chuck1234

Hello, new here, searched for a similar post but couldn't find one-

I recently picked up a 2001 Calfee Tetra Pro for $140 at a tag sale. This bike has Campy everything, salsa seatpost and handlebars, and some other goodies that I could never afford. Unfortunately, this bike is way too small (48 cm, at 6'2'' i ride a 58 to 60cm).

What I want to do is build around the components. Find a new frame, wheelset, etc. Problem is, with the exception of a SS conversion, it's my first build.

I appreciate any advice on whatever i'm about to get myself into-

Thanks-

Chuckee

(I'll take some pictures this weekend)

rpenmanparker 

Seems to me you are doing it the easy way. Instead of staring at a bare frame and wondering what to put on it, you have all the stuff, you just need the frame. Here are some things to think about: Make sure the brifters aren't small sized for a woman or smaller man considering the size of the frame. Just something to check. Take note of what kind of FD you have, braze-on or clamp. If you have braze on, you can use either type frame (with an added clamp if the frame doesn't have a braze-on mount). But if you have a clamp FD, the clamp may not come off and you will need a clamp type frame (or a new FD). Make sure the frame has 130 mm rear dropout spacing (any modern road frame). Your BB/crank kit is almost surely threaded, so be sure any frame you buy has a threaded normal diameter BB as well. Check what kind of headset and fork the frame has, standard or integrated and threaded or threadless. Buying a new headset to match the new frame is no big deal, you just don't want to be surprised. Hmm, can't think of too much else like that.

I hate to be a pooper, but it is unlikely the cranks are long enough for you. They are likely 165 mm or 167.5 and you must take at least 175 mm. That could cause you a problem, but you should be able to turn what you have around for what you need on ebay without too much fuss.

You will likely want wider bars and a stem that fits your reach. The bars that came with the bike are likely no wider than 40 mm, while I would guess you take something like a 44. Same thing about turning them around on ebay.

So you think you have everything, but not all of it will fit you properly.

You didn't say what you are looking for in a frame. New or used. Carbon, aluminum, titanium, or steel. Compact or standard geometry. Branded or no name. And so on.

Before buying the frame and exchanging any parts, you may want to have a pro fit done. That way you would know what sizes of bar, stem, cranks, and frame you will need. Better to know before than after.

Let us hear more.

Robert

hueyhoolihan

there are a number of things to look out for, but most of all i would purchase a frame WITH the headset and fork to go with it. will eliminate many compatibility issues. look at the BB on the frame too. make sure it works with the BB you will be using.