order of "build" purchases
 

before i get too involved in my 1st build, i have a few basic questions for those of you who have completed your own roadie build (esp. those of you who aren't mechanics).

some info fwiw;

i'd prefer sram rival or lower level campy derailleurs/brifters (i've got shimano on my other bike now...i'd just like to try something different). i'd like an 11-28 cassette and std dbl crank. i plan to have 2 wheelsets for this build....a paved and unpaved road set....so i'll need 57mm reach calipers (since i'm almost positive i'm going with a road frame instead of cx).

- have you discovered an order or priority of parts/components that makes for an easier, cost-effective, efficient build? (after you have your frame/fork). OR, is it best to just buy based upon availability/price?

- what are the pro's/con's of going with 9 vs. 10 spd (other than availability of parts)?

- do you have a fave vendor list?



i may edit this as more questions come up.


thank you in advance for your help!

I believe that neither Campy nor SRAM makes 9 sp. SRAM never made a road group in 9. You have to go down to Sora in Shimano to get a 9 sp group. Personally, I prefer 9 sp over 10. It's easier to tune and the chains are a lot cheaper.

Tim

The 2008 Tiagra group is a 9 speed.

I thought Tiagra went 10 for 2008.

IMO, 8 and 9 are less finicky than 10 sp. Problem is all the mfg's are forcing 10 on the consumers. It's just a matter of time before road bikes adapt 135mm spacing for the rear. Then they'll try to squeeze 12 or 13 cogs on an extended cassette hub body.

The roadies will love it. Just imagine an 11/23 straight block.

Tim

If you are quick- you should be able to get a 9 Speed group set being sold off "Cheap". Shimano are going 10 speed on all except Sora for 2008- but A 9 speed 105 or Ultegra would have better components than Sora. But what is a Group set? Expensive as a one time purchase.

10 speed will give you better availability for spares in years to come- but I think 9 will be available for some a long time. I have 8 speed Sora and 10 speed ultegra and the only difference I note is in the Closer ratios of the 10 speed. Far nicer to ride in my opinion.

Crankset is where you can save a lot- or spend a fortune. Plenty of other manufacturers about that may be better or cheaper. Quality is another matter and cheap normally means heavy.

For wheels- Look at the cheaper handbuilt wheels. They are quality- even at the cheap end of the range of 105 hubs-36 spokes and Mavic rims. They will be better than a lot of off the shelf "Branded" wheels at a far more expensive price.

Then you start the real problem. All the anciliaries- Seat stem- bars- saddle- Bar stem etc.

Building up from a bare frame is going to be expensive. Far better and cheaper to get a Last years model bike at a Discounted price and will give you a better ride overall. But If I were going to get another bike- I would go this route. Remember that the frame is the heart of the bike and the better it is- The better the bike will be.

Good luck.

thanks for the tips.

indeed. this project is a labor of love. it'll cost a lot....but i'll take my time and take the deals when i can find them. heck, i've even got a few parts off my old db that i can trade (e.g. 'like-new' alex rims with shimano hubs and 26x2[something] kenda tires, etc.) if i come across anyone in the market.

heavy is ok. this will be my weather/rough road bike. after this build, i think i'll start on a "real" roadie build. i see one can get a habanero ti frame for under $900.

already a technical question....

which is better to use for 28.6 cm o.d. seat tube.....problemsolver universal derailleur clamps or just use shims with the clamp that comes with the fd?

Do you have a frame picked out?

frankly, i'd prefer 8 or 9 speed functionally. 10 cogs are more than i need on my current roadie.

unfortunately, i also would prefer to not have thumb shifters.....as i shop around....i see that's going to be an expensive "preference."

This is why I decided to "standardize on Ultegra for both of my builds - just the lower cost (PBK had an incredible deal), popularity of parts and quality.

I had a great deal of help on both Bianchi and Merlin builds...here are the threads:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...=1#post4074333

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=305019

maybe soma smootie, maybe surly pacer, maybe voodoo rada (if i can find it), maybe salsa casseroll.



leaning towards the soma because i can get the frame and an ird mosaic 57 carbon fork for $400.

The 2008 Tiagra is 9 speed. This I know cause my Kona Jake is a 9 speed Tiagra.

http://bike.shimano.com/catalog/cycl...=1192665880131