Looking to build a complete bike....
09-30-09, 10:17 AM
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Looking to build a complete bike....
I picked up a used TREK 2.3 road frame of ebay and looking to start a build up soon. The frame came with front carbon fork. What's the first component to get/build? I'm a novice in this bike project I'm doing so maybe some good instructions/directions would greatly help. Will this frame be able to be set up as a Fixed gear/Single speed? A realistic budget of this build up will help too. Thank you in advance for the advice/assistance.
10-01-09, 12:44 AM
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cannot make into a fixie. this bike has dropouts that are too short. you might make a singlespeed. i have no idea how chain alignment will play out on that bike. check specs? youd be better off spending some money on a decent road build, thats what its for. trek 2.3 originally came with 105 components and an ultegra rear derailler. wheels look pretty basic. does the frame have a bottom bracket and headset? how much did you pay?
10-01-09, 03:16 AM
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Technically you can build up a fixed gear with vert. dropouts now using that specially designed hub, but I would echo the opinion that a regular road build would probably be more suiting.
Do you have any components laying around? Deraillers, shifters, cranks, bottom bracket?
Do you have any components laying around? Deraillers, shifters, cranks, bottom bracket?
10-01-09, 05:53 AM
#6
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When I've built bikes, I have a budget in mind when I start the build. Based on that general idea of how much I want to spend, I go out and find components that I think will help me achieve that budget. Once I've found everything, I go back and compare against my budget. Of course, I'm always overbudget at that point so I then go back and see where I can save some money. Saving money can be accomplished either by finding items on sale, trading spare parts, buying used on Ebay, or digging through my spare parts bins. The build process is highly dependent on your goals for the bike so try to get that nailed down first before buying anything else.
As has already been pointed out, you didn't buy a great frame for a fixie/singlespeed bike. You can make it work, but if you really wanted that type of bike, you'd have been much better off buying a dedicated frame with horizontal dropouts. What you bought will make a great base for a road bike though. The sky is limit with road builds. You can spend hundreds to thousands just on wheels. If you do a search, you'll find posts where people describe all of the components necessary to build a bike. Read through them and then make your own spreadsheet and start virtually assembling your bike. You'll find out how quickly the cost adds up if you buy everything new at full retail (you might regret buying a bare frame). Don't forget that you'll be needing tools to assemble that bike too.
While your first build might turn out to be way more of a money pit than you expected, you'll learn a lot about bikes in the process and hopefully come out of it with a bike that fits you perfectly and looks exactly how you'd prefer. For those of us who are really picky about things like gearing, saddles, and color schemes, a custom build is the only way to go. Here's a pic of my latest build:
https://home.comcast.net/~joejackson9...F/DSC02690.JPG
As has already been pointed out, you didn't buy a great frame for a fixie/singlespeed bike. You can make it work, but if you really wanted that type of bike, you'd have been much better off buying a dedicated frame with horizontal dropouts. What you bought will make a great base for a road bike though. The sky is limit with road builds. You can spend hundreds to thousands just on wheels. If you do a search, you'll find posts where people describe all of the components necessary to build a bike. Read through them and then make your own spreadsheet and start virtually assembling your bike. You'll find out how quickly the cost adds up if you buy everything new at full retail (you might regret buying a bare frame). Don't forget that you'll be needing tools to assemble that bike too.
While your first build might turn out to be way more of a money pit than you expected, you'll learn a lot about bikes in the process and hopefully come out of it with a bike that fits you perfectly and looks exactly how you'd prefer. For those of us who are really picky about things like gearing, saddles, and color schemes, a custom build is the only way to go. Here's a pic of my latest build:
https://home.comcast.net/~joejackson9...F/DSC02690.JPG
10-01-09, 11:02 AM
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I paid around $400.00 for the frame and front fork. That's all it came with. I don't have any parts yet. I do have a 2008 TREK 2.3 bike already and just picked up this frame to start a build up. I love the frame and wanted to possibly a simple road bike for commuting around town. What should I get first? Thank you all for the quick and informative response.
