Loofah

Alright, this has been a loooong process. I have been slowly collecting parts for a build up of a Steelwool Tweed primarily used as an urban bike: commuting, trips to the shop/bar, fitness etc. I only have a older aluminum Gary Fisher Taikai that I have upgraded over the years, so I might even use this new bike for non-competitive triathlons (not primary purpose).

I am pretty confused about putting together my drivetrain. What are the candidates with regards to components/groups? I think I will probably be looking at Shimano 105 or LX level stuff. I think I want to do a double front crankset and was looking at the Sugino Alpina or XD700 (they are 48t and 34t).

I am going to be using Paul cantilever brakes for now and will mount racks and fenders and use bar-end type shifters

What sort of derailleurs and cassette should I be looking at? What confuses me is the choice between mountain and road components and the whole 8/9/10 speed thing. I would be happy with either 8/9/10 speed.

I am looking at wheels/hubs and looking at Velocity Synergy rims or the Mavic Open Pros from Bicycle warehouse. Does the choice of a mountain hub exclude the use of road (105) parts and vice versa?

What kind of gearing should I look at for the back? I live in Charlotte--moderately flat but ride in Asheville a goodly amount--pretty hilly.

I am sorry for being so clueless, and I appreciate and guidance. I just want long lasting, great shifting parts with little futzing with them.

tatfiend 

On Shimano components the cable pull to derailleur movement is the same for both MTB and road derailleurs so you can mix and match. The exception is older pre 9 speed Dura Ace. Choice of rear derailleur should be based on overall tooth count difference and maximum size rear sprocket size. If the largest rear sprocket is over 26 or 28 teeth then use a MTB rear derailleur as I understand things. Shimano lists the recommended maximum rear cog size and number of llinks takeup capacity for their rear derailleurs. For the front choose a compact drive dual ring road derailleur I believe.

So far as I know any 8 or 9 speed rear Shimano rear wheel should be able to mount most Shimano or SRAM 8, 9 or 10 speed casettes. Again exceptions as some older 10 speed Shimano casettes used a deeper spline for early 10 speed Dura Ace 10 speed aluminum rear hubs from what I have read.

I have a Steelwool Tweed frame but built it up as a drop bar IGH bike using the Shimano Alfine hub.