To build a Bike - Progress report

[SloMoJo]

A couple of the guys asked me to post progress on my first bike building project. I finally got started last Thursday and made some progress and learned a number of things already.

My basic goals were:
1) Learn about working on my bike .
2) Invest @ $1,500 to build a nice FS XC\fun bike worth @$2,000.
3) buy some tools along the way to maintain my bike.

Only the first goal am I'm confident I am actually achieving. :)

Anyway fist step was picking a frame. I choose this 3 month old used 2002 Titus Loco-Moto frame. Bought from a nice guy in Canada for $825. He included a Manitou front shock and cables as well. that's a lot of dough, but I was real impressed with the frame when it arrived.

[SloMoJo]

Most of the parts I bought on e-bay. I spent a lot of time on mtbreview.com and other sites learning about diff components and general bike repair.

This bike thing is about personal tastes, so I doubt anyone would do things just like I did.

Anyway, some of the componets are Mavic disc wheels, SRAM esp 9.0 shifters and rear derailer. Sram cassette and chain. Race face prodigy crankset. Avid disc brakes coming.
Certainly, more bike than my skills, but something I could be happy with for a few years.

It really is fun getting a few tools, taking a bike apart and putting back together. I did learn many things fixing recent breakage on my present KHS bike.

Anyway, some of the lessons I have learned recently are:
1. I bought a top pull front derailer, but did not realize I needed bottom swing type. Fortunately for me, that item I got from the bike shop and they will replace. Lesson learned is read the manufacturer specs closely and bring them to the LBS with you.

2. I got the same bottom bracket the previous owner used, but the chain line is not right. Probably cuz I have all diff components. I'll need to try a 110mm rather than 113mm.

3. Thought I would use the seatpost collar of old bike.. no fit.

Here's a shot of where I'm at as of today.

[MMcG]

SloMo.....that is a sharp looking frame.....just curiuos as to the size seeing the photo of the bike with the seat all the way down like that.

A LocoMoto with front fork at that price is a great deal BTW, IMO.

Cheers,

Mark

[SloMoJo]

Hey Mark,
Thanks!

That frame is a medium. Titus seems to run a little different than others. I call Titus and asked them the proper size for me at 5' 11" 200lbs, and they recommended a medium. The previous owner was my size and claimed it fit well.

It's hard to tell for sure until I get the seatpost collar, tomorrow. The 2 piece topbar with a dip makes it seem smaller than the KHS which had that tall crossbar. At this point, I certainly hope it fits right, eh?

[MMcG]

Should be a great fit SloMo....I forgot you didn't have anything to hold the seatpost up with. My mistake.

I'm slightly jealous though that's for sure.

Take care,

Mark

[splat]

SLoMoJo ( Greg ) I have a BB-UN52 that was too Small for my Giant i think it is a 110 , I'll bring it to work tommorow.

[SloMoJo]

Cool!
Thanks buddy.

[splat]

Do you have the Bottom Backet tool ?

I'll Bring mine

[SloMoJo]

Even the bike shop ordered the wrong front derailer today!
They ordered a compact style versus a classic style. Brother...I never realized there were so many flavors of fricken front derailers!

On a positive note, the change to a 110mm bottom bracket put the chain line right. Got a seat collar so now I can start to fit. Tonight, I'll start to cable the rear derailer.

[SloMoJo]

Little update on the bike project.

The front derailer finally arrived today. It took the shop mechanic to call Titus to get the order right. Is this a strange derailer type?

[SloMoJo]

I installed tonight, and working like a charm. Notice a gouch where the previous owner installed the derailer improperly.

[SloMoJo]

Got a great e-bay deal on the SRAM esp SL stuff. I did not plan to go that nice, but the price was right. $40.

[SloMoJo]

I may have paid another $30-$40 for the shifter set.

[SloMoJo]

So this is where I am at as of tonight. Nearly done, but waiting on the Avid Disc brakes, which are due in Friday. $136 on e-bay.

I did spend time and money at a couple LBS, but thank god for e-bay.

Don't beat me up too bad for those silly fenders...I'm just tired of getting peppered with mud every time I hit the road. They're for the winter only.

If all goes well, I should be able to start training this new huskie this weekend. "Which really means ride it and see if it stays together."

This bike will not just stay in the living room next to the couch. :)
Cheers
-Greg

[MMcG]

SLO MO - The ebay sellers were they individuals or shops that were selling through ebay? Great prices on the Sram stuff!

Just curious, but what kind of stem are you using? And the bars? What are those? Will you keep that stem or switch it out later?

I hope you get good riding weather for the weekend so you can test that sweet rig out!

Were you being weight concious in any way when building it up? Did you get mentorship/guruship from anyone in terms of what to choose for parts?

Damn Sweet!

[SloMoJo]

Thanks Mark!

