Road Cycling - Almost done with bike build up!!!!!!!!!!

My friend and i spent all day yesterday working on the bianchi. I'd say it's about 80% done. The wheels are on, the cassette, rear deraileur, and front, the bottom bracket and cranks too.

I got a new headset. I kinda cheaped out and got a 20$ ritchey pro logic headset... and now i'm really regretting it. I already put it on and everything. I figure im going to use it for a couple months and upgrade to something better, like cane creek or something. Thoughts on this headset? I wish i'd researched headsets more, after spending so much on the rest of the bike it really was dumb of me to cut corners on the headset. D'oh, i'm beating myself up over this.

I also waxed the bike 3 times this week, the paint is looking better than ever. I just need to put the shifters and brakes on. For some reason, the screws on the brakes won't fit through the brake bridge. Thse are campy veloce brakes by the way.

Oh well, just wanted to get my frustration out. Does anyone think i should swap out the ritchey headset right away and just use it as a spare?

Oh and i will have pics up by friday, if i can figure out how to post them.

Chris King stes the benchmark by which all other headsets must be judged, sealed cartridge bearings and troublefree. When you are ready to swap out the Ritchey, fork over the $100 and get a Chris King. The Ritchey is an ok headset for the cost. Use it for a while and get a new one later, it can be a project.

agreed w/ street. king's the best out there. besides, they're exceptionally cool guys. check out their website.

If paint is a bit faded etc.. you might try a rubbing compound then use a car polish not wax on it then was after that should give you a beautiful finish.

As far as the ritchey it will work, just use it till it dies since you already have it.

Oh, my friend and i gave the bike a brand new coat of celeste green paint. Then, i waxed it. It looks really great, but i'm still brooding over my poor decision in picking a headset.

Originally posted by phat bahsturd
...... but i'm still brooding over my poor decision in picking a headset. Hope the eggs don't hatch.

While I agree with other about just using the Ritchey headset for now, if you're really losing sleep about it even before the bike's complete, maybe upgrading the headset now to something that will give you peace-of-mind is worth the money and hassle. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong. Also, I agree with the others who say if you do upgrade, spring for the CK.

A possible reason for your brakes not fitting is that maybe you are recessed allen-bolt brakes, in a frame designed for a bolt that goes through the frame.

I know for sure that shimano makes dual pivots that have a through-bolt. Not sure about campy though.

That is only likely though if your bike is mad old...like early 80s old. how old is this bianchi frame?

Originally posted by phat bahsturd
My friend and i spent all day yesterday working on the bianchi. I'd say it's about 80% done. The wheels are on, the cassette, rear deraileur, and front, the bottom bracket and cranks too.

I got a new headset. I kinda cheaped out and got a 20$ ritchey pro logic headset... and now i'm really regretting it. I already put it on and everything. I figure im going to use it for a couple months and upgrade to something better, like cane creek or something. Thoughts on this headset? I wish i'd researched headsets more, after spending so much on the rest of the bike it really was dumb of me to cut corners on the headset. D'oh, i'm beating myself up over this.

I also waxed the bike 3 times this week, the paint is looking better than ever. I just need to put the shifters and brakes on. For some reason, the screws on the brakes won't fit through the brake bridge. Thse are campy veloce brakes by the way.

Oh well, just wanted to get my frustration out. Does anyone think i should swap out the ritchey headset right away and just use it as a spare?

Oh and i will have pics up by friday, if i can figure out how to post them.

Excuse me Mr. Bahsturd...

Any pointers for a guy that will be building my bike soon?

-Dan the Man-

Originally posted by Phatman
A possible reason for your brakes not fitting is that maybe you are recessed allen-bolt brakes, in a frame designed for a bolt that goes through the frame.

I know for sure that shimano makes dual pivots that have a through-bolt. Not sure about campy though.

That is only likely though if your bike is mad old...like early 80s old. how old is this bianchi frame?

Exactly! the rear brake won't go through the brake bridge, the bolt is way too short! Will i have to get a new brake?!??!?!?!

The front brake is long enough, but it just won't go through. I am stumped. The front fork is a newish kestrel carbon one, so it SHOULD work.

BTW, the frame IS indeed from the 80s.

