Building my first SS
 

UPDATE: Well, it's been a month or so and I've gotten a few parts in addition to the frame/fork. Below is an updated list of parts for the build. Black is stuff I've already purchased, red is stuff that I've decided on but haven't bought yet. Will try and post a few pics of the progress later.

Frame: Leader 722TS 61cm
Fork/Headset: Leader S803 / Cane Creek 40 Series
Crankset/Bottom Bracket: Sugino Messenger / Sugnio BB
Pedals: Odyssey Twisted Pedals w/ Retrogression Straps
Drivetrain/Cog/Chainring/Chain: 48t Chainring
Handlebars/Stem: Fyxation Bullhorns / Thomson Elite 25.4 (100mm)
Saddle/Seatpost: Fyxation Classic Leather Saddle/ Kalloy Uno Seatpost
Brakes/Levers: Dia Compe BRA-100/Dia Compe Gran Compe Shot lever
Front Wheel/Hub/Tire: Velocity Deep V / Formula hub / 25c Gator Hardshell tire
Rear Wheel/Hub/Tire: Velocity Deep V / Formula hub / 28c Gator Hardshell tire

What kind of overall budget are you looking at?

Don't have a set budget, since I know I'll be spreading things out over at least a few months. That being said, I'm not looking to build a top of the line bike, or a piece of crap. I guess if I could keep the entire bike at or under $1,000 I'd be happy. When I originally thought I was going to buy a complete bike I had budgeted about $500. I hear building usually costs twice as much, so I'm prepared for $1,000.

That sounds reasonable. Are you thinking black or silver components?

I'd like black as much as possible. I love the raw/black look.

I was happy with my S300 Courier Cranks on my 722. I've also been happy with my Omniums. Honestly, any of the cranks at retro-gression would be fine.

For other components, I'd recommend you look around the "Post your SSFG Photos" thread on here and on Pedalroom.com and see what type of components other people run and like. I don't want to tell you all the parts you should buy for your bike because then it would just end up looking like my raw 722.

Will probably go with the Courier just cause of the price difference.

You were asking about S2C wheelsets in your other thread. I'm having a hard time finding complete wheelsets with that rear hub, but of what velomine.com offers, I'd go with the Weinmann DP18s over the Alexrims ones. The front hub is better on the Weinmanns(sealed cartridge bearings), and they're better rims than the Alexrims. Additionally, the tires that come on the Alexrims are too big(38C) for your frame/fork so they'd be useless for this build. Is there a particular reason you're set on using a 2-speed hub and just going standard single speed?

I wouldn't say I'm 100% decided on the S2C, but the concept of the kick back 2 speed intrigues me. I only found out about it yesterday while at my LBS, and will definitely want to ride one before buying it. I'm also not dead set on buying a complete wheel. It would be more work, but if I can get better components for a comparable price I can buy the hub and rim separate and put it together.

Honestly, you'll be hard pressed to find all the wheelbuilding components for cheaper than a standard wheelset from velomine. Additionally, wheelbuilding isn't just putting parts together and calling it good, it's definitely a skill. I'd hate to discourage you from DIY, it's just not really practical for most normal riders with a mid-end budget.

I'd definitely want to ride the S2C before buying a wheelset with it. It's a rather heavy wheel, the cog isn't standard threading(as far as I can tell) and thus isn't easily replacable, and lastly, it adds a level of complication that may not really be necessary for you. Just something to think about.

That being said, if you do decide you want to build your own wheels, the book "The Art of Wheelbuilding" seems to be the go-to book.

Spokes and nipples?

If I decide to go the traditional SS hub route, any suggestions on hubs and/or rims?

http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...ath=87_172_173
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...ath=87_172_176
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...ath=87_172_178
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...ath=87_172_175

Any of the above would be fine for you. Since you're planning on running SS, you should run front and rear brakes, so you'll want a wheelset that has a machined sidewall(MSW) or is anodized.

I read this as:

Some of the sets look almost identical to me. For example, what's the difference between these two?

http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...oducts_id=1843
http://www.velomine.com/index.php?ma...roducts_id=356

Lol, that's probably a more accurate way of putting it.

The more expensive one has black spoke nipples, that's the only difference I see.

What about tires? What's the widest tire I can fit? I think I'd prefer a wider tire.

I believe the frame will fit a 32C, but the fork is limited to a 28C. 28C should be fine for you.

As for which tires to get, this thread talks about some people's preferences: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread...he-tire-thread. There have been countless number of threads regarding it though, just search and find some more.

Mavic Open Pro vs Velocity Deep V?

I'd personally go with the Velocity wheels as I've been happy with mine. Plenty of people are happy with their Mavics too. Six one, half dozen the other.

Seems like the biggest difference is the look, and I can't decide which I prefer.

Since Retrogression only sells the Dia Compe BRA-100 brakes, should I assume that's a good choice?

dood...if you know so little about bikes that you can not make any decision without seeking approval from strangers you meet online

you should either cancel your frame order & go buy that torker to get the kickback hub & wide tires you seem to like; or just set a budget & ask ddeadserious to handle sourcing all your parts if he is willing

good luck...

No need to be an ass, "dood". It's not that I don't know about bikes, it's that I don't know about the particular brands when it comes to components. If you don't have anything productive to say, then just go ahead and stay away from the thread.