Bicycle Mechanics - Building a S-Works Epic from Scratch

I am looking to build a S-Works Epic bike from scratch. I am looking for a XL frame (if you have one, let me know!)and then looking to buy the components and assemble the whole bike. I have some basic knowledge of bike mechanics but will definately be on this board quite a bit to get some insight from you all.

One of my first questions is in regards to the different options that I have. I am racing so I want stuff that lasts and works in bad conditions. Do I get straight XTR components or what are some other high-performance options that are as good or better than Shimano's products?

Also, would any of you recommend that I bring the bike into a dealer for part of the assembly?

Finally, are there any good web resources on bike mechanics/bike building? If not, what books do you recommend?

This is my first effort in building a bike but I would rather do it this way so I will know how to fix it. I look forward to your responses!

GO GOPHERS!!!

I am looking to build a S-Works Epic bike from scratch. I am looking for a XL frame (if you have one, let me know!)and then looking to buy the components and assemble the whole bike. I have some basic knowledge of bike mechanics but will definately be on this board quite a bit to get some insight from you all.

One of my first questions is in regards to the different options that I have. I am racing so I want stuff that lasts and works in bad conditions. Do I get straight XTR components or what are some other high-performance options that are as good or better than Shimano's products?

Also, would any of you recommend that I bring the bike into a dealer for part of the assembly?

Finally, are there any good web resources on bike mechanics/bike building? If not, what books do you recommend?

This is my first effort in building a bike but I would rather do it this way so I will know how to fix it. I look forward to your responses!

GO GOPHERS!!!


i cant tell you that i wuld assemble the bike myself ( if you have the proper knowledge of assembly ) so if the bike breaks down u have no one to blame but yourself.........this is because u will not have to fight any law suits if it does break down and it is serious ( law suits are hell to fight ) and if u have the money i would get straight out hig performance, strong pieces so nothing will break so suddenly.
if you need anything email me at hdb91@hotmail.com
thanx

i cant tell you that i wuld assemble the bike myself ( if you have the proper knowledge of assembly ) so if the bike breaks down u have no one to blame but yourself.........this is because u will not have to fight any law suits if it does break down and it is serious ( law suits are hell to fight ) and if u have the money i would get straight out hig performance, strong pieces so nothing will break so suddenly.
if you need anything email me at hdb91@hotmail.com
thanx

???????????????????

Ok, the best book on the subject is probably "Zinn and the Art of Mountainbike Maintenance"... good maintenance and complete build instructions. Be sure you have the proper tools for the job as well... theres a lot of specialized bike tools out there these days.

The Park website at http://www.parktool.com has a lot of helpful info on repair and assembly.

-For components, higher end doesn't necessarily work any better under adverse conditions. I typically run an XTR rear derailleur (it came on my current bike) but I would be just as happy with an XT truthfully, and if it breaks you are out a lot less money. When I was running Deore and LX, and STX-RC I never really had any problems to speak of.

-I wouldn't get straight XTR unless you have DEEP pockets, since the XTR crankset is more that 2x what the new XT crankset costs. Also, the XTR cassette is prone to warping under hard use. The XT is stronger.

-For derailleurs you can always run SRAM X.0, which is the XTR equivalent, though you will still need a Shimano front derailleur as SRAM doesn't make one yet (at least that I've seen). If you like trigger shifters vs. the new Shimano STI, SRAM has some options for you.

-The front derailleur is the least important peice of the drive-train. All it does is mash the chain one way or another, so the difference between Deore/LX/XT/XTR is miniscule at most.

For the shop, I would definately save the wheelset if you don't have a truing stand or experience truing wheels. Even new wheels need to be trued and checked over prior to installation. I would also maybe save cables and housing for the shop, since I find that people who don't work on bikes consistently often don't know how much housing should be used, or how it should be routed. Definately pay the $10 and get the bike checked over after you build it up. They may catch something that could compromise the integrity of the bike or your safety. Brakes can also be tricky to setup if you haven't had some experience with it and know what all the adjustments are...

