Need Help Spec-ing Out First Build
I'm fed up with my junky fixed road conversion and have finally scraped the money together to start a build. I have a few components picked out, but I need help deciding where my money is best spent for high-end stuff and where mediocre will do. Basically, I know just enough to know how much I don't know...As a caveat, I live in New York City and this bike will take a beating--curbs, potholes, and general trying to stay alive stuff...I want everything black too.
Frame: I ordered a 57 cm Spicer Steel Track Frame/Fork. This is the closeout black over red deal. Same frame as a khs flite.
Wheels/hubs: Edit: Went with formula high flange fix/fix laced 3x to deep v's (machined front, non machined back) with dt swiss db spokes and brass nipples. handbuilt from superspokes.com for $250
Bars: NItto B123 or b123 aluminum. The weight difference seems worth the cost, but how do the aluminum nittos feel? Flexy? Lose their shape easily? Considering deda pista as well
Cranks: Lost here. Everyone and their mother recommends Sugino 75, but $$$. Anything a little lower (in all black) that does the job? Or is it worth it to just spend the money up front here as it seems lots of people end up upgrading to the 75 anyway? Zen Messenger chainring any good (for $30 less than 75 ring)?
BB: Completely lost. Sugino "recommends" the 75 bb if i go with 75, but is it necessary? what am I really gaining by spending the extra money? Basically, what's better/what are the benefits of the higher end BB's? What's a good, solid middle of the line?
Headset: I figure this probably isn't a place I should spend a lot of money. FSA Orbit, Cane Creek, Aheadset, etc, which do I go with (1 in threadless)? What are the benefits of a higher end headset besides the longevity of the Kings?
Stem: No idea. Probably something cheap to start out with until I find the right angle and length. any recommendations for solid black threadless stems?
Seatpost: Black, long, 26.8. Doesn't seem like a place I should spend a lot of money...although the miche primato is sexy as hell...anything stick out in the $40 or under range?
Saddle: Trying to pick up a selle italia slr off ebay. Does the gel do much for comfort? What about the center cutout to "relieve genital pressure"?
Pedals: Sylvans, mks clips, straps (anybody find black double straps for cheap anywhere?)
Cogs/Lockring: Don't want to cheap it here, but is there really much difference between an EAI, Phil Wood, Surly, and Dura-Ace cog or lock ring? I've seen the DA cogs for around $20 or less and the lock rings for $10ish. Seems weird that even a Surly is more than a DA.
Chain: Anything specific?
Brake: Any recomendations on a very small, black sidepull for the front?
Tires: Solid street tire recommendation that's not gonna kill me on price?
Thanks for your help.
Last edited by bitpartinyrlife; 09-29-06 at 05:01 PM.