I finally feel like I am at a place where I can actually ask a question and have it make sense. Researching bicycles has been arduous... so many numbers, variables, terms, etc. But I think I'm partly there.
I've built a few single speed and fixed gear bikes out of road frames I've bought on the cheap or had laying around. Some parts have been purchased, some have been yanked off of other junk bikes I've had around. I like building things, I build alot of recording gear... but that is another topic. So the DIY thing is appealing to me.
Anyway, after being dissatisfied with the ride, performance, weight and looks of these bikes I'm going to try to do it (almost) right this time. I say "almost" because doing it right would involve plunking down a ton of money for a complete bike. I think I have enough decent parts already to build up something pretty decent without buying a complete and having all this crap laying around.
Here's what I have / know:
--a Deep V Jalco flip flop wheel (16 tooth cog) and matching front wheel, both are 700
--A chain
--A crank and pedals from a junked bianchi road bike (40 teeth on the chainring). the brand is Sakae SA its 170mm (center of pedal to center of crank)
--I know that I fit a 57cm frame (seat tube measurement)
--bmx handbrake lever
--front brake from that bianchi junker (btw, the frame is trash, as is the stem, etc
After scratching my head for a long time, reading on here and getting frustrated. I just decided that I'm going to get a Soma Rush. I like the geometry, the weight seems low. Its fine, Its not the cheapest, but jesus I had to make a ****ing choice!!! (I'm kinda asking you here to NOT recommend another frame, heh, it took me long enough to get here)
So my shopping list should be:
the soma rush (and fork) for $429
(
http://www.bikemania.biz/Soma_Rush_T...y_somarush.htm)
I need a headset for a 1" fork... how about this Miche PRIMATO ? (
http://www.bikemania.biz/Miche_PRIMA...toheadset1.htm)
this Aheadset™ Brand 1” Headset JIS Size headset at nashbar could also work and is $14 cheaper!
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...ess%20Headsets
I need a handle bar stem... Nashbar Threadless Road Stem
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...20Road%20Stems
I need handle bars... I'm thinking something simple, dragster style that I can easily put a brake on...I'd saw these down..
http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...B%20Handlebars
I need a chainring with more teeth! Not sure what to get here....advice?
The only thing I'm missing is the bottom bracket... The Sakae crank arms have a bolt (not an allen bolt) where they mount to the spindle, there are also cups that screw into the bottom bracket with floating bearings (forgive my rudimentary explaination). I don't know the mating situation at the spindle, but I don't think it is the square piece that fits into the crank arm. Does someone know for sure or am I gonna have to take the crank arms off?
I assume that I will just buy a sealed bottom bracket and reuse my Sakae crank arms... I don't want to go with the cup and spindle system anymore (right?)
thanks in advance for your help, and advice. As you can see i'm trying to do this on the cheap and then replace from there.