From The Ground Up..

...and let us know :)

I shall keep you all informed. I think I'm going to work on the forks, headset and stem, but looking at gear ratios I'm thinking 43:18. I want an all round for the time being so I can get used to FG/SS. Would that be a sensible ratio for me?

Sounds spinny...

I'd go for a 48 at the front.
With an 18 at the back that gives you a GI of 70, which I find about right for all purpose city riding.

Okay, I'm thinking of maybe using this to commute, would that be able to combat hills? Or would I need to change that when i decide to start commuting?

I ride 48/16 for my commute which takes me up and over Hampstead.
There is one point at its steepest where it is a big of a push to get up, get out the saddle and it's ok.
Personally, I would rather slog up a hill the then find myself spinning out early on the flat or downhills. Think of it as strength training.

Because the hills aren't massive. But I believe there is one that'll be a push as I've not tried cycling up it. I read that a lot if people say play around with the back setting, so would it be worth me getting 18 and 16 on the back and just see what is better for me?

You'll be grand lad.
Get an 18.
Get out on it, take it from there.

Haha, thanks for the help though! Appreciate it.

Gear calculator here. Don't forget that the size of your tyres will affect the gearing a little.

43 isn't a common size for a chainring: 46 or 48 are more usual and therefore more readily available.

Something around 67GI is a favourite for commuting/general use. 43/18 will give you 63GI, which, as WJP says, is quite spinny. Unless you're particularly feeble or live in the Pennines you'll soon find it tiresome.

46/18 gives you 67 and then as your form improves, you can swap the rear for a 17 and then 16, to give you reasonable increases: 67 - 71 - 76.

Yeah these guys are dead right - ignore me. I'm just a bit haunted by my mate's creation, makes me shudder a bit when I think about it. It felt like riding a big heavy brick, with your teeth.

the chap has still learned how to put a bike together and can polish
his skills by taking it apart again and rebuilding the parts on a
better frame

^^ So true. Who knows though still.. it might be amazing :D

46:17 is gold. Not too spinny, still easy on hills. Plus gives you lots of skid patches

Go easy on me here.. What are skid patches?

http://sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html#skid

Okay.. I apologise for the lack of communication. But here's an update: I've got the frame in for a respray and now focusing on finding a crankset for it now! I've got a fork and headset for it. And I'll post pictures of them as soon as possible. I'll also get photos up when the frame is back from it's spray.

Because I'm currently looking for a stem, is it crucial that I search for a stem that fits the 1" thread less forks I have? Because I've found a stem that fit a 1-1/8th.. Just wondering before I purchase.

http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/mpart-threadless-shim-stem-adapter-1-1-8in-286mm-1in-254mm-id71009.html

Just buy one of these and use any stem you want

Thanks man. That make is compatible with quill stems? But for arguments sake. would a 1-1/8th stem work with the forks? (I believe they are 1")

no, it will make a 1 1/8th stem work with a 1" threadless fork.

If you want to run a 1" threaded fork with a 1 1/8 stem then you need one of these (a quill converter)

though one of these on the whole is not seen as either aesthetically or functionally a good idea

if you can bear to watch this then it'll give you a better idea

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPlp-_do2mM

Sorry I feel such a fool. I understand now! Thanks man gonna purchase that shim adapter now