Van Dessel Full Tilt Boogie Build
 

Hi Folks,
My frame arrived on Monday! :) I purchased it used, but it is very difficult to tell that anybody ever rode it. Can't wait to build and ride it. That said, I want to make sure I make good decisions. Maybe you guys can help me with that.

Step One: I'm taking my frame to a legendary Michigan frame builder to add two pair of water bottle mounts. Neither Van Dessel or the builder have any heartburn about the procedure. I know that a hardcore cross bike typically doesn't have mounts, but I do a lot of long dirt road rides and races, so I'll need them.

Step Two: I think I'm close to finalizing my components — all but the wheels. Still kind of stumped by that.

Here's what I'm planning:
Crankset: SRAM Red 172.5mm 50/34 BB30
Rear Deraileur: SRAM Force
Front Deraileur: SRAM Force
Cassette: 12-26
Chain: SRAM PC-1071
Shifters: SRAM Red
Brakes: Avid Shorty Ultimate
Wheelset: ??? Mavic Kysrium Elite??? Need a good option for $650 or less
Tires: Michelin Mud 2
Handlebar: Ritchey Pro Evo Curve
Stem: Ritchey WCS 4-Axis
Saddle: 4ZA Stratos Black
Seatpost: FSA SL-K

Any Advice?http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=223868

yea riv-nuts are a common way to fit bosses ,cold, into a tube..

if you don't already know how to assemble the bike, from a bare frame,
have the guy, or one of the bike shops put it together for you too..

perhaps you got a co op ? to DIY within their shop, and live on site help.

Velocity A23 on Shimano hubs: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Bicycle-700x...item415cfae3ea

I have a pair from this builder. Very strong, not overly heavy, 23mm wide rim is ideal for CX bikes.

nice bike btw!

I second the A23/Shimano hubs idea. Are you interested in going tubular or tubeless? The Alpha 340 from Stan's is growing in popularity for cross. Another option would be the Major Toms from Velocity. (tubular version of A23s for the same price)

Thanks for your input. I just purchased a set of used Ksyrium SL's. I really considered Stans, but with cross season starting they are pretty much sold out on their website. I've wanted the Ksyrium's for a long time but couldn't stomach spending a K on wheels. Found a beautiful pair for about half that — so I'm happy. They've got a great reputation for being light, strong and they'll look killer with my frame. Black, red, yellow. :). Now onto the next components.

Nice job on the wheel deal. What's next for your components?

Welp, the next step is pulling the trigger on EVERYTHING else. Last night I did some measurements to compare my old bike with my new frame. It's quite a bit different. For instance, the top of the head tube is quite a bit higher than the old. And, the wheelbase is quite a bit longer — the top tube is 1 inch longer. Sooooo, I'm working on the calculations for stem size. I know I don't need the same amount of rise — probably negative, and I need 25mm less in length. It's going to be quite a bit different.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=224896http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=224897Today I took my frame in to have some water bottle mounts installed — 2 pair. They look great. Very glad I got them done and took it to a legit frame builder for the procedure. Having someone drill into a carbon frame is a little nerve racking. Anyhow, I'm getting close on my final equipment list. Hoping to start ordering gear this week.

Nice build! Looking forward to see the final. Van dessels are great bikes

Wheels are in!
 

Welp, my wheels arrived today. :D Perfect condition. As promised. Very excited.

Since my last post, my build plans have changed considerably. In fact, almost nothing is the same as previously listed.

1. Back to Shimano. I had Ultegra and Dura-Ace on my previous bike. I wanted a change, so I was spec'ing out my new bike with SRAM Red and Force. I have three hardcore cycling friends — who know way more about bikes than me. Anyhow, all three said, "Get Ultegra." The more I heard them saying it, the more foolish "I want something different" sounded. So, I'm back to Ultegra Crank, Shifters, Derailleurs

2. Bagged FSA for Ritchey WCS stuff. In addition to being great stuff, the look is a bit less "matchy-matchy" than the FSA. As you can see from my wheel picture, my bike has a good amount of "bling" as it is. So, everything's going to be pretty simple, with pops of color on the brakes, handlebars and wheels.

Hoping to get everything ordered and shipped in time to race next weekend. I'm not overly optimistic, but I'll give it a shot. :)

I dunno about 'something different' on the SRAM build. That's what my FTB is built with: mix of Force and Rival. I have SRAM components on my other 3 bikes too, so its normal for me.

Go tubular. Much mo bettah handling, etc. The stories are indeed true.

M

Sweet another FTB! "Something different" — than what I had on my previous bike. From their site, it's pretty clear that you can get them set up a variety of different ways. SRAM looks cool on the FTB for sure. Got a picture?

I hear lots of great things about tubulars — not ready yet though. I do a lot of long dirt road riding and only race cross 2-3 times a year. Probably more next year. Maybe I'll build another pair then. I do 4K of dirt roads and rail trails every year. Clinchers seem to make more sense for that.

Is this going to be used for cross racing? If so, consider a different chainring sizes - 46/36 maybe? 175mm crank arms?

Even more reason to run tubulars. No pinch flats!

Add some sealant and away you go. Secure in the knowledge that its your buddies that'll have problems.

I've gone mtn biking on my tubulars. 34c Tufo T34s. Great for that kind of riding. I was JRA and WHANG! hit a baby head rock I didn't see. Didn't flat so I didn't think much of it and kept riding.

Got home and there's a dimple in my rim!

Tire went on the replacement rim and its still in my bin o'stuff as a backup backup tubular.

M

Yep, ordered 46/36 chainrings. 172.5 crank arms though.

Ugh. Three weeks later and my parts still haven't arrived. Looks like I'm missing my last local race on Sunday. Total drag.