Should I buy?
 

http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/f...d/SOMA0011.jpg

Frame: Black 59cm Soma Rush Track frame made using Tange Prestige Tubing
Fork: Color matched black Surly Lugged fork
Headset: Can Creek 1'' threadless
Stem: Blck Thompson Elite
Handlebars: Nitto Bullhorns
Seatpost: Forte Precision
Seat: Selle San Marco ODS Race
Crankset: Vuelta 170mm
Chainring: Sugino 46t Black
Chain: KMC Gold Z chain
Pedals: Black/Silver Demension Track pedals (New) with cages/straps
Chain Tensioners: Redline
Wheelset: Mavic CXP-22 rims laced using DT Swiss 14g spokes and nipples and Formula Hi Flange Track hubs (Fixed/Free) (Sealed Cartridge Bearings) track spec
Tires/Tubes: Kenda 700x23 (New) Continental Tubes (New)
Cog/Lockring: 15t Formula Track Cog and track Lockring


Should I buy this for 500? Anyone ever hear of a Vuelta crankset?

$500 isn't a bad price at all considering the frame/fork are about that price. I'd even say you could go more if you have to. Is the bike on a craigslist? friend? all depends on the person, but that is something worth more than $500 i'd say. Also the wheelset from what i've been reading has got great reviews from members on here. The chainring is nice (i just searched, found some on ebay for $50+shipping and as for the crankset, the only thing i could find is this:
http://www.outsideoutfitters.com/p-1...rank-arms.aspx

looks like they're pretty standard, but don't look bad IMO. I'd say they could be upgraded but aren't a downfall. Other than that i couldn't find much on the cranks but they don't look bad

If you've got the cash, do it. That's a pretty decent build, with some parts that are pretty nice (stem, bars, headset) and a wheelset that you won't have to replace to be happy with. If you ended up being unhappy with the bike, you could probably let it go for about what you paid.

OK, well. I should buy. However, is sizing an issue? I have a 34" inseam (33.9) and the standover height is 33.3... hmm.. seems like a stretch. will i fit?

Depends on the top tube. I can just barely clear my bikes standing over them, but they fit me well once I'm riding them.

The top tube is 575mm actual, 578mm effective. What does that mean, how do I size myself for it? Thanks

Do you have a bike now? Is it comfortable? Measure the distance from the center of the seat tube to the center of the head tube, parallel to the ground. This may or may not be along the top tube, depending on whether or not your bike has a sloping top tube.

If you don't have a bike, make sure you ride this one before you buy it to make sure it fits. You'll know it fits because it will be comfortable.

I don't have a bike right now. And my bike back home was a specialized stumpjumper (hybrid mountain bike). this is getting kind of complicated. im thinking i should just get this frame and adjust the seat as needed

Well, the saddle will definitely have to be adjusted for you, but try to get on the bike and ride it before you buy it. Ask the seller if you can. It's a reasonable request.

the bike isn't local

How far is it? If it's over 50 miles, that's hard to say. With gas prices nowadays, you might spend an extra $80 in gas.

way too far away. i've heard that soma rush frames run a bit small, and even if they don't my standover on paper is .7 inches, and i can compensate for the next .3 with the saddle

Change the handlebar tape ASAP. Looks like something growing under my grandmother's bed.

Just something for you to factor into your purchase. I usually don't buy anything beyond an easy drive.

well he's a member of bikeforums, and i'm protected w/ paypal. but none of this matters to me, i'm only worried about the fit.

Are you going to ride it before you buy it?