building my dream bike..................

fletch1004

I am about to begin to build my dream bike and as this my first time in doing so from scratch i would be greatfull for any helpfull hints or tips.

i am going to build it all around a Santa Cruz Blur lt2 frame and im not too sure what sizes to buy the rest of the components in eg. stem (length/angle) headset, bb, front mech.
i would like to use sram x0 and hope for the majority of the build but would hate to buy something in the wrong size as returning it will be a pain if buying from EBAY etc....

i know these may seem stupid questions but this is gonna cost a lot of money and i want to get it right with the min amount of hassle, i know i can buy off the peg but i want a personal touch and the satisfaction of building it myself.

any constructive comments would be apreciated, thanks.

Shorty12

Headset 1.125”, Seatpost 30.9mm, Bottom Bracket 73mm, Seat Clamp 34.9mm

Designed around 140 fork upto 160 so a pike or rev would be good

Great Ayton

I would recommend avoiding ebay if at all possible. Try your local bike shops and reputable online shops if at all possible. Local shops will often be near to if not as cheap as anyone.

Dick Scruttock

I run a 2010 revelation air u turn on my heckler and its spot on.

Am currently been tempted by a blur lt2 frame myself, little worried about bob though.

supersonic

What budget?

fletch1004

cheers for the comments so far guys, totally agree to sticking away from ebay if at all possible that was just an example of trying to find the components at the lowest possible price.

ive never ridden the revelation air u turn but everything i have read about them is good, im a big fan of fox forks but would consider others.

my budget for the build is gonna be in the region of £4000 - £4500 im in no hurry to get it done and i want to take my time and get it right! this is my welcome home present to myself after a tour of Afghanistan.

HandjobDan

Congrats Fletch1004, nice present to yourself and by God you deserve it mate, I think anyone that has done a tour in the forces is definately a hero as I can't even begin to imagine what it's like.

I'm currently building a Santa Cruz 4X and am planning on Rev XX U-turns for it.

You'll have to keep us updated with your progress, start a WIP on the your rides section, as bits start to arrive.

supersonic

I'd certinly go for a 150mm Rev with Maxle Lite - if you have the dough, the XX version is the best, but not in the UK yet, or the Team:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=40925

Wheels, I think the Roval Traversee:
http://www.mikevaughancycles.co.uk/prod ... p780&rs=gb

Full SRAM X0 takes care of itself really, and think about a matchmaker compatible Avid brakeset such as the Elixir CR Mag.

Cranks - XTR. Stiffness, strength and low weight.

Finishing kit I'd get some carbon. Exotic carbon/Ti seatposts are very light, but maybe too light, while the RF Next SL bar is a proven performer. I wouldn't get carbon for the stem though, I'd stick to any one of many alu offerings - again, Exotic lead the way with value and weight and are very well made.

Saddle, tyres and pedals are all personal preference.

If you got the money the Cane Creek 110, buit any of the lower ones work just as well out of the box, just need looking after a bit more.

Is my opinion lol.

fletch1004

loads of great advice fellas, please keep it coming im begining to build a picture in my head now of what i want i just hope it lives up to the dream lol

hoathy

Rev's are nice but I think you need to at least consider Fox 32s.

I would also have hand built wheels with king hubs on mavic en521s (or perhaps something lighter)

and a ck headset as well. but thats just me.

supersonic

The 2010 Revs are bloody good though!

http://www.sram.com/node/96/brand/rockshox/src/fam

Lighter and more adjustable than a Float.

Dick Scruttock

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... Forks_2010

Cheaper than chain reaction.

Dick Scruttock

http://www.winstanleysbikes.co.uk/produ ... Forks_2010

Cheaper than chain reaction.

hoathy

haven't winstanleys got a shocking mail order reputation though?

supersonic

None in stock anyway ;-)

Makes a change for them to tell the truth there...

Dick Scruttock

Hoathy wrote:

haven't winstanleys got a shocking mail order reputation though?

I ordered mine and they turned up the next day. Spot on and better service than i receive from Merlin.....

heez29

I'd agree with SS here although i might go hope for brakes just for tartyness! Dont like teh Elixers although the caliper looks swish.

warrerj

The problem with the revs is the travel adjust is a pain. All that screwing where with the Fox it'spres and push.

Brakes I'd go with Formula take your pick I love 'em. The One or R1 if you've got cash to splash.

Dick Scruttock

My Revelations are air u turn, simples to adjust travel.

fletch1004

im gonna go for the fox 32 talas rlc forks but i want them in white so i belive thats the 2009 model? are the 2010 forks better than this years? hopefully i could get a good deal on a pair of 2009 forks come the end of the year!