Custom Bicycle CAD drawing
I recently was in the market for a new computer for the bicycle fit studio. The problem was that my old desktop machine could only work with one monitor and I had a need to run three monitors for my particular application. What to do? I went shopping down at the local computer store. The guys were really nice and explained the machine that I needed to run my particular applications, and priced out a custom computer.
The price was a bit of a shock so I asked if there was anything i could do with my current machine. The guys suggested that I consider upgrading my existing machine, with some new components and clean out the older non used programs and it would work fine for my purpose. All said I spent a third of what I was prepared to spend on the new machine. Sure its not quite as good as a brand new computer but it does everything that I need it to do and I stayed well within my budget.
You can buy a custom bike and stay within your budget
You can do the same thing with your road or triathlon bike. I am suggesting that you buy a custom built frame to your body dimensions and then switch the components from your existing bike to the new frame. This can be a great way to get a bike that fits you perfectly and is designed for the way your ride.
Upgrade your connection to the bike
Nearly all riders could improve their fit with a custom made frame. This is a frame that is built to your body specifics and riding style. Nothing else you can do or buy can improve your riding more than having a bit that really fits your body. You can change any of the other components on your bike and you wont really change the fit of the bike or improve the ride.
Custom Bicycles can be expensive
Unfortunately buying a new complete custom made bike can be quite expensive. If your bike is in good shape you can save a lot of money by just taking all of the components from your old bike and shifting them over to a new frame. The ideal thing to do is to buy an entire new custom bike but we all have other responsibilities and don’t have unlimited funds to spend on a new bike.
How to recoup some of the cost of your custom frame
If you upgrade and shift your components from your old bike to your new custom built frame you will have to do something with your old one. You can get some of your investment back by selling the old frame. Its actually very easy to sell a used frame. You probably not be able to get a lot for it but you will get something and it can help pay for your new custom bike. The best places to sell is through your friends, on ebay, or even craigslist.
Wouldn’t you be better off just upgrading the components on your existing bike?
You can upgrade your components on your bike but in the end you are still riding the same bike and little has been improved. By upgrading to a custom made frame you will see a significant difference in your fit and comfort even if your are using the components from your old frame.
Summary
My new computer is working out great with the three monitors. It was one of the best investments I have made in a long time. You can apply the same idea to upgrading your bike by upgrading to a custom frame and transferring the components from your old bike to the new. There are few things that can improve your riding as much as a really good fitting bike so it make sense to upgrade. You will save a lot of money by just buying a frame and then selling your old frame to a friend or listing it on an auction site.
Have you ever thought about upgrading your frame?
Please comment and subscribe to our newsletter.
Leave a Reply