Cotic BFe: My first ever build has started

jf22901

Well, I decided I'd build my new bike so I have a better idea about how things work and how to fix them (generally I'm just lazy and take my bikes to the LBS). I've never built a bike before, so I imagine this isn't going to be a quick build! I fell off my road bike and factured my collarbone a few weeks ago anyway, so I'm not in a rush to get it done.

I'm using some of the bits off my old bike (forks, wheels, handlebar, saddle and seatpost), but am putting on new shifters and derailleurs (have converted to 2x10), and am replacing my Avid Juicy brakes with XTs.

Anyhow, here are a few pictures showing where I've got to so far. I live in a shared house, so don't have anywhere else really to build it apart from my bedroom! I don't know whether there's a specific order to do things in, so feel free to give any tips.

jf22901

And here are the things still to go on:

ilovedirt

Put pedals on last, they only get in the way looks nice though! Enjoy

The Rookie

Looking good so far....not a budget build then!

jf22901

Well I purchased the new pieces here and there when I saw a good deal, so it's not too expensive (I seem to recall the XO stuff was previous year's stock, hence the price reduction). I did plump for XT brakes too, rather than try to be tarty and get some expensive Hope bling.

Antm81

Been tempted by one of these, looked at stripping my old trance to build it. Not sure funds allow it though.

ilovedirt

Xts are way better than anything hope have ever made anyway. The only reason they cost more is because they're cnc'd and thus take hours and cost a fortune to make.

lawman

ilovedirt wrote:

Xts are way better than anything hope have ever made anyway. The only reason they cost more is because they're cnc'd and thus take hours and cost a fortune to make.

Very much this! Bike looks great, sure you'll love it! Mines definitely one of the best hardtails I've ever ridden.

jf22901

Well the brakes have been fitted and the hoses shortened (I was quite pleased with myself doing that). On to the derailleurs now, which seem the most complicated part (and I'm stuck already!) Feel free to follow my progress in the Workshop & Tech, forum.

ilovedirt

Derailleurs are dead easy, just follow the instructions in the box. Once you've realised that the mech naturally wants to rest in the smallest cog, and all the shifters do is pull it up one by one by means of a bit of cable, it's really simple.

1. mount derailleur
2. set limit screws at each end
3. install cable with shifter and mech in hardest gear
4. fit chain
5. run gears up and down and tweak cable tension using barrel adjuster if it doesn't shift properly. More tension (screw adjuster out) if it does not go into easier gears properly. Less tension (screw adjuster in) if it does not go into harder gears properly.
Done!

jf22901

I have fitted the rear derailleur! It really was as simple as you said (though the instructions in the box were incomprehensible to me). I feel like I can fix anything now!

The only thing is, the cable has slightly frayed where I clamped it with the screw (I must have tightened it too hard). It seems sturdy enough though, so will this be okay? Or are frayed cables frowned upon? :?

ilovedirt

Should be fine, though might be worth carrying a spare cable with you when riding, just as a general rule.

Cqc

Get a cable end cap and crimp it on to the end of the cable to stop it fraying in future. Good job and nice bike!

jf22901

Well, the steerer still needs to be cut to size, and the saddle is not adjusted yet, but it's pretty much done.

The Rookie

Not usually a fan of white rims but they do work well with the forks, saddle and of course the down tube logo, very tastes full and OE looking.

ilovedirt

Looks sweet! Needs a dropper post though

@lexD

Very nice build big fan of the Bfe, definitely get a dropper for it. I would look at a shorter stem as well.

ilovedirt

Oh aye shorter stem too, that one is rather long! She wants to be ridden hard that bike, and a short stem and dropper post would help no end!

arran77

Looking good that 8)

Definitely needs a dropper though, transformed my BFe when I fitted one

jf22901

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

What size stems do other people have on their BFe's? The one that is on currently is a 115mm stem from my previous bike. Will get a dropper for Christmas.

ilovedirt

50mm would probably be about right.

Littlebigmatt

I'm running a 50mm on my BFe and it suits it perfectly