component choices priorities

So while I have the busted chicken wing, and I can't ride, I have taken to daydreaming about riding again.

I'm still trying to build my dream bike, (I'm really hoping that by the end of the year I'll have enough bills paid off that I can go into serious debt for my hobby) Sure I could crank up a 10k+ bike but that's not realistic and I'd be crushed with family guilt if I did that. That's why I was thinking about buying the basic pieces I need and then prioritizing my upgrades.

So I am leaning towards the Cervelo R3 for the bike and I'm wondering about the upgrades or extras, and I was looking for some help prioritizing, and getting the most bang for the buck.

I was looking for some input and maybe a prioritization of the following items.

1. Aero Wheels (what model and why) I don't really want 1/2 the bike cost to be in a tire upgrade
2. Pedals & Cleats(Model and why)
3. Aero Bars
4. Power meter (Model and why want something Ant+ wireless)
5. Bike computer (leaning towards 500 but will take suggestions)
6. Tri bars (Model and why)
7. Bike Rack (leaning towards the Saris thelma) I was reading on a cycling forum about not wanting to secure your carbon bike by the frame or forks as it wears on the bike.
8. Carbon water cages (something like the Xlabs solution)

Thanks for your input
Scott

I tried putting my "dream bike" together this last week as well, but I'm cheating and using the project one build your own bike on the Trek bike site. It'll run me around $4000.00 - To much for my blood...So I guess I'll have to deal with whatever I get in 2011. Unless of course I win that lottery!!

Yeah my base bike is 4k before I put any of those extras on it.
It is a real race bike.  I have done too many hobbies in my life where I have cheaped out and gotten involved with the bare minimum, and I have never been satisfied.
I really like cycling, broken chicken wing and all.  For once in my life I'm going to have top end gear.

it is a lot of money, but I have family buy in, but I only get to do it once, so I need to get what I want or have a plan to get there.

Scott

Scott,

I went another route to maximize my money. I purchased from Craigslist a BP Stealth all carbon frame for $400.00 (see below).  I got a used set of Dura Ace Groupo and CBX Pro Carbon Bars. Put on HED 3D wheels ($400.00 a piece) and recabled the bike myself. Put on a $150.00 saddle and new seat post. All in all the set-up cost me around $2,800 and my bike turned heads at every race I entered (again, see below). So you can throw together a sweet ride for under $3k if you get creative about it.

The only reason I went with an $8,500.00 Orbea Ordu TDR this year was because I swung a trade for photography so no out of pocket on it. Otherwise, I'd of done the same thing again for this season. So my opinion, get a little creative and buy last years frame and build from there. It will be at least half the cost and the spouse won't despise traithlon over it! Good luck.

Yeah but then it's going to be like buying a used car.
It will probably still look good, and nobody will know but me.
But I want to be the first and only owner.  I know it's not a smart money decision, but like owning my first new car, I want my first new top end bike as well.

I want brand new that is going to have warranty coverage especially on the carbon frame.  I want to be able to return it to the manufacturer if there are any issues.  I don't want to get a bike that someone else may have dropped or abused.

I have been bitten too many times by trying to do things the cheaper way.  I'm willing to spend the money, even if I have to do it in pieces.  I'm just trying to decide which pieces I can get during my initial purchase, and which ones I will wait and save for or look for year end sales.

Last year they had an awesome year end sale on the bike I wanted.  The sale was so good I could have bought the 2k race wheels as well and it would have been top of the line with top quality drive train and race wheels for the standard price.  I just didn't have the money then.

So I'm holding my breath that I will find a similar deal the end of this year.

Scott, I gotcha! I guess for me being able to do everything to a bike except riviting something to a carbon frame, it's easy to say piece together a bike. I get the new-never been ridden thing and warranty for sure.

With that said, I really think that getting the bike together as a complete kit (minus race wheels) is the way to go. So many shops have excess inventory now that they are giving rediculous deals on stuff. You may have to swap out a set of bars or something but you can get the base bike, groupo and essentials that you want for a killer price. So yea, picking your spot on this may be the way to go.

To answer your questions in my opinion, tri specific: 

1. Aero Wheels (what model and why) I don't really want 1/2 the bike cost to be in a tire upgrade: HED H3D's or Reyonolds 90's.
2. Pedals & Cleats(Model and why): Look are easy to clip in and out of.
3. Aero Bars: HED or ZIPP are high end but super aero and light.
4. Power meter (Model and why want something Ant+ wireless) You'll a ton on this.
5. Bike computer (leaning towards 500 but will take suggestions) Garmin 705 is good.
6. Tri bars (Model and why) See 3 (tri specific).
7. Bike Rack (leaning towards the Saris thelma) I was reading on a cycling forum about not wanting to secure your carbon bike by the frame or forks as it wears on the bike.
8. Carbon water cages (something like the Xlabs solution) X-labs is great.

Thanks Jeff,

I'm mechanically defficient.  I really should take some bike maintenance classes.
I'd like to at least know what the guy at the shop was talking about when I take it in for a tune up or repair.

Thanks for the suggestions.

I am so looking forward to getting rid of my "Wal-Mart" special.

Scott

For all you guys interested in this thread, one of our team sponsors I am working on is Mad Duck Cyclery / Adventure Sports... They Sponsor me, but they are interested in hooking up the team... I am guessing a 30% discount will be pretty standard for our team on components, wheels, frames, etc... Hang tight before any of you start spending money on bike stuff, if you want a killer deal....

Scott,

    At least Ultegra for Grouping (The difference in Dura Ace IMHO is NOT worth the extra cabbage)

    Next priority would def be WHEELS!!! If you are around 200LBS you need a deep section Carbon wheel... 80MM+ I ride Blackwells @ 100MM deep and they are Ubber fast!!! I can get you a new set of those for about $1500

    Frame is your personal preference for sure.

     For pedals, I would def recommend Look... Bigger dudes need more contact IMHO to the pedal  for better stabilization and balance and power transfer.

     Lastly, a good antler helmet...

 I am going to be taking you up on that offer very shortly

Hmmm...I guess my new $89.00 mountain bike from Wal-Mart's not gonna impress any of you...

Jenny