Brushy

Stupid? Meh, I like building stuff a lot.

And I tore my ACL last season and had reconstruction in January, so I'm laid up for the rest of the summer, and I thought what better way than to research, acquire and build a mountain bike! It'll keep me distracted and motivated while I'm stuck inside...

So, last year, before injury, I had pretty much decided on the bike I wanted - a Santa Cruz Superlight (or Juliana). I'm pretty much still decided on that frame, so now my question is: how do I learn about the other parts so I can choose what to put it all together with?

Also, what about buying used parts (shocks, forks, brakes, etc...)?

Thanks so much, and expect some more posts from me as this project moves along and I start saying the eff word a lot more

mx_599

learn about parts from hanging around here. used parts are fine if it is reliable source I guess

ask more specific questions regarding part selection. people would love to spend other peoples money on here. I could rattle off a bunch of parts I think you should buy...

Brushy

haha right on! Rattle away!

I guess first of all, I'm not sure what brands to go check out for all the different parts?

Also, how do I know how much travel I want in my fork/shock?

Also also, what does the size of the brake rotors mean/do?

Also also also, what would be helpful would be to have a list of all the different parts I'll need to research... Is there a link for all the parts of a bike?

Thanks eh!

mx_599

how tall are you? how much do you weigh? this could help in choosing brake sizes and taken into consideration for suspension too

should be a sweet bike.

why not use the recommended travel for the frame?

do you want top of line stuff? we really need to know that. it will cut out all the chatter and help everyone here to narrow their search. or do you want quality, budget parts? do you want light weight?

Brushy

I'm 5'3.5" and weigh 135 (all muscle ).

The frame says travel between 100 and 120, but I'm not sure what the differences within that range would mean?

I'd say not super top of the line, but definitely not crap. I'd lean toward lighter stuff as long as it isn't more delicate or insanely expensive. But exceedingly heavy stuff need not apply.

mx_599

i would go with light stuff at your weight. do you want more precise handling? or more point and shoot?

also, at your weight you could get away with less travel vs someone at 180.

what is the head angle on that frame? is it steep? average? slack? that might help us recommend a fork as well.

what is the rear travel?

maybe copy and paste frame specs here. i am too lazy to go look.

what type of riding? awesome XC? or lame all mountain?

I am leaning towards the 100mm travel, definitely do not think 120 is better just because it is longer. it would help if we knew answers to some of the above questions

Brushy

I'm not sure what you mean by precise handling/point and shoot? Please elaborate

Geometry of a small superlight based on a 471mm fork =
top tube: 21.8"
head tube: 3.5"
head tube: 71 degrees
seat tube: 16.3"
seat tube: 74 degrees
wheelbase: 41"
chainstay: 16.7"
bb height: 12.3"
standover: 27.9"
headset: 1.125"
seatpost diameter: 30.9mm

Rear shock is Float R or Float RP23. From the site: Size small Superlights use a 6.5” x 1.5” (165x38mm)
The shock mounting hardware for all frame sizes is 22mm wide with an 8mm through hole.

And yes, awesome XC. I want to go as fast as I can on windy singletrack. I want to be like a blur in the forest...

mx_599

check back later tonight...

maybe someone else will jump in? lazy b'tards

mx_599

I am leaning towards a small frame with 100mm fork. I am leaning towards light air 100mm fork regardless of frame.

some more questions:

Inseam? ( measure it good, not half-ass. Take a book or similar object of choice and firmly snug it level in crotch and measure from top to floor in bare feet. This will help us size your bike. for instance, I am the same size as you but I would wager my inseam is more. I am close 30 inches which I believe is quite a bit for my height which leads me to believe my torso must be shorter.)

Do you want the bike to climb well? I suspect you want quick handling that will climb well. You can also adjust final bike attitude with sag...but I really think a light 100mm fork is best. There are more options in 100 size. Maybe look at Magura , fox, manitou, or rock shox...they're all pretty good. I honestly cant say I have used all though. I do have the Fox and it has been good to me. I would shoot for a light weight fork though.

I think you should shoot for all light parts within the limits of what you want to spend.

160mm brakes front and back will be plenty.

not sure if I am missing something? difference between small Juliana and Superlight is pretty much nothing except a fraction of inch on seat tube??

mx_599

please consider grip shifts as well.

you might as well go all the way and build your own wheels too.