New York Mets v2 - Carbonda Di2

So,

after coming off the bike and writing off the CAAD9 New York Mets, eight months later, I'm slowly getting all the parts together for my new build, New York Mets v2.

The bike is built around the Carbonda CFR-505 frameset. Despite being 5"9 I went for a large instead of the medium to get the higher stack and slightly longer reach I wanted. I'll just need to be careful when I come to the lights that I don't do damage to my bits on the toptube.

So, without further ado, here it is, with HED Ardennes GP plus wheels.

The main decision point, stick with mechanical shifting, or go crazy (within a budget) and go Di2?

I ummed and ahhed about this for ages, and even after picking up the RS-R785 shifters and BR-805 brake calipers I was still on the fence, primarily because the price was so high by comparison. In the end, I thought that this is the only time I'm likely to splurge on a bike build, so I might as well go big, or go home.

I did for a while consider selling the shifters/brakes, primarily to get the whole R8070 groupset so everything looks consistent. However, in the end, I think I worked out it was going to be more expensive that getting all the little bits seperately by this point, the groupset wasn't available for some time yet in the configuration I wanted, and ultimately, this wouldn't be a true @swmlon build if it wasn't a bit of a mish mash of parts.

whoa! Third bottlecage mount!

Sorry to hear about the CAAD, @amey's Carbonda has always tempted me, can't wait to see this finished. Did it ship with the paintwork or a custom job?

I just love this bike.

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I have a Di2 hydro mish mash and it did save me quite a lot of money, although I think prices have come down marginally since then. But never looked back, horse for courses but I think it's the best combination of shifting and braking I've had.

@amey Like to be prepared, just in case. The idea is to fit a bottle with all the tools, but it'll probably never happen.

@velohobbit Yeah, custom paint job is proper New York Mets livery done by the people are Carbonda. Looks good, some paint chipped off around the axel mounts but can't see this with wheels mounted.

I didnt know that was an option, would've 100% gone for third cage for tool storage.

Good to hear, the last of the bits should be coming in the post today. Yodel says the parts will be delivered before 9pm.

@amey, yeah, I took the more mounts the better option with this build, along with a BSA bottom bracket for ease of maintainence. Went silly on this build for sure.

a BSA bottom bracket for ease of maintainence.

what?! I didnt know this was an option either!! :((((((

What were other customisations they offered?

Front axels either 12mm of 15mm. I went with 12mm as that looks to be the standard these days. I think someone else I saw had mounts on the top tube like the Open U.P

S&S couplers and studs for Paul Racer brakes.

@amey, did you need to get adapters for the flat mount brakes on the rear to fit 160mm rotors?

Flat mount is usually 140 standard without the adapter plate as far as I know

Bugger! One more thing I'll need to buy then.

yes, same 'adapter' plate when flipped can be used with 160 rotor

More bits added to the frame. Went with Ritchey WCS Evomax bars. I really like the shape of the drops, has a more classic curve to it while still be pretty short and shallow. The slight sweepback on the tops looks good as does the flare. It's less than on my Spesh Hover bars on the Genesis.

Also mounted the ULTIMATE USE Race stem, 90mm set at -8 deg. I like the pretty industrial look to these. Quick question though, being a noob on carbon. Do I need to put the carbon paste between the stem and the carbon steerer? Seems the obvious answer is yes but would like to confirm.

Also, the headtube looks like it's sorely missing some kind of sticker on there, any thoughts?

DBAD?

Ordered one to go on the chainstay :)

Can't find bar tape in the correct shade of blue or orange, so now my choice boils down to black, white or maybe even grey bar tape. Probably go with LizardSkins unless anyone can recommend an equally nicely padded and grippier bar tape.

New part for the bike came in the post today. :)

Does anyone know what I can use to fit the cassette and disc rotors onto 12mm thru-axle wheels? I had previously used the cassette tool, but that was made with quick release, and it doesn't have the reach to allow me to torque it down?

New cassette tool :)