mudboy

I'd like to build up my first lugged steel frame, and understandably would like to keep things fairly basic and inexpensive. I'm a big boy and would use this as a "grocery getter" frame, so I'm thinking that going oversized with straight gage or single butted cro-mo would be smart. Anyway, here's my shopping list:

Nova stamped OS lug set - $24
Columbus OS BB - $36
Nova OS Road Tubeset - $84
Rear Dropouts w/eyelet - $10
Front dropout w/eyelet - $7
Fully sloping fork crown - $19
Nova 1" threaded steerer - $9
Nova round/oval fork blades - $23
Chainstay & seatstay bridges, cable stops (2 for rear brake, 1 for rear derailleur, 2 for down tube), rack eyelets, bottle bosses - $25

Total, that comes to about $237, which seems like a lot for what are really basic materials. Are there any places that offer complete basic kits for less? Ceeway has a basic oversized kit for $260, advantage being that all of the components would work together, and it includes stuff like flux and rod...I haven't checked to see if the blades I picked would work with the fork crown, etc.

Thanks

Pete

Nessism

You might want to call Joe Bringheli, he often has some odds and ends parts laying about that he will sell for cheap. In either case Joe is a nice guy and his prices are typically as cheap or cheaper than anyone.

Regarding your listed choices, I suggest a cast lug set. It's a little more money but worth it since you will have a nicer finish and the parts fit together better. Also, my opinion but I like socked dropouts and think they are easier for a beginner.

Good luck

unterhausen

get a nova special, looks to me like you get an upgrade from those lugs for a little less money.

Live Wire 

Do this, but get the stamped lugs for practice peices.
and $237 IS pretty cheap.