I think i will stay with the crappy ritchey headset for now... I'll probably treat myself to a chris king in a couple months. It's not like i have money overflowing out of my pockets right now.

OH, ockey, the only advice i have is to make sure you figure out EXACTLY how much you're going to spend. My big mistake was not factoring all the little things, but they sure add up. Also, do a LOT of research to make sure the parts you get are compatible.

If i could have done it over, i honestly would have just bought a new bike from bianchi, like a new campione. It's a huge hassle, but then again i haven't ridden this new bike yet, i'm sure all doubts i have now will subside then.

If the bolts are just to short, not to uncommon with some Carbon forks, you can get a longer sleeve bolt for the back side. Just go down to your LBS they should only be a $1-2..

I know what you mean about all the small things adding up, I did same thing phast bahsturd.

Originally posted by phat bahsturd
I think i will stay with the crappy ritchey headset for now... I'll probably treat myself to a chris king in a couple months. It's not like i have money overflowing out of my pockets right now.

OH, ockey, the only advice i have is to make sure you figure out EXACTLY how much you're going to spend. My big mistake was not factoring all the little things, but they sure add up. Also, do a LOT of research to make sure the parts you get are compatible.

If i could have done it over, i honestly would have just bought a new bike from bianchi, like a new campione. It's a huge hassle, but then again i haven't ridden this new bike yet, i'm sure all doubts i have now will subside then.

I'm doing tons and tons of research. My frame is being delivered now. I'm looking to spend about another $1000 on components... I know that seems alot, but like you said, it adds up really quick!!

But know you can say, "I built this bike from SCRATCH!" Not too many people can or do do that.... good job.

-Dan the Man-

$1000 for components is not a lot if wheels are in that budget. You will really have to be frugal about what you buy. For new look at Shimano 105 or Campy Veloce, they should be in your price range. There are a lot of deals out there right now, web retailers are all having their late summer sales. Good luck and don't start buying until you have priced it all out.

It is too late to change course but another way to go is to buy a good budget frame, Surley or SOMA, and trick it out. I know it sounds like putting the cart before the horse but you can't say enough about good quality parts. They perform better and last longer. You can ride the bike for a season or two and then upgrade the frame to something really top shelf. The bonus is that your old frame becomes a project bike.

Originally posted by ockey53
I'm doing tons and tons of research. My frame is being delivered now. I'm looking to spend about another $1000 on components... I know that seems alot, but like you said, it adds up really quick!!

But know you can say, "I built this bike from SCRATCH!" Not too many people can or do do that.... good job.

-Dan the Man-

If you have 1000 for parts, you can almost get campy record parts!

I think you can get campy chorus for sure, check www.repartocorse.com

they have the best prices and stuff. Or you can consider getting a centaur groupset and some nice campy wheels. I love my sciroccos.

Originally posted by phat bahsturd
Exactly! the rear brake won't go through the brake bridge, the bolt is way too short! Will i have to get a new brake?!??!?!?!

The front brake is long enough, but it just won't go through. I am stumped. The front fork is a newish kestrel carbon one, so it SHOULD work.

BTW, the frame IS indeed from the 80s.

I had the same problem, I thnk, with my buildup... are you sure you haev the correct brakes going to the front and back.. if so... you can get a longer nut at the LBS...

Hope this helps

Jeff

Originally posted by ockey53
I'm doing tons and tons of research. My frame is being delivered now. I'm looking to spend about another $1000 on components... I know that seems alot, but like you said, it adds up really quick!!

But know you can say, "I built this bike from SCRATCH!" Not too many people can or do do that.... good job.

-Dan the Man-

I just did the same thing, building up a Lemond... Check out Supergo.com they have an Ultegra Build kit, with wheels for $749... all you need is frame, fork, seat, headset, and pedals... I though it was a good deal, and I put it all together myself.. a lot of fun !

Jeff

did you tune it up yourself too, sipperphoto?

I'm thinking of taking it to the shop to have them check my work... i don't want the bike to suddenly break apart one day as i'm riding.

heheh yeah I tuned it up myself... it was a trial and error kinda thing... I figured as long as all the bolts were tight,a nd the brakes stopped me.. then I'd be alright.. so far, about 350 miles into it, no major adjustments... just some minor tweaking with the derailleurs... I can pretty much do anythign on a bike, except true a wheel.... I've tried, and end up making it worse...

