Custom Build Help

[SmoothRide]

I've recently been looking at a cross bike, not so much for racing but as something that I can take off road and not worry about busting up. However, none of the cross bikes in my price range (2.5k) really appeal to me (Pinarrelo is to pricey for what I get, Trek has sick nasty welds, etc.), So I've decided to take matters into my own hands and custom build my own bike. I'd like to stay below 2.5k, so keep that in mind. Also, if you notice any incompatibility's issues, point them out to me.

Here's what I've come up with- (Edited)

Some Kind of Mavics- 250
Giant TCX Cyclocross Frameset- 700
Salsa Bell Lap- 40
Bontrager Race 100mm Reach Seven Degree Rise Stem- 60
Bontrager Race XXX Lite Seatpost Measurements To Be Decided- 160
Selle Italia SLR- 120
Maxxis Raze Cyclocross Tires- 60 (Set)
Two Sets of Handle Bar Wrap- 30
Campy Chorus Right Shifter- 200
Campy Chorus Cassette- 110
Campy Record 10 Speed Chain- 40
Campy Chorus Carbon Rear Derailleur- 190
Campy Record Cable Set- 40



Total So Far- $2,000

I know I still need a groupset, and cables and probably some other crap I'm not thinking of, but I want a single crank up front and I don't know what I'll have to change for that.

Danke.

Also, the pedals can be super cheap since I don't notice anything between nice and crappy ones. And yes, I realize I give you only $900 to work with.

[dilly bar]

A few ideas for you:

Wheels, you could certainly spend less on the wheel and get something more suited for the occasional off road/curb drop. Mavics for example can be had for $250/set.

Front der, even though you are going to run a single chain ring most people still install a front der to prevent accidental chain drop. Just don't run cable and a shifter, adjust the stops to hold it in place over the single ring. Since you don't need it to do anything but stay in place buy the cheapest one you can.

What's left? Brakes, levers, crankset, rear der. Seems like you are almost there, but don't forget the little stuff in your budget, like cables, bar tape, cassette, chain, tubes, rim tape. You can spend the two hundred you saved on wheels on this stuff.

[Milice]

Skip the bontrager bars and buy a set of bell laps instead

[TriEngineer]

my thoughts exactly, your race lite won't last too long on dirt road.

[SmoothRide]

Okay. Thanks for the help. I'm just really in love with my Race X Lites becuase I can ride them all over crappy Raleigh roads and they still remain incredibly stiff. One of my favorite Aluminum wheels. Plus, I got them for $300 from a friend at my LBS. Very nice.

I'll revise my list now and add some stuff.

But, what kind of Mavics?

[dilly bar]

I'd go with these wheels

http://www.coloradocyclist.com/common/products/productdisplay2_v2.cfm?PRRFNBR=26616

But others will have their preference also.

[cs1]

I like the idea of a Campy group. If it were mine, I would use a Veloce or Centaur compact instead of the Record/Chorus parts. Those CF bits are going to get real chewed up off road. They are very expensive to replace also. Campy makes a 48/34 compact that can do double duty on the street and off road with a cassette swap.

I really don't like the idea of a single chainring up front on a Campy bike. Campy has a very limited BB selection. So, it is very difficult to get the correct chainline on a single chainring. Plus, you will probably not be able to use all 10 cogs without bending the chain too much.

Ultimatley, it is your choice. Just think through all the possibilities first. It is better to ask first and spend later. :D Good luck

Tim