Bottom brackets & bike build

london-red

I'm going to build a bike, but am not exactly what you'd call a seasoned bike mechanic. So, couple of questions.

Bottom brackets:
Are they either English or Italian, simple as that? Will any crank set fit any frame so long as you buy the right bottom bracket to fit? What do I need to know?

Bits and bobs:
I've got about £500 to spend on bits and bobs (wheels I already have). Would it be better to buy a complete groupset (Sram Rival / Ultegra SL) or would you advise mixing and matching bargain components? (Planet X has an FSA sale, for example)

I know it's a bit of a broad question, but any help or advice appreciated.

maddog 2

London-Red wrote:

Are they either English or Italian, simple as that? Will any crank set fit any frame so long as you buy the right bottom bracket to fit? What do I need to know?

Pretty much. Most frames are English threads, with a 68mm BB shell. There are some unusual BBs and chainsets like the new BB30 and Cannondale chainsets, but for the most part, this is the norm. Just make sure the BB matches the chainset. Current designs are HT2 (Shimano, FSA etc.) Ultratorque (Campag) and SRAM/Truvativ (v. similar to HT2).

Older/less used BB designs are octalink (Shimano), ISIS, and the venerable square taper (Shimano and Campag versions)

Bits and bobs:
I've got about £500 to spend on bits and bobs (wheels I already have). Would it be better to buy a complete groupset (Sram Rival / Ultegra SL) or would you advise mixing and matching bargain components? (Planet X has an FSA sale, for example)

I mix and match but it takes more knowledge to get it working well, so the standard groupset is safer, and easier in that respect. Some things integrate easier than others - chainsets for example - whereas you can't mix and match shifters and gears so easily.

london-red

Thanks for that. The two brands that I'm looking at are actually FSA and Shimano, so I hopefully won't have too many problems as the bottom bracket is definitely 68mm English...

I have a wheelset with a Shimano hub, so no Campag for me...

Out of interest, where would you put the likes of an FSA sl-k carbon mega exo chainset versus dura ace?

Monty Dog

The new DuraAce crankset is very stiff, but also very expensive. Also check out the price of spare rings if planning on keeping it for a while - £200 each :shock: I've just fitted an SLK and it's good value from Planet-X. If it's an old frame, worth getting your LBS to chase and face the BB threads / shell before fitting your new chainset - save any expensive mistakes. For value, you'd be better off buying a complete groupset rather than individual components - Merlin Cycles are doing some deals.

maddog 2

if you're running a standard double then keep an eye out for deals and s/hand bargains on the older 7800 Dura Ace. Good rep for shifting and stiffness.

MD is right - imagine the pain when you need a new chainring on the 7900 DA?