Last edited by trekdude; 10-01-09 at 11:15 AM.
10-01-09, 11:37 AM
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I'd probably buy a BD bike,
tear off all the bits, then resell frame/fork for $75.
Net cost : $625
There are cheaper ones on there if you don't mind more Tiagra, or even dip down into Sora range.
tear off all the bits, then resell frame/fork for $75.
Net cost : $625
There are cheaper ones on there if you don't mind more Tiagra, or even dip down into Sora range.
10-01-09, 12:07 PM
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I'd probably buy a BD bike,
tear off all the bits, then resell frame/fork for $75.
Net cost : $625
There are cheaper ones on there if you don't mind more Tiagra, or even dip down into Sora range.
tear off all the bits, then resell frame/fork for $75.
Net cost : $625
There are cheaper ones on there if you don't mind more Tiagra, or even dip down into Sora range.
Even better components than the Trek came with originally.
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Stuart Black
Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
Gold Fever Three days of dirt in Colorado
Pokin' around the Poconos A cold ride around Lake Erie
Dinosaurs in Colorado A mountain bike guide to the Purgatory Canyon dinosaur trackway
Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
10-01-09, 12:12 PM
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PBK had a black 105 groupset for $819 and includes RS-20 wheelset!!
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=a0554
https://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=a0554
10-01-09, 12:48 PM
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Here are the parts you need to get with a reasonable price range for decent stuff(used prices on ebay for some stuff) where you can find it:
Seatpost- Must match your frame- $25-100+
Headset-threadless 1 1/8"-$30-100+
Stem- Decide if you want Oversize Bars or standard- $25-100+
Handlebars- Skys the limit here- make sure you get a stem that will fit the bar's clamp diameter- $30-200+
Bottom bracket-English Thread- Spindle length will depend on whether you want a single double or triple crank, or ISO if you want- $30-100+
Wheelset-Make sure the rear axle spacing will fit your frameset, and that the freehub will support the number of rear cogs you want. $80-500+
Cassette- $30-100+
Crank-$40-200+ should match you Bottom Bracket
Chainrings-$20-60+ per chainring- if not on your crank already
Chainring Bolts- $15- for alloy
Brakes, levers, cables- Levers Depends on the handlebars you chose- Could be aero, brifters, bartop, barend- Price ranges wildly here you can get it done for $50-300+ for brakes, levers and cables
Shift levers- If not on your brifters, decide on Downtube or bar-end- $20-100+
shifter Cables- $15 for 2
Front Derailleur- How many chainrings are you running? how big are your chainrings? $30-200+
rear Deraileur- Wide Range or choices- Decide how many speeds you want in back and get a derailleur meant to cover that range- $35-200+
Saddle- $40-200+
Chain- $20-50+
Tires- $25+ each
Tubes-$5 each
Bar tape or Grips- $15+
That will put your basic road bike together. Of course prices can be dramatically higher than those quoted for some serious parts, but you can get decent quality used components for the prices I quoted if you shop around. Certain things like cables, chains, Grips, tires and tubes should be new parts.
if you want to put a single speed together you can scrap both derailleurs, the shift levers and cassette. Make sure you get a single crank and an appropriate Bottom Bracket for a good chainline, and I would recommend flip flop track wheels with a single speed freewheel because they dont have a drive side dish to worry about. Add a chain tensioner in back and you will be good to go.
I could get that together as a decent single for about $300 more than what you've already put in with some creative shopping. For a road bike I'd say probably $400 more.
Dont forget you will need acess to a bunch of tools that are not in your standard garage. Many communities have co-op bike repair facilites with tools you can use for a fee, and there is a mechanic on site to help with quetions. Check into it.
