My first carbon-framed bike (Focus) - quick project, not all that exciting.

I came across this Focus on ebay. It was the parts on it that attracted me, thinking I could perhaps use them on a decent steel frame - I was lining up the purchase of a bastardised 653 Poyner that some tasteless fellow converted into a truly horrific singlespeed with a green chain. Unfortunately the sale fell through (he wanted to keep it - why?!) - so I'm now thinking about doing something with the Focus. On collection the neo-retro styling started to grow on me, so I thought I'd have a whirl building my very first carbon bike. I've owned and ridden steel, alu and ti before, but only ridden carbon once, ages ago and did not really like it (Scott CR1) - but it was in the rain, with crap pedals. Maybe I'm wrong about the stuff. Probably not the best frame, but whatever. Hopefully it will turn out decent, and I'll be converted.

Plan is for a quick turnaround - with a newer Campag groupset - probably keep the wheels (although I'd really like some deeper carbon rims) and change out the finishing kit as I need to tweak my riding position.

Comments, suggestions, offers (of wheels) welcome.

Thanks for reading.

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This is the Poyner I was trying to save. I'd post to anti if there was a good side shot of the bike. I can't imagine anyone on here building such a thing with a 653 frame!

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Groupset looks very clean, and 10sp right? Why would you need a newer one?

Groupset looks great, 10s is more than enough... Keep it:)

I had one of these as my first serious road bike. Good frames from the pre-aero era; mine had ultegra and cost under a grand - simpler times all round. Yours looks in amazing condition. Nicer finishing kit and some light wheels (Ksyrium exalith?) away from being a great old school climbing bike!

Progress update - bike has been stripped of it's 10-speed Centaur/Chorus/Record group and I've added some decent parts-bin bits while I wait for group to come through in the post.

Couple of minor concerns was how hard the new post went into the frame (believe the 27.2 is right size) and also the threaded BB needed muscling out. I hope the new BB cups will go in ok.

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Not ridden a racy roadie for a while so opted for a slightly shorter stem, turned up (it looks worse).
Hope the bars wont have too much reach as I'm a bit of a T-rex. Bontrager RL Aero weigh a ton too but should be strong.

@picco @kjlem

Yes the original group is actually really nice, if a bit mismatched - but I want to try more modern Campag 11spd. Ordered this one! Don't know how they compare in performance..?

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Oh great, that's a good sign. Yes, pretty good condition - the previous owner actually put the clear tape over the frame which I'm considering removing if it's only cosmetic. I'll keep on the lookout for a nicer set of wheels perhaps. The groupset wont be amazing and me even less-so up any steep hills!

Got ya. You'll probs get a few bob for the 10sp gear

Small update with group almost on. I’ve been a bit distracted with a new bike that I’ve picked up.

Pics of group on

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I have only 11s campy groupsets, but 10s have the reputation to be better groupsets. Gearing options are more limited though if you are in a hilly place. But I guess you can re-purpose it on the Poyner as it seems to have campy hubs. On my Centaur bike I also sourced older style brakes as they were real skeleton.

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Very nice bike. How do you get on with that saddle? I've got a beautiful white Fizik for sale that would look nice, and probably more comfy although subjective I understand

I actually have a San Marco Regal in white waiting to be installed, but could not be bothered so far, as this one just works! Have a Fizik Antares on another bike, and that is not for me! Will be changed!

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KG171 Team - classic. Comfy frames I hear

that poor Poyner.

All my frame are big size, and big size & steel or 90's carbon frame does not reconcile with rigidity! So yes they are all on the "comfy" side! I am more a casual rider and classic look matters to me, but I am open to mix with modern groupsets.

Your FOCUS with the oversize tubes must be a clear step up when it comes to efficiency! And if you re-purpose your campy 10s on the Poyner, it will make an interesting classic! Does your freewheel is campa on those ambrosio?

The story with the Poyner was that the seller withdrew for sale - so I couldn't save it in the end! It may come up again at some point.

Okay, have been a bit distracted with other things. I updated the fulcrum wheelset with a nice set of stealthy zondas which looked a bit more understated. I then came across a really nice set of Campagnolo Bullets which look a bit wild but may ride stronger supporting my 95kg. May desticker if not too much hassle. Vittoria Zaffiro Pro tyres which aren’t very tan-wall but whatever. Purchased from bikeinn for about £18 each wasn’t bad.

So to finally decide on wheels then cable, tape and chain to finish.

I sourced some half decent parts to complete - pro vibe post, fizik saddle, Deda Superzero bars.

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