Just use common sense, and if somethign feels funny... check it out yourself, or take it to the shop, if you can't figure it out

Jeff

I know that was a great deal at SuperGo! They still have some in the store at that price last I checked but their website it is backup to $949.

Wow.. yeah they don;t seem to have the $749 deal now... I thnk it was only a partial build kit.. seems like you get a few more things in the $949 kit, i.e. a seat, headset, differnt rims, less Weyless (supergo's private label stuff) Still a decent kit though

Jeff

Originally posted by SipperPhoto
heheh yeah I tuned it up myself... it was a trial and error kinda thing... I figured as long as all the bolts were tight,a nd the brakes stopped me.. then I'd be alright.. so far, about 350 miles into it, no major adjustments... just some minor tweaking with the derailleurs... I can pretty much do anythign on a bike, except true a wheel.... I've tried, and end up making it worse...

Just use common sense, and if somethign feels funny... check it out yourself, or take it to the shop, if you can't figure it out

Jeff

Well the thing is i don't trust myself to tune it up correctly. I have spent TOO much time and money on the bike to have it fail just because of a stupid mistake i make "tuning" it. So yeah, i think i will have the shop check my work. Last time i tried to fix the shifting on the old peugeot, i did make it work better but still not great...the components on it are old though

Ok, here's the deal. EVerything is done, tires mounted, derailleurs, shifters, cables, etc. except for one thing. The rear brake won't fit on! the bolt isn't long enough to fit through the goddamn brake bridge. So what we're going to have to do, is order a bolt for the front brake and swap the two bolts, so i can fit the rear brake on. This will take a week or so.

But the bike is rideable as is, we need to tune the shifting a lot more, the chain is really tight and at some parts don't even bend! A lot of little stuff like that. Plus, i odn't have my shoes yet.

Originally posted by phat bahsturd
The rear brake won't fit on! the bolt isn't long enough to fit through the goddamn brake bridge. So what we're going to have to do, is order a bolt for the front brake and swap the two bolts, so i can fit the rear brake on.

Eh... just ride without rear brakes. :D The mechanic at my FBS does this with his roadbike.

Admittedly, having no rear brake can be disconcerting for most... just ask ngateguy. ;)

http://www.neebu.net/~khuon/albums/2003STP-1/PICT0028.jpg

OMG i'm going nuts with this bike!!!!!!!!!!!

Ok, i went down to the shop today. The little bolt costs 30 bucks!!! from campagnolo!!! I think it might be more cost effective just to buy a whole front brake. DAMN!!

Also, i got my time shoes in the mail today, they fit great. I have the look cleats, but no way to mount them on my shoes. The shoes have a 4 bolt patter, and come with adapter plates only for time pedals. I've been searching everywhere, Time's website says it has an adapter plate for 3 bolt looks, but they don't have a webstore. I can't find it anywhere else. HELP.

You with the brake bolt problem.... are you sure you're not trying to get an external nut onto a brake which is meant for recessed (allen) mounting? Just checking. You know that the bolt should not protrude out the otherside of the bridge..... the allen keyed threaded sleeve goes in the opposite side and engages the bolt inside the bridge.
You other guys musing about gruppo costs.... log on to www.ebay.com and piece together a dynamite gruppo of your favorite kit unless you're trying to put your LBS in the Fortune 500. The deals are there to be made and it's fun!.... time consuming but fun...... CAUTION! Habit Forming!

Did you resolve your brake situation yet? It really sounds like you are trying to use a standard nut on a brake intended for recessed mounting. The bolt should not protrude through the bridge... the allen keyed threaded sleeve should engage the bolt threads inside the bridge. What kind of fastener came with the brakes? On the other hand the bolt on the front seems to be too long if it protrudes out the back of the fork. I guess one could use standard external nut mounting on the front brake and recessed mounting on the back. Make sure that your rear bridge is inteded for recessed mounting, the hole in front (nut side) must be large enough to pass the head of the allen nut/sleeve.

Um, yeah i think the back is intended for a recessed nut, but my frame is not. If we put a longer bolt on, it may be too long, but maybe we can cut the bolt shorter? I don't know, i'll leave that part up to my bike shop. I just don't feel right paying 30 for a bolt. First, I'm going to try to find a front brake from some track racer and sell my rear or something.

