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I had decided to treat myself to a lovely Fairlight Strael as a retirement present. I sold my equally lovely Intense Primer today to help fund it (I had also been told in no uncertain terms that N+1 doesn't apply to me). However, the lead time for a full build is now end of August and somewhat surprisingly, Fairlight won't deviate from the spec on their price list (an example is the wheels - Hunt are now offering an all silver option, but Fairlight say they won't be available from them). So I am considering frame only and building it up myself - but - the oily bits (I wanted Ultegra) seemingly aren't available and no-one seems to know when they will be.
Has anyone any insider information about Shimano deliveries? Any alternative suggestions?
I think Ultegra was end of this year/next year. You could try SunRace?
Merlin had some Campag group sets last time I looked, a few days ago as also in need. With new version of Ult/DA being electric only (plus the current gen dodgy cranks issue), I see moving over to Campy as a definite positive for a classic type build.
Does that mean that Ultegra mechanical won't be available from now on? Fairlight are still saying August delivery.
Ultegra is available on Aliexpress. Is this legit, do we think? It's a big outlay to take a risk.
Built my Secan with 1x Sram AXS, cost less than GRX. The price of the AXS XPLR stuff might pleasantly surprise you.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/265537204408?hash=item3dd34030b8:g:CnAAAOSwJalhww7~
Ultegra groupsets on ebay
Or buy a new/minty bike and strip for parts?
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/324702227821?hash=item4b99c2cd6d:g:uiAAAOSwonVg4avy
Treat yourself….
Thanks for the suggestions, but I don't really want electronic shifting. Mechanical Ultegra is the most I wanted to pay, plus it sounds as good as you would ever need. Does anyone know when or if it will be available?
been told in no uncertain terms that N+1 doesn’t apply to me
You know that’s real when your nearest and dearest are fine with n+1 but the garage isn’t.
Try Merlin - ok when I checked
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-105-r7020-disc-groupset-119887.html
https://www.merlincycles.com/shimano-ultegra-r8020-disc-brake-11-speed-groupset-110281.html
I've recently upgraded my 11 speed hydro mechanical Ultegra to Di2 and was thinking about transferring it to my 105 equipped winter/gravel bike but on seeing this post I may sell it if it's of any interest to you, both shifters and front & rear mechs only - no calipers. (I'm near Glasgow)
failedengineer
Thanks for the suggestions, but I don’t really want electronic shifting. Mechanical Ultegra is the most I wanted to pay, plus it sounds as good as you would ever need
As I said, you might be surprised with pricing on Rival AXS. If you don't want electronics, fair enough, but it might save a few quid - that Ultegra group above at Merlin is about 20% more expensive than the Wireless AXS group below.
https://r2-bike.com/SRAM-Rival-eTap-AXS-Wide-Road-Disc-HRD-Flat-Mount-Road-Group-2x12-43-30-Teeth
I'm not sure if Shimano committed to no more mechanical Ultegra, I remember reading quite an evasive statement somewhere, but if they did I think the gap between Ultegra and 105 is as narrow as it's ever been, I was a bit reluctant to fit an 11-34 105 cassette to my new gravel bike until I realised there was only 40g in it 🙄
I think I will bite the bullet and just order a full bike from Fairlight. It will possibly work out cheaper. I'll just have to wait until August ....
The prices on the German site are excluding VAT and possible import duty, of course.
I've got 2 ultegra Di2 12 so groupsets in the cabinet at work 50/34- 11-30
Oh and road bike? Don't do it, gravel bike is so much more fun & you can ride it on the road too!
failedengineer
I think I will bite the bullet and just order a full bike from Fairlight. It will possibly work out cheaper. I’ll just have to wait until August ….
The prices on the German site are excluding VAT and possible import duty, of course.
I'm in the EU, so I'm looking at VAT included prices on both, for me the Rival is €1082.71, the Ultegra is €1.228,77.
I was in the opposite boat to you, was paying VAT/Duty on my Fairlight, so made more sense to buy frame only, 4% duty for me on bike parts, 14% on full bikes.
Suspect you'll be happy either way, Fairlight know how to make a nice bike.
My understanding is that Ultegra r8020 is continuing as a mechanical 11spd groupset, i.e. not updated but continuing to be made (as it is still being spec'ed on plenty of 2022 bikes), whereas there is a new di2 version of Ultegra.
Oh and road bike? Don’t do it, gravel bike is so much more fun & you can ride it on the road too!
I've already got a Croix de Fer, which is an OK gravel bike. I've agonised as to which Fairlight model to get, Strael or Secan (gravel version), but decided that I'll keep the genesis and just take the Fairlight out on nice days. The Strael would be OK for a bit of light off road with 35mm tyres anyway, I think.
How much are the Di2 groupsets, just out of interest? 11-30 isn't low enough for me, though, I want 11-34 (old and knackered)
I was in Evans last weekend and they had r7020 sti and callipers hoses in for 120 each on clearance and a rear mech for 35, I was very tempted to buy a pair as spares or for a as yet not planned future build
I have a Strael and went full build 'cos building one up looked like a real Sherlock Holmes job for parts and wouldn't save that much anyway.
How do you like the strael? Colour?