E-bay is a mix of indiviuals and people runnning an e-bay store, but they are all simple auction. Later, I'll post my e-bay tips.

The stem and bars are off my old bike. I need to ride a few times to figure out the fit of the bike before upgrading. No idea on the stem...Bontrage crowbar handlebar.

I have never been weight conscious on the bike. I do notice the better quality frame and parts are lighter than the old rig. If I was weight conscious I would start with the extra 25 around my waist...but I'm not. :)

Mentorship...sure.
Actually, the parts were all my own choosing from reading input from others and such. As for the actual building and maintaining....Splat is a great help, Ken at Landry's Framingham has been great, and Chris at Landry's Westboro is super. These guys taught me a lot over the last couple months.

I have learned the bike building thing is fun and quite doable. Oh....and a little expensive.

[SloMoJo]

Woohoo!
The brakes arrived today and are installed.

Again I learned again today the value of befriending the local bike shop mechanic.

I put the Avids on as I saw the instructions, but went to the bikeshop to get some cable sleeve. While there I asked Chris to check out the brakes. He gave me a quick lesson and showed me how I set the brakes to slightly bend the rotors when brakes were applied. Like artwork he set them up just right for me. Priceless!

Chris also showed me where I should trim cable sleeve on some of my other cable runs. So if you're a novice like me, bringing your work to your trusted bike mechanic for a "checkout" is invaluable. While you're there you can ask a gazillion questions. That is until a real customer comes along.

[SloMoJo]

Also thought I might show you my "poor man's bike stand".

It's simply rope looped around a hook, slipped under the seat. It's a bit cheaper than a real stand, and worked quite well.

So I have a little more work to do on the bike, but I'm almost there.

[SloMoJo]

Well, I took the new rig on it's maiden ride today.
Life is good!

OK...
Who has the next bike building project to share?
Thx for tuning in.
SMJ

[EVIL BOTA]

Greg , Excellent job on ur bike(SWEET RIDE!). Stop selling yourself short you ride very well . Looks like Bob and I will have to come down and hook up with you and John for some riding. Now I'm gonna have to get out there and ride or you will be waiting at the end of every trail for me.. Again nice job.Hope to ride with you guys soon. Oh ya give me some feed back on ur brakes .Bob wants to pick a set of those avids also..thanks

[SloMoJo]

Thanks EB.

The Avid Disc brakes are super just like everyone says.

[Sky Pilot]

hey this is all very impressive. i will also say inspiring. congratulations.

[MMcG]

Well, I took the new rig on it's maiden ride today.
Life is good!

OK...
Who has the next bike building project to share?
Thx for tuning in.
SMJ


SloMo,

Congrats! Sweet rig you have there! I bet you feel a great sense of accomplishment.

How was the ride compared to your old KHS softail dude?

Give us the details on how the maiden voyage went.

Take care,

MMcG

[SloMoJo]

Hiya Mark,
Full suspension in the frozen winter is indeed the good life.

Ya know...
I used to read reviews where guys would be all in love with their bike, and could not wait to ride it. Seemed kinda loony at the time, but I now feel the same way.

That KHS has that lil softail, but it was an elastomer which becomes like a rock in the winter. Hardtail on those frozen bumpy winter trails in nothing short of a pain in the ass. It's like floating down the trails now.

Yup, I'm quite pleased.

Nice work SMJ. I will rely on my comrades at the LBS for one of my two winter projects. Frame won't be until late March but the following has arrived.

and these...

[SloMoJo]

That's cool Noo.

I think you may need to start you own thread on your project. Go for it! Now that the cat is outta da bag. ;)

Also wanted to share another newbie lesson I'm learning regarding cabling. I used the sleeves from the original owner, anxiously rigged it all up then realized I need to trim the sleeves for better fit. Last night I ran the cable again, because I forgot to put the lil rubber donuts which protect the frame from cable scratch. I would not have bothered, but my bike rack clamps down right were the expose cable is.

Lesson learned:
Take the time to get the cabling right before connecting to brakes & derailers. Unless you want practice adjusting those things. ;)

Here's a pic of the donuts. Also a chance for cheezy Titus promo.

[SloMoJo]

Also this lil grease tool helps to lube the cabling. Found at your local LBS.

[SloMoJo]

Well, I think just a couple more things to do on the bike.
Famous last words.

One is the bash ring, and next will be the proper fitting stem.

Put the bashring on tonight. It's a $24 RF alum...fine for me. Certainly not as nice as Bill's recommend steel BlackSpire, but then he bangs more rocks than I do.
Ya right. ;)

[splat]

SMJ

Since you took off your large Chainring , to put on the bash gaurd , you might want to lower your front derailuer, Since it does not have to reach as high any more you can lower it and it will shift better between the 2 chain rings

[MMcG]

Are you using that to protect the downtube from scratches and crap?

