A ride for Uni

There are some online Fitting calculators. I'd use these to work out your size, find a similar sized bike in Evans, then go and test ride.

Imo it's quite common for people to go for larger frames than they need for their first bikes, 1) because most sizes reference the seat tube and 2) the simple Evans size guide is a bit on the large side.

BioMechanical Cycling v.8
mediafire.com/?5xnxnyynzih
...and his WW page, with more info is here: weightweenies.starbike.com/forum/­viewtopic.php?t=51071&sid=c66b95baef28bc­3a1c8bbc8e319d185b

Competitive Cyclist Fit Calculator
competitivecyclist.com/za/CCY­?PAGE=FIT_CALCULATOR_INTRO

This has a downward sloping top tube so the effective length is actually 54cm

http://www.bricklanebikes.co.uk/blb-la-piovra-air-frame-matt-black

should fit you based on your height but as has been suggested I would take some measurements first and put them into one of the bike fit calculators online

Thread update.

I have managed to source a large number of my parts now. Thanks to @Booter for the fork and @Forty4Sixteen for the rest of the parts. Both great sellers and guys.

Here they are:

Frame – La Piovra Air, from BLB, 56cm top tube, 53cm seat tube
Fork – 1 1/8" Carbon Tifosi Track Fork, 225mm steerer tube, 30mm rake, 700c.
Seatpost – BLB track seatpost.
Seat – BLB fly leather
Front wheel – Halo aerotrack, 32 spokes, BLB mamba tyre
Back wheel – Velocity b43 rim laced into a velocity hub, 48 spokes.
Bars – Nitto track drop bars, 31.8 ahead track clamping
Headset – Tange
Bottom bracket
Brakes – Shimano + Goldfinger
Rear cog – BLB 16T + lockring

Pictures attached.

Sexy, am I right?
I am so stoked to have these parts now, just sitting in my bedroom. I can’t wait to get the rest of the bike finished. I am still needing the crankset, chain, pedals, and stem. Any recommendations on good quality parts, and in particular the sizes to get? Also, are there any parts that I have missed? FYI, looking to run a 48T on the chainring.

Now that I have most of the parts, I am thinking about the start of the build itself. I have had recommendations to get my fork and headset professionally fitted in a workshop, but am keen to save money. Is it possible to do this well at home, or is it really worth the money? I am under the impression that the rest of the bike is pretty easy to put together.

Thanks for the input guys, all comments and opinions appreciated.

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That is a pretty tough rear wheel you got there!

With kjlem on the rear wheel, proper bomber, should cope with pot holes all right, looking forward to finished build picture.

Decent. You'll soon learn there's much better than blb for much less. I'd go with road compact drops rather than pista drops.
Could be much worse, not bad.

48h is real

Deda stems offer good value for money. If you don't already have a BB maybe some look into getting secondhand omniums for cranks. 48x16 might be a bit much on your knees if you're just starting out. If the frame has internal HS bearing cups you could attempt to install the headset yourself but might be better to go to your lbs and ask if you can watch?

Thanks @BTR88, have ridden a 46x16 today and realise that it is probably mores suitable for day-to-day riding in London.

Has anyone had any experience installing headsets before? Might just pop in to the local store and get it fitted, to save hassle and the potential it might go wrong. £20 a good price for this job?

£20 is standard.

If the frame is new it's much better to have a shop do it as they'll usually face (and ream if it needs if).

If it's been done before then you'll need a headset press. You can make one your self - google for instructions. It's also worth putting the headset cups in the freezer to reduce their size a faction.

I am still needing the crankset, chain, pedals, and stem.

Crankset - on-one external (the BBs are know to wear out, but just replace it when it does with a cheap shimano one). Or else the stronglite ones from On-One are also decent and inexpensive. Otherwise the Alfine one is probably the best all round value. People get a bit too hung up on "good cranks". Track cranks are simple. There aren't any fancy chainrings with ramps and pins needed for smooth shifting and it's highly unlikely that you're going to outperform them.

Chain - wipperman 1Z1 or 7Z1 . No much point in spending lots on chains. You'll need 1/8" if the rest of you drive train is 1/8".

Pedals - if you want flats, bmx pedals with straps are good. Otherwise any cheapo pedal plus double toe straps.

lock it safe. Saying that some one nicked my stem and handlebars few months ago.
Everyone likes swag bikes

Thanks for the suggestions @hugo7, am now waiting for something decent to turn up in the Classifieds. Will probably buy the wipperman 1Z1 chain tonight. I need 116 links right?

@MarekJa haven't thought about the safe-keeping of my bike yet once it is built, but will definitely appreciate advice when I get to that stage.

BLB superpistas for cranks any good?

They are rebranded Andel cranks, which retail around £60.

http://www.cyclebasket.com/m9b157s336p2446/ANDEL_RSC7-7172_Track_Chainset_/RS_GB/6282

So you would be paying £40 Hipster Tax.
Perfect example of what @PhilDAS mentioned earlier

Better go with what @hugo7 suggested. £60 with bottom bracket included:

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/CSOOTC/on-one-external-bearing-track-crankset

Sram s100 looks good

These frames have integrated headsets so it's easy to do yourself, bearing cups just sit in the top and bottom so no need for a headset press

If there are any online guides or tutorials you could direct me to that would be helpful, cheers

Sheldon Brown, pretty good website for most mechanical questions

http://sheldonbrown.com/headsets.html

You have a threadless headset so you don't need to read the parts about threaded ones. The picture of all the different parts on top of each other near the bottom of the page is quite instructive

If you like videos...
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8X3LbcjsESw

Looking good. Real good.

All the parts have now been sourced and are now sitting lovely in my garage. Any last words of advice before I take a hacksaw to my steerer tube and put the bike together this weekend?

Uni bike and Pub beater are synonymous the states; anything nice inevitably get's nicked or vandalized...

Bit late, b I'd consider risers for this build personally.

Project complete! Rides like a dream, and looks like a beauty. Any thoughts appreciated.