30 bucks for a bolt, sounds about right for a campy bolt. Look for a aftermarket one. I remember looking for a chainring bolt it was gonig to be $7 for a campy one, while I could get a full set for $10 of aftermarket brand. And no real reason to stick witha campy specific bolt. You're LBS should be able to fix you up without to much of a headache.

I don't think campy likes selling things like a bolt, the overhead cost for packing and shipping it is probably not beneficial to them. When you get to larger more common parts the prices are not to bad.

At $30 I'd say it was pretty beneficial for them!

All the bike shops around SF i've been to say that they can't fit another bolt in there. Let's say i was a track racer and only needed a single front brake. Where would i buy it? All the websites i've been to only sell brake sets, which sucks.

$30 for a bolt? NUTs.

check out Loose Screws

I think this is the part you're looking for at a whopping
$8.00.

Loose Screws (http://www.thethirdhand.com/index.cgi?d=single&c=Brake&sc=Recessed%20Nut&tc=&item_id=LS-0051OB&id=831656528174)

If not describe the problem with them, they should be able
to get you what you need.

Marty

Pep Boys (or any autopart store) is a great place to find odd sized screws, try there if you don't want to order online, plus you can have them give you exact specs on what you are looking for (threads, length, diameter, etc)

Hmm, thanks, but i don't think that will work. You see, the screw in that link won't even fit into my rear brake bridge. I need to replace the bolt that comes out of the brake and holds it in the bridge. And looking at their website, the bolt i need is 40! dollars from them too... I am screwed.

Phat,

You're not looking at the drop bolts are you? they are for
lowering the brakes when going from 27 inch tire/rims to 700c
tire/rims.

Did you speak with Loose Screws?
I had to buy an extended recess bolt on a serotta
and it was cheap at LBS.
Am I missing something here?

Marty

I suppose i could buy the bolt in the link and use my rear brake on the front and just swap the front to the back! i'm a genius!

I'm excited, i should go measure it out first and see if it works.

OK.

UPDATE:

I tried switching the bolt, even at 22 mm the bolt AINT long enough. Went down to the LBS again today (rode there, actually). He told me to email repartocorse.com and explain my problem. I did, and i'm waiting to see if they'll help. Otherwise, i'm going to bite the bullet and order a single veloce front caliper. Why? because it won't be much cheaper to order a single bolt, and at least i'll have an extra brake handy.

Sorry, no pictures yet, but the bike is dirty, i chipped the paint already, and the cork wrap isn't on yet. When the bike is FINALLY finished in 2 weeks or so, i'llhave pictures. I promise.

But yeah, the bike is rideable as it. My friend and I keep fiddling with the shifting, it shifts OK, not great. I'm thinking in 2 weeks i'll have the bike professionaly tuned too. 2 things: 1, it is very very very fast compared to what i had before, it also feels very solid. 2, it's a dream to climb hills with. I live in san francisco and i got a triple chainring with 13x28 gearing in the back. Well today i tried climbing this GIGANTIC hill near my friends house around the portola drive area. It was a cakewalk, and will be even easier once i get my clipless shoe adapters.

All in all,i'm pretty satisfied with my bike. Not too shabby for a 10+ year old steel frame.

phat,
sounds great i envy you for your build up!! let me know how your search for bolts goes. I need to find a place that i can get a complete set of stainless steel screws from for less then an arm and a leg. Good luck with your tuning!

-Ross

I know icyclesusa sells a 3cm bolt for the back for the back of the brake that is aroudn $3.. would that be long enough?

Can you find a bolt that is longer and cut it down?

Kev, I ordered that bolt. Let's wait and see if that works.

For the cost you don't have much to lose, at 3cm it is about 1 cm longer then most bolts. How long is the bridge that the back break has to go through?

Well this is the situation as it is now. The front brake is going through a carbon fiber fork, so i had to get a 2.2 cm bolt. What i want to do now is swap the rear brake to the front and use a 3 cm bolt, and use the front brake in the back. The brake bridge is about 1 cm thick, the thing is it can't take recessed bolts. This frame is prob pretty old, i guess.