My new commuter

I have wanted to buy a second bike for a while, What I wanted was something italian and sexy in steel. But I was on a beer budget.

And then I saw a Giant CFR Team frame for sale. It is old school carbon with alloy lugs, from around 1998. It's yellow, with red and royal blue touches, just like a metro bus.

So I took a punt.

Built with a mix of parts from the shed, second-hand and new, the most expensive thing on the bike is the wheelset.

I was going to use a Fulcrum Racing 5 wheelset I already had, but my LBS 'convinced' me the Mavics were better. I think they were talking as much about aesthetics as performance! And kudos to my LBS (Semaphore Cycleworx) for helping (erm, doing most of…) with this build.

Anyway, the result is a bike that is a blast to ride. I had no idea what to expect but this bike is fast, tight and stable, nimble but not nervous. It's steering is very good, although in fast turns it gets a little fidgety. I think a fork with a longer steerer will fix this.

It must be stiff where it matters because I can feel more of my effort getting to the road.

Only trouble is, now I want to ride my commuter on the weekends!

Normally I don't name my bikes, but for some reason this one needs a name. Any suggestions welcome.

Tags: Giant, bike, build, new

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Matthew (two dogs) Marshall on March 29, 2012 at 1:20
Looks like a Simon to me !
Permalink Reply by hozozco on March 29, 2012 at 6:16

Doesn't look like a Simon to me...

Nice bike though, can I ask what the total cost would be if all the parts were new (I have very little idea of such things)?

Simon

Permalink Reply by Randall Oakley on March 29, 2012 at 7:54
How about BELLA?
Seems appropriate for such a classic beauty.
Permalink Reply by Just another psycho-list on March 29, 2012 at 23:28

Practically all those little "designer dogs" (white maltese X things) around Adelaide are named "Bella", with an occasional "Gypsy".  Not sure about this one for a bike.

Permalink Reply by Alastair (A-Man) Dowler on March 29, 2012 at 8:22

Nice build, what about "Andre' the Giant"

Permalink Reply by Michael Bland on March 31, 2012 at 12:46

Yes indeed ,nice ride ..
It looks like a Zippy Hippy .. 
I reckon Andre suit it ..

 

Permalink Reply by Dstone on March 29, 2012 at 9:38

I have a simmillar frame sitting in the garage for exactly the same purpose. But I bought a cx bike instead for super commuter. so project geeant has been pushed back a bit.

Permalink Reply by rossmg on March 29, 2012 at 11:16

My roadie is a Giant CFR-1 Cadex, with original forks "All Aluminium" proudly logoed on them - LOL!

Yep, she rides very well for an "old" carbon frame, probably should think about a new seat for mine though..

Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on March 29, 2012 at 13:14

Just seem to have the right geometry don't they? Thats the one thing I'd like to get, CFR Team forks. Or respray a set to colour match.

Permalink Reply by J the B on March 29, 2012 at 14:13

Sensational looking machine! I reckon the ones you put together yourself always ride better. As for a name...... Old Yella.

Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on March 29, 2012 at 22:31

for a MAMIL fella! hmmm it's a possibility………

Permalink Reply by Stig of The Dump on April 1, 2012 at 0:56

Killer Canary.

 i dont usually go for yellow.. but it works here. 

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