Also for other instructions you can check out Sheldon Brown-He has an article for just about everything bike related
Seatpost- Must match your frame- $25-100+
Headset-threadless 1 1/8"-$30-100+
Stem- Decide if you want Oversize Bars or standard- $25-100+
Handlebars- Skys the limit here- make sure you get a stem that will fit the bar's clamp diameter- $30-200+
Bottom bracket-English Thread- Spindle length will depend on whether you want a single double or triple crank, or ISO if you want- $30-100+
Wheelset-Make sure the rear axle spacing will fit your frameset, and that the freehub will support the number of rear cogs you want. $80-500+
Cassette- $30-100+
Crank-$40-200+ should match you Bottom Bracket
Chainrings-$20-60+ per chainring- if not on your crank already
Chainring Bolts- $15- for alloy
Brakes, levers, cables- Levers Depends on the handlebars you chose- Could be aero, brifters, bartop, barend- Price ranges wildly here you can get it done for $50-300+ for brakes, levers and cables
Shift levers- If not on your brifters, decide on Downtube or bar-end- $20-100+
shifter Cables- $15 for 2
Front Derailleur- How many chainrings are you running? how big are your chainrings? $30-200+
rear Deraileur- Wide Range or choices- Decide how many speeds you want in back and get a derailleur meant to cover that range- $35-200+
Saddle- $40-200+
Chain- $20-50+
Tires- $25+ each
Tubes-$5 each
Bar tape or Grips- $15+
That will put your basic road bike together. Of course prices can be dramatically higher than those quoted for some serious parts, but you can get decent quality used components for the prices I quoted if you shop around. Certain things like cables, chains, Grips, tires and tubes should be new parts.
if you want to put a single speed together you can scrap both derailleurs, the shift levers and cassette. Make sure you get a single crank and an appropriate Bottom Bracket for a good chainline, and I would recommend flip flop track wheels with a single speed freewheel because they dont have a drive side dish to worry about. Add a chain tensioner in back and you will be good to go.
I could get that together as a decent single for about $300 more than what you've already put in with some creative shopping. For a road bike I'd say probably $400 more.
Dont forget you will need acess to a bunch of tools that are not in your standard garage. Many communities have co-op bike repair facilites with tools you can use for a fee, and there is a mechanic on site to help with quetions. Check into it.
Also for other instructions you can check out Sheldon Brown-He has an article for just about everything bike related
Last edited by sooprvylyn; 10-01-09 at 12:55 PM.
10-01-09, 12:57 PM
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I'd probably do the same except the Windsor Falkirk or Windsor Knight would be better deals. Ultegra level instead of Tiagra for just a bit more. Even better components than the Trek came with originally.
Even better components than the Trek came with originally.I'm guessing low-dough, low-bling might be preferable to the OP, but that's just a guess.
10-01-09, 03:03 PM
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Here are the parts you need to get with a reasonable price range for decent stuff(used prices on ebay for some stuff) where you can find it:
Seatpost- Must match your frame- $25-100+
Headset-threadless 1 1/8"-$30-100+
Stem- Decide if you want Oversize Bars or standard- $25-100+
Handlebars- Skys the limit here- make sure you get a stem that will fit the bar's clamp diameter- $30-200+
Bottom bracket-English Thread- Spindle length will depend on whether you want a single double or triple crank, or ISO if you want- $30-100+
Wheelset-Make sure the rear axle spacing will fit your frameset, and that the freehub will support the number of rear cogs you want. $80-500+
Cassette- $30-100+
Crank-$40-200+ should match you Bottom Bracket
Chainrings-$20-60+ per chainring- if not on your crank already
Chainring Bolts- $15- for alloy
Brakes, levers, cables- Levers Depends on the handlebars you chose- Could be aero, brifters, bartop, barend- Price ranges wildly here you can get it done for $50-300+ for brakes, levers and cables
Shift levers- If not on your brifters, decide on Downtube or bar-end- $20-100+
shifter Cables- $15 for 2
Front Derailleur- How many chainrings are you running? how big are your chainrings? $30-200+
rear Deraileur- Wide Range or choices- Decide how many speeds you want in back and get a derailleur meant to cover that range- $35-200+
Saddle- $40-200+
Chain- $20-50+
Tires- $25+ each
Tubes-$5 each
Bar tape or Grips- $15+
That will put your basic road bike together. Of course prices can be dramatically higher than those quoted for some serious parts, but you can get decent quality used components for the prices I quoted if you shop around. Certain things like cables, chains, Grips, tires and tubes should be new parts.