And how much did you say the frame, shock and fork were? $950?

Damn I'm jealous!

[SloMoJo]

I see your point, splat.

I just took a closer look. When in granny there is only 1/4 inch clearance between derailer arm and swing arm on frame. So, I really can't move it lower.

It seems to shift fine, plus it's still set right should I ever want the big ring back on.

Thx just the same.
-Slo

[SloMoJo]

Hi Mark,
Don't be jealous. Soon you'll have your new rig and you'll make people jealous.

The wrap is damage control for my crashes. :)

The deal was $840 for frame(3 months old), front shock w\ firm kit, cables, rear shock pump. Add another $50 to ship from Canada with insurance. I was not sure at the time, but I think I did ok. ;)

[MMcG]

I think so. I got a quote today for a Loco Moto and I wasn't overly impressed with it. I'll forward it to you via email to see what you think. Maybe you could compare it to your final cost. That would be helpful to me.

[MMcG]

SloMo,

Check your PM and let me know what you think.

McAskalot!

[SloMoJo]

OK, but here...I'll just lay it out so others have a point of reference for their own plans. Believe me..I spent more than I planned.

Frame, F fork, seat post, etc - $840
Wheelset (crossmax rear, 317 front) -$250
Avid Disc Brake set - $136
SRAM Rear Derailer - $40
Sch Front Derailer - $45
SRAM Shifters - $40
SRAM Cassette & chain - $30
Handlebar - $20
Nokians -$180
Bottom brackets -$40
Fenders - $25
Stem - $40
Shipping $150
Other items from old bike.
grand total @ $1,850.

Now that is a lot of dough! The only consolation I find is when I read the reviews on this bike, guys paid $3K at Hammerhead to have a new one built with no regrets. I doubt they got components as nice as mine. That's how I try to justify such a crazy purchase as a new sweet FS mountain bike. We must be insane, but there it is.
-Mo

ps That's called laying it all out baby. I challenge you guys with your "secret" projects to lay it out, so others can learn from ya. What did ya pay for that Bullit frame and where? I doubt anyone would do it like I did, but that's not the point. Who's next? ;)

[johnnyt]

SMJ,
I am getting my new bullit frame from Hilltop in Maine. They are very NEMBA freindly, in fact you should let them know you are a member when you call. My frame, in a color upgrade is costing $1150 shipped. I hope to complete my project in the same final cost range as you. Wish me luck!

Your rig sounds and looks sweet. Be ready for some PMs when I start putting on the Avids!

We should have an Annual Spring Winter Project Ride! Get all the folks out there with their shiny new (or new to them) rides and show off a little. Heck, if you put a new slathering of lube on your chain you would qualify. Take a big group photo at the beginning of the ride with all the shine and sparkle, during any minor adjustments on the trail, and post ride imbibing, and then put the shots on the forum for all to see. What dou you all think? I would be willing to lead...

[MMcG]

JT,

Your new rig ride sounds like a great idea.

Also for someone like me, the more people who can post to the Tech forum describing their build up process - what parts, where they got them, easy parts about the build up, hard parts, why choices were made, etc. - the better.

Us newbies and others can really benefit from this type of information.

So all you veterans out there who are putting new rigs together to be ready to kick some arse this spring, please share your experiences in words and pictures if at all possible.

Thanks!

McAskalot! :D

[SloMoJo]

There we go!
Nice lead JT.

Cool...like the group ride idea.
It's all good.

Hey Noo....you got any project going on?
Step up to the plate, man. ;)

ps Thanks for the kind words, guys.
We all wonder what others might think when we bare our ass like I did. But...so what. It's for the love of the game. Just do it.
-Jo

Hey Noo....you got any project going on?
Step up to the plate, man. ;)



SMJ - (or is it Jo these days)

Calling me out...I like it! Anyway, since I showed my biker tanned pastey white noodle arms (as described by AA) why not share some bike related projects. Sit back and try to stay awake. McAskalot is going to be all over me with questions after this, so the extra detail is for him....

I'm 5'9" (on a good day) and started last season at around 165lbs

Project One:

To find a new versatile "trail bike", which to me is:
1. A FS rig that will get me through an epic without needing a chiropracter
2. Able to take abuse, handle some drops and stay sub 30lbs. Get me up, down, and over stuff
3. Four or more inches of travel
4. Versatile enough to run the occasional XC race.
5. XC oriented (to a degree) geometry. I like the twitchy feeling and repsonsiveness of that ride. A decent fork can help deflect what the trail throws at you, but picking lines and relying on bike handling skills gets my juices flowing. (Note: I'm not slighting guys who ride Big Bikes. I respect you. Heck, some of you clean/drop crazy stuff that is indeed impressive not to mention you get those beasts up hills pretty quickly. If I could, I would have a bike for all occassions. To me, as long it has two wheels and you actually ride it off road ...Great , you are a MTBer. My peace has been made).

