Quote from: Jöhl on <strong>Today</strong> at 08:28:35 AMI'm currently planning a budget-optimized custom build for a versatile All-Road / Endurance-Race bike.
My main goals for this build:
- Fast evening group rides on the road.
- Daily commuting & general all-road utility.
- Multi-day bikepacking trips (looking for a sweet spot between sportiness and long-distance comfort).

Current Components:
Groupset: Campagnolo Ekar 1x13
Wheelset: Elitewheels Aero Plus Gravel (32 mm internal rim width)
Tires: Planning to run Schwalbe G-One RS or Specialized Pathfinder in 40 mm (or 38 mm).

Frame Options under Consideration:
SPCycle G028 (~€500 incl. integrated cockpit & seatpost):
Meinier GRL 15 / GRL 17, Does Meinier have a better quality than SPCycle? Which frame is identical to the G028?
(BXT Gravel 135)
Mondince FM346

Which frame would you recommend? I mainly want to build a cheap bike, and that's why I find the €500 price for the G028 including the cockpit unbeatable. Or would you prefer to order from Meinier for the same price?

I'm currently very leaning towards the Meinier GRL17, is the quality at Meinier better than at SPCycyle?

Hi everyone,
I'm currently planning a budget-optimized custom build for a versatile All-Road / Endurance-Race bike.
My main goals for this build:
- Fast evening group rides on the road.
- Daily commuting & general all-road utility.
- Multi-day bikepacking trips (looking for a sweet spot between sportiness and long-distance comfort).

Current Components:
Groupset: Campagnolo Ekar 1x13
Wheelset: Elitewheels Aero Plus Gravel (32 mm internal rim width)
Tires: Planning to run Schwalbe G-One RS or Specialized Pathfinder in 40 mm (or 38 mm).

Frame Options under Consideration:
SPCycle G028 (~€500 incl. integrated cockpit & seatpost):
Meinier GRL 15 / GRL 17, Does Meinier have a better quality than SPCycle? Which frame is identical to the G028?
(BXT Gravel 135)
Mondince FM346

Which frame would you recommend? I mainly want to build a cheap bike, and that's why I find the €500 price for the G028 including the cockpit unbeatable. Or would you prefer to order from Meinier for the same price?

1. Mechanical Ekar & Integrated Routing: Has anyone successfully set up a mechanical 1x13 Campagnolo Ekar with fully internal routing (specifically with the SPCycle integrated cockpit)? Are the internal routing bends gentle enough to avoid shift cable friction or indexing issues? (Note: I asked SPCycle, and they confirmed a full-length continuous shift housing fits, but haven't tested Ekar specifically).
2. Full vs. Semi-Integration: It doesn't strictly have to be 100% full internal routing. If semi-integration or a classic headset entry provides noticeably smoother mechanical shifting for the Ekar, I am completely open to alternatives!
3. Agility vs. Chainstay Length: Does anyone ride the SPCycle G028 (435 mm chainstays) in an All-Road / Race setup? Does it feel responsive enough on road group rides?
4. Sizing Recommendation: I am 187 cm (6'1.5") tall with an 89 cm (35") inseam. I am leaning heavily towards a Size L, but I'm slightly on the fence. What size would you recommend for my proportions? SPCycle recommended XL to me.

Looking forward to your thoughts, experience, and recommendations!