On the cockpit front a solid set of mid-grade components would be fine. Gets you out the door and riding and you can replace with what you want. The cost would have to reflect that savings or other parts spec'd better. Those take offs can the be used on loaner/beater/winter/broke friend's bikes so they aren't wasted.
I avoid all this by buying frames and building from there. I get what I want and with online sales I have come out ahead on cost vs. complete bikes, but this does require time and patience....so not for everyone.
Sept. 1, 2017, 6:40 a.m. - Vik Banerjee
On the cockpit front a solid set of mid-grade components would be fine. Gets you out the door and riding and you can replace with what you want. The cost would have to reflect that savings or other parts spec'd better. Those take offs can the be used on loaner/beater/winter/broke friend's bikes so they aren't wasted. I avoid all this by buying frames and building from there. I get what I want and with online sales I have come out ahead on cost vs. complete bikes, but this does require time and patience....so not for everyone.