Test Ride:

I rode the following:

C-dale Jekyll, SC Superlight, SC Heckler, SC Blur, Specialized FSR, Specialized Enduro. Some of those longer demos (e.g. I had the Jekyll for 4 days - big shout to the fellas at Papa Wheelies, good guys and knowledgeable wish I could have gave them some business. Others demos were shop bikes I took out more than once. Some never saw dirt).

The only bikes that I didn't get around to riding that I wanted to was the Kona Dawg and Rocky Mountain ETSX...

I went with the Santa Curz Blur (VPP). Met all my criteria. It is called a XC bike but it can't take much more abuse. They say it decends like a bike with 5 or 6 inche of travel, I can't validate that but it is sweet. Has a nice replaceable dropout (not just alum hanger) and they seem to route the cables a bit better than on other models..but who knows. I got a Medium Anodized Black. Bike won't be in till late March. I opted to build it rather than order one the kits availalbe through. I won't tell you what I liked or disliked about the other bikes, unless you ask...

I bought it at Wheel Power in Exeter NH. These guys are great. Enough said. Plus I like giving to local business in my town. They give NEMBA discounts.

It was time consuming to demo and get a sense of fit, etc. But it was fun and I was still able to ride. I recommend RIDING several different bikes if possible.

I have already posted some of the components going on this rig. Some will be off an old ride, but many new.

More to come...I got work to do.

[Dawgee]

Ok SloMoJo im going to make you feel better about what you paid for your bike. Heres a list of parts and prices i paid.This bike still needs more stuff and im not including shipping. Ready...... hold on LOL
Santa Cruz Bullit frame 1050.00
Jr T Fork 500.00
Sun Rhyno lites with
XT disc hubs 190.00
Race Face DH cranks
w/ FR bb 114.00
Azonic Hot Seat 35.00
Sun Ringle Octagon pedals 35.00
Tioga Factory 2.3 DH tires 40.00 set
Crane Creek C-2 headset 35.00
Azonic DH stem 60.00
Ritchey Comp Rizer bars 11.00
Kalloy seat post 25.00
Intense DH grips 15.00
Total 2110.00
endless riding bliss priceless

Most of these parts came from Price Point
The frame came from Freeridesouth.com
Feel better?? LOL

[SloMoJo]

I raise my glass to JollyTime, Noo, and Dawgee!
Rising to the challenge...good show men!
Yes Dawg, ya made me feel lil better. Thx. ;)

I had to spotlight Noo, since I'm curious how he will work up the Blur. The Bullits well...they sort of speak for themselves don't they? You guys will be stylin in the spring!

Let me just wrap the Titus project for ya.
Decided to put a little more rise in the stem with a Thomson 120X15. Really nice clamp design with the recessed bolts.

[SloMoJo]

Well...here she is.
Rigged N Ready!
Yahoo! :)

SMJ,

The rig looks great. Even better in person. It might look even better descending a large drop-in with a questionable transition. You should be able to build your confidence at least as easily as that bike.

I think we might start an informal poll. Does the bike look better with the evidence of pushing your limits. Or is the zip tie old rubber tire mud catcher a better look.

[johnbryanpeters]

I'm not sure I understand the frame guard. Even with a bunch of falling down, that's not an area where I have managed to ding frames... yet...

J

[MMcG]

[quote author=NOO


Test Ride:

I rode the following:

C-dale Jekyll, SC Superlight, SC Heckler, SC Blur, Specialized FSR, Specialized Enduro. Some of those longer demos (e.g. I had the Jekyll for 4 days - big shout to the fellas at Papa Wheelies, good guys and knowledgeable wish I could have gave them some business. Others demos were shop bikes I took out more than once. Some never saw dirt).

The only bikes that I didn't get around to riding that I wanted to was the Kona Dawg and Rocky Mountain ETSX...

I went with the Santa Curz Blur (VPP). Met all my criteria. It is called a XC bike but it can't take much more abuse. They say it decends like a bike with 5 or 6 inche of travel, I can't validate that but it is sweet. Has a nice replaceable dropout (not just alum hanger) and they seem to route the cables a bit better than on other models..but who knows. I got a Medium Anodized Black. Bike won't be in till late March. I opted to build it rather than order one the kits availalbe through. I won't tell you what I liked or disliked about the other bikes, unless you ask...


Okay NOO....you asked for it....what did you like and/or dislike about the other bikes you tested that led you to choosing the Blur as your top pick?

Had to do it and I really do want to know.

Thanks for any insights you can share!

McAskalot! ;D

[SloMoJo]

Hey Mark,
How about you post this question to the new thread on Noo's project? Let's keep him in the spot light.

We're wrapping up this thread.
Thx
-Slo