Bike builds - First timer

slc123

Hi all,

I wanted to upgrade to a new bike as my current one was very much XC, so decided to go down the route of a custom build myself. Partly because I wanted to do it on a budget and secondly I wanted to learn more about the aspects of putting one together!

Currently, I am in process of procuring what I hope are good quality second hand parts with a few new bits where required.

Just thought I'd find out if anyone else has a build going at the moment and from the more experienced guys, what are the pitfalls and things to look out for?

I've already hit a couple of compatibility issues. The particularly frame I bought has a manufacturing issue (hence the super cheap price) which means I can only run a 28T single speed using a direct mount setup. From research it's not a massive issue but something I wasn't expecting. I am guessing there is a few more like that going to crop up!

cooldad

So already pointless. Pick a decent frame and buy parts that are compatible.

The Rookie

Its just a case of doing your homework at each stage.

That's some 'manufacturing issue' or is it actually by design? Not that its a major issue as noted,did you get a DM crankset yet, plenty been on evilbay recently.

I've just bought myself a new frame and some parts (Whyte T-129, forks (rev 26" and some 29" lowers to build into a single 29" XX spec fork although I'm working on adding some compression damping to the XX but the methodology is top secret right now) and wheels (Novatech 772 hubs and WTB i19 rims)), will need a headset and I should have enough to strip my Litespeed and do the build with a rigid seatpost (shim from one I use in a Giant and my daughters 27.2mm post) and adding a dropper post later.

Won't be down to the 9.8Kg of the litespeed but I hope to keep it sub 12Kg.

slc123

I've not decided on a crankset yet, trying to work out the best options. I think i'm favouring the original suggestion of the SRAM X9, watching a couple on Evilbay at the minute! From my understanding anything bigger than a 28T direct mount setup will "foul" on the chainstay, so yes a manufacturing issue, but that's why the frame was £89 not £400!

I've been buying a few other bits and managed to get a good deal on an Easton wheelset, which should go nicely.

The Rookie

Doesn't sound like a manufacturing issue to be honest but a design issue (a manufacturing issue is where the frame isn't made as designed) on-one do silly sales, I got my London Road frameset (including carbon fork) for £139, and a £500 Rockshox World Cup CSU for £56.

slc123

You could be right, either way I feel like it’s a good deal and perfect for what I’m trying to achieve!

I’m finding lots of good deals our there at the moment, just got to be patient and snap them up when you can

legopro87

Sounds like a good project. I built my first bike from scratch earlier this year. Most of it was new parts but I got some killer deals on used bits. Where I saved money was building the wheels myself. Bought rims and spokes on sale and laced them up using the bike frame as a truing stand. It took a few days but I got them spinning straight.

slc123

Managed some good deals on handlebar and stem and a wheelset this week. Both turned up and look great, so very happy.

The next big decision is on the forks. Currently torn between an RS Yari/Pike or a Fox 34. slightly edging towards the RS mainly because of the price. The frame can be built up with anything from 140mm - 160mm.

All coming along nicely, hopefully ready for spring.

slc123

So the bike build is finally underway and managed to pull together most things at good deals on Ebay and pinkbike with a few new bits thrown in!

Yari RC 160mm forks
SRAM Guide r brakes
SRAM GX drivetrain with X9 cranks converted to direct mount
Easton ARC wheelset
RaceFace turbine bars and stem

Should make for a relatively good do it all HT!

So far I’ve fitted headset! So a fair way to go.