Learning to build a bike

billythestickboy

Hi, I'm new here, so hoping for some useful advice...

After lots of searching for my perfect winter flat bar commuter/mountain bike, and never quite finding it, I've now got a new plan. As I've always wanted to get more into maintaining/servicing my bike properly, I should be plenty capable of building something myself.

I managed to get hold of an unused 2012 Whyte Stirling (http://www.whytebikes.com/2012/bike_page.php?ModNo=W-1-019-12) for a ridiculously good price, but in the wrong size. This would have been my perfect bike, but even the XL size felt a bit too small for me. So I'm going to look out for a cyclocross/MTB/hybrid frame that I can use as a basis for which the Stirling will be a donor.

So, I guess what I'm asking is what would be a sensible place for me to start on this little adventure... I'm thinking of a couple of approaches...

1) Go on a course, does anyone have any recommendations in the SE/London? e.g. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/event/5262434082

2) Just start by dismantling my old heavyweight hybrid bike. Follow some on line guides e.g http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/article/workshop-how-to-swap-components-to-a-new-frame-31331/

As I write that I'm thinking option 2 could end up with me going back to option 1 if it all goes pear-shaped, so I probably already know which is the sensible approach there.

Also, what things do I need to bear in mind looking for a frame? My list so far includes...
- headset size (also whether it is integrated)
- seat post size
- needs disc mounts
- front mech clamp size
- tyre clearance
- rear wheel spacing
- bottom bracket size

I'm a fan of planet x/on one so I'll prbably talk to them, see what they'd recommend, but I'd be keen to hear any recommendations for frames under £200, assuming I'll be able to use the Whyte forks.

Any wisdom appreciated.

ta
Andy

The Rookie

I built my first bike when I got back into cycling, it's really not at all hard, each step being fairly simple, I've now built several, my commuter is a flat bared disc braked Hybrid based on a Carrera Gryphon frame. Don't worry about those items, buy the frame you want then get the components to fit!

Ask questions in the relevant tech forums on each item, MTB would probably be best.

You sure don't need a course!

cycleclinic

Partk tools reapir guide has everything you need to know. Just make sure you get a frame which has the same headtube size and BB type as your whyte or you will be buying new parts. Also you will need to get a frame for rigid forks only and if it's an MTB it will need to be a rigid 29er or the forks won't be much use unless you are happy to accept the changes in handling that come with fiting uncrorrected rigid fork for a hardtail frame.

A carrera Gryphon frame is not a bad starting point if all you want is a a commutor. All that bike needs is s decent set of wheels and of you go.