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Bike build project - where to start?
I want to embark on my first bike build project.
Having never actually done this, I'm not sure where to start.
I suppose a frame is a good start, but where to from there?
I want a medium travel (~140mm) dually.
I am pretty short (5’6”) and usually ride a small frame.
Any advice is appreciated.
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The obvious question is what sort of riding do you do?
Usual northern beaches rides.
Manly dam, terrey hills, red hill.
Would like to do a bit more XC events - 50km rides etc.
My current bike, kona coilair is a bit too heavy duty for the type of riding I am doing.
It's great fun. My main recommendation is take your time and double check measurements of everything.
Start with the frame - size, suspension type, 26 or 29er etc. Also, set a budget and add 10% contingency, then see what you can get.
It also depends on what type of project you want this to be - complete custom from the ground up or take a bike and swap out parts. Personally, the latter is the better option for a first time build. Once you decide on the bike, get the measurements for things like seat post, headsets, bottom brackets etc. Then buy a couple of the UK MTB mags that have ratings for most components and see what you can get for your money - use mtbr.com reviews too but ultimately go with what looks good to you.
There are so many different sizes and standards for most major parts now, 9spd, 10spd, BB30, BB91, handle bar sizes, tapered headsets etc that it is easy to buy the wrong size parts - even the experienced here do it from time to time. If you're not sure, ask here or at your local store. Chainreactioncycles.com is a good place to build your shopping list and great value on large orders, but take it to your local shop first and see how close they can get. For a first time build it is good to have someone local you can go to and it might be paying a bit extra for that help locally.
Lastly, but a good book and do most of the work yourself. One by Park Tools is the best IMHO.
Good luck and don't be afraid to ask questions as you go here.
Currently in the process of doing the same thing. Plenty of good deals around on 2012 stock as well.
Get your budget sorted first, add a little extra, always things like grips etc that seen to get forgotten.
Decide on a frame and start shopping. Take your time, as everyone above sayes better to read, check, ask and double check before buying especially from overseas.
I much prefer to build a frame than buy a complete bike.
Have fun.
Frame is always the start
However, before buying the frame investigate the forks available to match and the wheelsets - particularly as through axles and 142mm dropouts narrow your choices down which might be a good thing but might not
I started at my local bank.
With a balaclava and a sawed off shotty.
Keep the kona for Red Hill, as most XC bikes won't perectly cover there, Terry Hills and still be suited to XC racing.
Build up something for XC, as that will also be great for the other Northern Beaches fire trail rides.
But with some of the deals available on complete bikes that you can find around this time of year, you've pretty much gotta have a specific need to justify the extra cash you'd spend building up a bike, unless you scored bits on sale over time and have them sitting around waiting to go on a frame?
If younare thinking about 26", look at something in the 120-140mm area if you ride more fire trail orientated stuff. If you like tech riding and bombing down stuff go for 150mm. If you choose the right frame, you'll have great handling with good pedalling efficiency. Otherwise a 29" around 100-120mm will work well.