Building a bike from scratch, input please...
 

So I sold my Felt B16 in order to build a bike from the frame up. I've still got my Orbea I can ride through the winter but this is my chance to really learn the mechanics of the bike. I'm going to spend the next several months building the bike slowly, piece by piece.I have a carbon frame and I already installed the brakes (Campi Record). I'm going to do the stem next, followed by handlebars. Do you guys have any stems you would recommend and why?
I'll continue to seek input as I move on from one part to the next. This should be fun. Thanks!

I like to get a cheap stem or two to experiment with fit, if not simply duplicating the fit of my last bike. Then get a nicer one, mostly based on appearance matching the rest of the bike. This isn't a place I like to gram count (well, maybe just a little), but as for vanity spending, it is relatively cheap bling.

Archives* in other sections of this forum already read , Yet, on building up bikes?


there are plenty already ..





* see bottom of page , where it says 'archive' ..




./.

I would choose your drivetrain sooner than later. Get the appropriate bottom bracket and crankset and the necessary tools, and also get the matching cassette and derailleurs first. Installing them is SUPER easy and quick, and then you can put the wheels and chain on and you'll feel like you practically have a bike already.

It isn't all that hard to build a bike, and even if you're a noob it won't take you all winter. If I had all the parts on hand I could do a frame-up build in just a couple hours. Wrapping the bars and running the cables takes longer than pretty much anything else lol.

Thanks for all the input. My plan to stretch out the build time is based on my plan to spread out the cost. I could easily do it in a day or two if I wanted, but I'm going to take time to buy all the parts. And I agree, I think the cables and bars are definitely going to take the longest.

Possibly the single biggest build issue is bottom bracket installation. Fork lower crown is next but as you state you've already installed the brakes I'll assume the fork is installed with headset, etc...

If the bottom bracket is BSA threaded then installation is easy. If press in, maybe a trip to an LBS to get it installed would be cheaper then buying a Park press tool and parts, or cobbling together a home made press.

Then the rest of it is easy. Ditto the idea of a few stems, or mail order a few different sizes and then return what doesn't fit.

I'm partial to Ritchey aluminum stems, bars and seatposts. Nicely built, good looking and functional. I'm a Clyde so don't try to save weight on these items with carbon.

Wouldn't you want to get the fit dialed in before purchasing the stem? I would choose my drivetrain next so I would know what bottom bracket I need and purchase and install that next.

Sometimes dialing in the fit involves changing stem lengths and angle. This is why shops typically allow a swap to a different stem for use to determine fit. If doing mail-order, the option is to purchase add'l stems in various sizes, then
return what doesn't fit.

Loving the input guys. Going to take the advice and do the bottom bracket/crankset first. The frame calls for a 68mm BB, which is proving to be a little more difficult to find than some of the more common sizes. I was hoping to stay with Campi for most of the components but might not be able to for the BB.

You ought to ask for this advice over in the Bike Maintenance forum. There are some really good Wrenches, and others who know a hell of a lot about building and maintaining bicycles.

Dan

Good call Dan. I'll hit them up for some info too.

Here's an update to this post. I've added all the drivetrain stuff (minus the cassette which is due in in about a week), and the rims (tubes/tires also coming in a week). Cockpit setup is coming next. Decided to follow all the advice of you guys in this thread. Thanks!