolke as well. However, in this case, I made an exception based on a video by Rides of Japan (great videos by the way and a huge inspiration for the build). I took his advice and recommendation to buy the Berk padded saddle. I could have saved some weight here by going in for the bare carbon option, but then I valued my backside far too much for that. I was willing to take a weight hit of 30 odd grams with this choice.

(Weight: 96g)

The seat post was also a good bargain under the circumstances. I chose the 31.6mm Schmolke SL 300mm without any setback. The weight lost in comparison with the TLO and Darimo did not seem much at that stage. Remember, I was still using some logic with my purchases to begin with.

(Weight: 103g)

Pedals

I had been riding on Shimano MTB pedals on my Scott and was very happy with them. No falls since they were put on the bike. I have no hesitation in recommending these to anyone even today, especially those new to the setup. However, I needed to save weight and yet avoid falling. Initially, it was the Wahoo Speedplay Nano I homed on to. Expensive but light like hell. But then Wahoo came up with their power pedals. I have been a heart rate kind of a rider, primarily to avoid over exertion during rides. Something I am prone to do at times. The new pedals opened yet another dilemma. It was compounded by the fact that the Nanos were not on discount. Not even a penny. Conversely, I was getting a reasonable deal on the single sided Wahoo power pedal. After protracted deliberation and at the cost of adding 80 odd grams to the build, which was huge by the way, I took and plunge and bought the single sided Wahoo power pedals. I do hope these can justify the extra cost and weight

(Weight: 250g)

And finally, I chose the Tune bottle cages. Neat and light. These seemed perfect for the build.

(Weight: 20g each)

This then was my choice of parts for the Festka Scalatore bike build. It was a very personalised pick based on what I wanted from my bike. Quite obviously, I had chosen to buck the trend of electronic, disc and aero. Only time will tell if my choices were judicious or overly romantic!