Yeah, THAT is what I need!

Namely, a new project. When it comes to bikes, I've always been obsessed with the idea of a build - so, the last TCR was " what would it be like to build the last great rim brake bike, ever?"

And I did it, and it was worth every twist and turn, and every moment spent sourcing parts, and agonising over choices. So, I'm going to do it all over again! This time, though, it'll be significantly cheaper. The MO is - "Can I get a disc brake winter bike, up and running for less than a grand?"

I think I'll actually be significantly under that - perhaps 600 quid. That's not counting all the bits I've already got, which is another of the central themes of this build, namely: do I have enough in the loft, in the shed? I think I do. 

The list of parts I've got, already - hanging around upstairs, or in the shed, or lying around the house:

1. A Groupset - Dura Ace 9100 crankset, Ultegra 8020 shifters, Ultegra front mech, 11-32 cassette, chain
2. Bars - a set of 3T Ergonova Pro's. They're only Alloy, but they're light, and they're 38cm.
3. Ultegra bottom bracket
4. Spare saddle - a Selle San Marco Mantra Carbon FX.
5. Wheelset - Roval Alpinist CLX1's. With Dura Ace Rotors, Vittoria Clinchers (30's) and TPU tubes.
6. Bar tape - a spare pack of Supacaz Suave.
7. Stem - an old Giant Contact SL (110mm) - I've even thrown on some titanium bolts

The parts I've had to buy:

1. A set of Caliper bolts £5
2. A new rear mech - £70
3. New headset bearings - £20

The frame - it's another TCR! But this time, an Advanced Pro. That's going to be £450. Overall, £550, plus about £50 for my mechanic to recable the groupset, and cut the steerer. 

So, I'm hoping it'll be a decent winter setup, with the added bonus of being something which could travel, too - easy to pack up and down, get in a bike box, etc. There won't be integrated cables, the seat post is easy to remove....perfect!

Plus, the bonus is that it won't be the absolute pinnacle of components. The Tarmac, and the Rim Brake TCR have had no expense spared - they're dripping in Dura Ace and everything is specced as high as it will go. That's wonderful when it comes to the riding experience, but in the unlikely event that they were lost in transit, they'd be a nightmare to replace (if that was even possible)

So, in essence, I need a daily beater, and this is what I hope I'll achieve. The build should commence in around a week. I'll keep you all posted!