Actually you will probably need a shop to install the fork, since I am willing to be you don't have a headset press or a crown race setter, or a star fangled nut setter... forks and headsets can be really expensive screw ups so best to leave that to the pros unless you are REALLY confident :)

Please feel free to ask us any questions... no stupid questions (well maybe some... ;-)

i cant tell you that i wuld assemble the bike myself ( if you have the proper knowledge of assembly ) so if the bike breaks down u have no one to blame but yourself.........this is because u will not have to fight any law suits if it does break down and it is serious ( law suits are hell to fight ) and if u have the money i would get straight out hig performance, strong pieces so nothing will break so suddenly.
if you need anything email me at hdb91@hotmail.com
thanx
Y-O-U is that so hard? It's two extra keystrokes We've got rules 'round here bub one of which is we don't allow AOL'ese or net short hand. This isn't some stupid kiddie chat room so don't treat it as such.
From the Forum Guidelines http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=22263

Disruption
Posts which intend to disrupt the topic of conversation or steer the topic away from the focus of the forum and related news. Disruption can include harassment, multiple user profiles, multiple posting of the same post and posting completely off topic messages. Please do your best when it comes to grammar, punctuation and spelling. Consistent use of "AOL'ese" and "hAx0r" talk can be very disruptive.

Seely,
SRAM did make front der's at one point. They made that I know of a 7.0 and 9.0 front der. and they are making front der's now that should be available soon. B.R.A.I.N had that article in their print edition some months back.

Seely,
SRAM did make front der's at one point. They made that I know of a 7.0 and 9.0 front der. and they are making front der's now that should be available soon. B.R.A.I.N had that article in their print edition some months back.
Sweet now I cn make that all SRAM bike I've been wanting to do out of sheer boredom.

Im sorry for what I type. It wont happen again. I dont think that you understand what im talking about. Once again I apologize. I may be 14 but nothing says that I ant join this forum. I know a little bit about bikes from my cousin. Im very sorry.

WOW. Many un-called for posts here.

My opinion. Do you really want to buy a 'hot' frame off of E-Bay that doesnt have a warranty?

It would be much cheaper for you to buy the complete bike from Specialized versus building one from scratch.

bik guy666...actually because this is a privately owned forum you can be told that you cant join and your first amendment rights to freespeach arent enforceable.

It amazes me that you get your wrist slapped for using net slang but Klein doesnt get his wrist slapped for calling Mo-tay stupid. In reality Klein, if you had read and understood what he typed you'd realize he was correct. He wants to build and S-works Epic BIKE from scratch not the frame.

[QUOTE=miamijim]WOW. Many un-called for posts here.

My opinion. Do you really want to buy a 'hot' frame off of E-Bay that doesnt have a warranty?

Absolutely!


It would be much cheaper for you to buy the complete bike from Specialized versus building one from scratch.

Nope, if you are looking to save money, and you have decent mechanical skills you can buy a frame and parts from ebay for about 1/3 of what the cost would be at a bike shop. The trade off price wise is the element of risk that comes with buying from ebay. There are a lot of quality frames and components sold every day. There are also some deals that are misrepresented so you have to be careful.

So, pay 2/3 more for the bike shop and the warranty or 1/3 and do it yourself???? That's the simple equation.

Hmmm lifetime warranty verus diddly squat. Yeah that's good/

Seely,
SRAM did make front der's at one point. They made that I know of a 7.0 and 9.0 front der. and they are making front der's now that should be available soon. B.R.A.I.N had that article in their print edition some months back.

Yeah I've seen a few of the older front ders. out there, but I hadn't heard they were making anything new! Thats really cool... I'll be interested to see how it works compared to the current offerings out there...

WOW! Haven't been in this forum in a while and look at my old post! Well, just for all of your information, I built the bike up and it works just fine. The frame is sweet and I have raced it 5 times already. Granted, there was a process of fixing problems and tweaking things, but it was all worth it. I know that bike like the back of my hand. If you goto this thread (http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=42026&page=1&pp=25&highlight=s-works+scratch) you can learn more about what I have on it and what it looks like.

Also, the cost of this total project, with all the tools, came to around 4 grand. This bike would have cost me about 5500 (the way I speced it) from a LBS and I wouldn't of had all the tools.

By the way, who called me stupid?