Joony

Hey all, I'm about to build a bike for the first time, for my brother. I will have a lot of leftover parts off my Trek 4300 for him to use after I do some upgrades on mine. All that's mainly needed are: frame, fork, headset.

I looked at pricepoint.com and these are what I like,

Sette Reken Hardtail Frame - $99.98 (Apparently it's gone onsale for $80 before)

2005 Rock Shox Judy SL U-Turn Fork - $119.98

Cane Creek S-2 Headset - $29.98

Sette APX Alloy Seatpost, 27.2mm - $19.98

Any thoughts and comments on the parts?

One issue that i'm concerned about is installing the headset, are expensive headset presses really required to install them? If so, does anyone know the general cost for the LBS to press the pieces into the fork and frame? Maybe a rubber mallet is enough?

The bottom bracket area of the frame should be pre threaded already right?

Sorry about all the newbie questions Just trying to save some money!

thomson

For you, I would recommend taking the frame/fork/headset to a bike shop for installation. It should cost $15-$20 or so. Do go to a competent one though.

Before going to the bike shop, I would get a bottom bracket and install it. If it fits well, you are all set, if the frame needs to be faced or rethreaded or anything have the bike shop do that when doing the headset. Might add $10-$15.

The only other thing where speciality tools help is ensuring the rear hanger is aligned properly. You could have the bike shop check that as well. Or you could wait until you get it all together and see if it is an issue.

Everything else is routine and can be done with a starter set of tools.

Avalanche325

A headset press can be made at home with some threaded stock and a stack of washers. There are some pictures on here if you do a search.

vw addict

Yes but then he'll have to size and cut the steerer to length, and install the crown race, and instal the star nut(both with are better done with the correct tools) I am with Thomson on this one, have a shop do it. Maybe see if you can watch and learn while they do it?

Landgolier

You should chase and face the BB shell and do all the other usual frame prep, regardless of whether the BB seems to thread in OK and stuff like that. Half the point of building your own stuff is to do stuff like this that most shops skip.