Brothers Kepler - Sub £1k Build

"Build me the finest commuter / light touring bike for £1000, he cried"

Building up this beauty on behalf of a very good friend. Romantic introduction coming soon...............

Brother Kepler navy blue
Shimano 105 groupset
Mavic Open Pro / Shimano 105 Wheelset
FSA Orbit MX Headset
Planet-X Frogs Bollox Cantilever Brakes

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Sounds good. Followed.

adventurer / touring

Mavic Open Pro

Wouldn't something wider be in order?

Something like this: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dt-swiss-r24-spline-alloy-road-wheelset/

Maybe....just maybe

It is more for light use, with the option of the odd long jaunt. Man use will be commuting, with the odd touring trip in mind. I figured a solid 32H open pro's would do the job nicely running 28mm tyres.

helloooooooooo

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I'm following this with interest, might build my own Kelper soon...

I'm with @amey tho, definitely go for wider rims if you can.

Maybe Mavic A719, similar price to o/p.

Swinging more towards wider rims now, after mocking up with some 32's. Hmmmmm.........

Mixed feelings about fitting 32's on open pros

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Well, I was sceptic upon buying my A719 and I still haven't ridden them. But they look and feel incredibly nice and I have faith in their ride quality and width.

I know what you mean. I went from open pros to A719s, love having the extra width, makes running 32/35mm tyres so much comfier, lot nicer profile to the tyres.

Quick update of components. I managed to get a nice Fizik Airone / 3T Stem / Gass Hoki carbon post cheap from a friend. Other pieces are ordered and should be with me in a couple of days :-).

Frameset : Kepler 54cm (£303.20)
Headset: FSA Orbit MX (£20)
Wheels: Mavic Open Pro / Shimano 105 Wheelset (£140)
Tyres: Panaracer Pasela 28's (£36.86)
Groupset: Shimano 105 (£269)
Front Derailleur - Shimano 105 Band-On (£20)
Brakes: Planet-X Frogs Bollox Cantilever (£35)
Saddle: Fizik Airone (£25)
Seatpost: Gass Hoki (£25)
Seat Post Clamp - Hope (£15.30)
Stem: 3T 100mm (£20)
Bars: Deda RMH01 (£15)
Pedals - Look Keo (£10)

Labour
Headset fitting & spacer £30

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Nearly done now, just waiting on the front derailleur,seat clamp & bar tape. Stupidly the wheels came without rim tape. It's a first for me, who doesn't supply rim tape!!

I have left guards, racks & panniers out of the build. It's a personal touch, which my friend will execute.

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Went out on mine in the Surrey Hills this weekend. Excellent ride, really love these. This is coming along nicely...!!

Finished!

Apologies for the crap pics (minus bar tape). I'll be taking this down to the Mendips for the weekend ;-)

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Nicely done squire.

What a beaut, well done!

Bonus points for the location

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Nice one man, looking to get one of these myself for commuting/light touring duties. I dont expect it to be dead light but how much does it weigh?

How tall are you?