hybridcoolie2

I'm considering building my first bike. At the moment I ride a Windsor - The Hour, and I feel its time to move on. I want to build my own bike but I am not very certain the components I have selected will fit together.
I'm considering a Leader 725 2011 frame but I'm not sure it will mate with the Sugino BB I chose. The BB shell width is 68MM and the threading is English. Is this standard?
Also Im not sure which size headset will fit. I have tried looking at leader's site but it offered no information.
Those are my 2 main concerns. I think i will buy the parts and have my LBS assemble.
Thanks for you help!

striknein

1. English bottom brackets, also known as "British" or "BSA" are the most common type of bottom bracket you can find. While other types do exist, you won't find them very often on modern track frames. You also want to make sure the spindle length is correct for the crank you're planning to use.

2. The 725tr frame uses a low profile headset, also known as "Internal", "Zero Stack", "Semi-Integrated", etc. Cane Creek ZS-3 is a good, inexpensive option. Make sure it's 1 1/8".

BotByte

Go to your LBS and bring your parts. Tell them your looking and would like a estimate. I would highly recommend to buy the tools and learn how to fix and build your own bikes. It's cheaper in a long run. I would recommend to buy used and build up. But if you want, buy new and figure it out. If you have a good LBS, they should load you up with a good bundle of parts and a good estimate of service. Keep in mind, most service is that same as buying the tools used in that service.

hybridcoolie2

Thanks guys. You have both been very helpful. I appreciate the recommendation on the headset. I think I will go with the Cane Creek.
I have a bike maintenance guide book. So I suppose I will get the tools. I do want to learn, but I would like some guidance.
Anyways Thanks Again Guys. I do appreciate all your help and advice!!

Germanicus

Try to build as much as you can. You will have fun and can be proud of the job. Plus if you build it yourself, then you know that you can fix it. That said, the bottom bracket and headset can be a bear to tackle if you don't have the specific tools and experience.
I am actually almost done with my first build up too, and enjoyed it. The only thing I have needed the bike shop for was the headset, because it was cheaper to have done than buying the necessary tool. Now I am about to tackle the BB (which is GXP) and will try it myself. Good luck.

avner

Installing my Headset on my leader was really difficult. At the Co-Op we couldn't get it to sink in evenly. I eventually gave up on "perfect" and forced it in. Thankfully I didn't break anything.

But building your own bike is fun. I'd do it a couple times a week if I could

hybridcoolie2

By the way, can you guys recommend a good carbon fork? It doesnt have to be full carbon, but carbon/alloy, carbon/steel is welcomed.

calv

leader has a nice one to go along with it. seems like a popular choice.

yummygooey

+1

I almost want to take apart my bike again so I can put it back together.

hybridcoolie2

Yeah the carbon fork looks good.

Also, I'm considering a Sugino drive train. However, I'm not sure if the bottom bracket is compatable with the crank arms. I have selected the Sugino RD with 103 mm square taper and a Sugino 68x103 bottom bracket. I believe these are compatible, but I would like some verification before I buy. They are both 103mm square taper, is this the only specification that matters? or is there something else I need to consider?

striknein

A 68mm shell is the most common on road and track bikes. That BB is the correct one for your frame, and will mate correctly with the crankset you chose. If you plan on installing it yourself, invest in a cheap torque wrench. Crank arms are really easy to trash by over/under-tightening.

hybridcoolie2

Thanks Alot! I Will Order Right Now!!

ph4nt0mf1ng3rs

building your own is very fun. Go for it.