if you want to put a single speed together you can scrap both derailleurs, the shift levers and cassette. Make sure you get a single crank and an appropriate Bottom Bracket for a good chainline, and I would recommend flip flop track wheels with a single speed freewheel because they dont have a drive side dish to worry about. Add a chain tensioner in back and you will be good to go.
I could get that together as a decent single for about $300 more than what you've already put in with some creative shopping. For a road bike I'd say probably $400 more.
Dont forget you will need acess to a bunch of tools that are not in your standard garage. Many communities have co-op bike repair facilites with tools you can use for a fee, and there is a mechanic on site to help with quetions. Check into it.
Also for other instructions you can check out Sheldon Brown-He has an article for just about everything bike related
Seatpost- Must match your frame- $25-100+
Headset-threadless 1 1/8"-$30-100+
Stem- Decide if you want Oversize Bars or standard- $25-100+
Handlebars- Skys the limit here- make sure you get a stem that will fit the bar's clamp diameter- $30-200+
Bottom bracket-English Thread- Spindle length will depend on whether you want a single double or triple crank, or ISO if you want- $30-100+
Wheelset-Make sure the rear axle spacing will fit your frameset, and that the freehub will support the number of rear cogs you want. $80-500+
Cassette- $30-100+
Crank-$40-200+ should match you Bottom Bracket
Chainrings-$20-60+ per chainring- if not on your crank already
Chainring Bolts- $15- for alloy
Brakes, levers, cables- Levers Depends on the handlebars you chose- Could be aero, brifters, bartop, barend- Price ranges wildly here you can get it done for $50-300+ for brakes, levers and cables
Shift levers- If not on your brifters, decide on Downtube or bar-end- $20-100+
shifter Cables- $15 for 2
Front Derailleur- How many chainrings are you running? how big are your chainrings? $30-200+
rear Deraileur- Wide Range or choices- Decide how many speeds you want in back and get a derailleur meant to cover that range- $35-200+
Saddle- $40-200+
Chain- $20-50+
Tires- $25+ each
Tubes-$5 each
Bar tape or Grips- $15+
That will put your basic road bike together. Of course prices can be dramatically higher than those quoted for some serious parts, but you can get decent quality used components for the prices I quoted if you shop around. Certain things like cables, chains, Grips, tires and tubes should be new parts.
if you want to put a single speed together you can scrap both derailleurs, the shift levers and cassette. Make sure you get a single crank and an appropriate Bottom Bracket for a good chainline, and I would recommend flip flop track wheels with a single speed freewheel because they dont have a drive side dish to worry about. Add a chain tensioner in back and you will be good to go.
I could get that together as a decent single for about $300 more than what you've already put in with some creative shopping. For a road bike I'd say probably $400 more.
Dont forget you will need acess to a bunch of tools that are not in your standard garage. Many communities have co-op bike repair facilites with tools you can use for a fee, and there is a mechanic on site to help with quetions. Check into it.
Also for other instructions you can check out Sheldon Brown-He has an article for just about everything bike related
10-01-09, 05:31 PM
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1.) I just used a Falkirk as a donor bike. Brilliant deal. Anyone want to buy a 60 cm Kinesis frame? Fetching yellow saddle?
2.) Austin is quite hilly, particularly west of town. Go for the triple.
2.) Austin is quite hilly, particularly west of town. Go for the triple.
