Newbie build help - Planet X Uncle John

EarlofBarnet

I've just bought a second hand Planet X Uncle John frame and forks that I'm looking to build up. It's the first non-mountain bike I've built up so would appreciate some advice. I don't have a huge budget for this build, but would still like to build it up to an 'ok' level. I'll mainly be using the bike for riding on the road, but would like the option to take it off-road once in a while.

The frame looks to only take cantilever style brakes (although the frame takes a disc caliper the forks I have don't). I take it any canti's can be run with no issue, with v-brakes needing some v-specific levers?

I think I'd like to use it off-road occassionally, so would normal road wheels be ok (with a tyre change) or can you get something a little stronger (maybe cyclo-x specific)? I was thinking of some Shimano R500 wheels?

As for a groupset, Shimano's Sora 3400 be ok (equivalent to the Deore mtb groupset?)?

When buying handlebars, any tips for what width to go for?

Apologies for all the questions, complete newbie to building up this style of bike!

Thanks in advance, Matt

mat*46*

Hi. I think there are two fork options; one accepts cantis and the other disk's. Looks like you got the canti option.

You can run cantis or mini v's no probs. You can also run normal v's but you need some kind of adapter first so enough cable is pulled.

EarlofBarnet

Thanks for the reply, will look in to either cantis or mini v's then.

turnerjohn

I've got an Uncle John and love it !

Depends what your budget is ? If you have £350 Merlin are doing 105 groupset which is fantastic value...if not Tiagra is £299...go to 105...its miles better ! They also do some pretty cheap but good wheels builds; again depends on your budget ! Try and get a compact chainset (50x34 or 36 front rings) as it will be easier on your legs.

for bars go for "compact" fit (drop and rech are shorter and more comfortable) 42cm width if your normal height or 44cm for wider shoulders; as its your first road bike (well cyclocross bike!) get as many spacers under the stem and start off high; drop it later when your body gets acustomed to the ride position.

Stem; the norm is around the 100mm length; get one with around 6degrees of rise so you can flip it and alter the bar height. - oh and make sure you get the same size bar diameter (31.8 OS or 25.6 / 26mm standard)

seatpost is standard 27.2mm so depends on personal preference again.

EarlofBarnet

Thanks for the reply and the advice.

I was hoping to squeeze the whole build in for £500. So I've got £400 left for the groupset, wheels and finishing parts. Think this should be do-able if I go for the sora groupset, or look at second hand parts.