Starting a build

also saddles and posts are very nickable. I had a campag aero post I didn't even bother putting it on. It'd be gone in days.

£200 frame
£200 wheels
£100 crankset

He has an ok front wheel so maybe get a Open Pro rear (it'll match visually at least with the front), and save the coin for the frame or nice (Sugino 75) cranks?

in that case;

£300 frame
£100 wheels
£100 crankset

Thanks guys....
Thinking the advice of a BLB frame is best for my budget...would love a Bob, but too much bob....

The hub probably is salvageable, but heard they're pretty poo on the Charge...so was planning to build a couple of new wheels, using deeps Vs...what's the best for budget, Velocitys maybe?

sweetbike miro_o

Thanks, it rides nicely.

I think your making a good choice on the frame. The BLB frame and new wheels will be a better bike than it's replacing... without you spending money on benefits you won't necessarily appreciate.

For wheels...

Have a look here at the Rims and Hubs pages.

Personally if you can avoid Velocity deeps Vs and still have a set of wheels you like... do it because they're not really that great. They're a bit heavy and expensive, even if they do look nice.

^that's probably quite controversial^

;-)

Personally if you can avoid Velocity deeps Vs and still have a set of wheels you like... do it because they're not really that great. They're a bit heavy and expensive, even if they do look nice.

or if you really like to have a deep V in black, go for the underdog, the Velocity Fusion (unmachined), they're cheaper and lighter than the Deep V but just as strong, still look great thought;

rims is under £30.

Looks sweet, but what pray are those limpet things on the front and back, lights?

The hub probably is salvageable, but heard they're pretty poo on the Charge...so was planning to build a couple of new wheels, using deeps Vs...what's the best for budget, Velocitys maybe?

Well if you want the wheel build and the hub is fine you coulb prob get a few quid off someone after a budget hub? Is it a system x/formula type jobby?

What bars as those? I'm after something that duplicates riding on the hoods, is that what these do?

Looks sweet, but what pray are those limpet things on the front and back, lights?

yep, knog frog, got them as a pair for £14 in Condor Cycles, only need to be seen by other in London, nothing special.

What bars as those? I'm after something that duplicates riding on the hoods, is that what these do?

Nitto RB-021 bullhorn drop, it's a pursuit bar but perfect for London and especially for skidding.

can you rephrase 'riding on the hoods' please? I don't quite get what you mean.

Sorry Ed but those Knog light suck big time! They're no good as a light or as a way of being seen at night!
Please people. Cateye's or something that can be seen from a distance!

Knog's are like Barnicles for Fixed bikes.

Sorry Ed but those Knog light suck big time! They're no good as a light or as a way of being seen at night!

I know they suck, but a flashing beacon should be enough either way, I mean it's enough for vehicle to actually see me on the way down from Clerkenwell to Wimbledon (having rode down there once without any aids of a flashing night is fucking scary with too many close call).

On the hoods :

I reckon ideally I want a bar that duplicates being "on the hoods" but with a single mini front brake lever to hand, but also with an aero type position. Not sure if such a bar exists though, imagine certainly not in a classic style anyway. Maybe one of those above "pursuit" bars plus some cheap aero clip-ons is the way forward but clip-ons will look tat, especially black ones against a silver bar. =/

Just looking out for your safety dude! ;)

On the hoods :

I reckon ideally I want a bar that duplicates being "on the hoods" but with a single mini front brake lever to hand, but also with an aero type position. Not sure if such a bar exists though, imagine certainly not in a classic style anyway. Maybe one of those above "pursuit" bars plus some cheap aero clip-ons is the way forward but clip-ons will look tat, especially black ones against a silver bar. =/

if you got a shorter stem than the one I have (mine's too far due to stem), then yes, it's enough to ride on the hoods, thought a standard bullhorn without the drop might work better in duplicating the hoods part.

Just wanted to wade in with a few thoughts...

The Knogs don't suck, at all. Its true to say that you can't see where you're going with them, but that's not why they're there. The blurb says you can see them from 600 yards, and while I don't know if that's true or not, from 50m, they're super bright. Cat eyes are brighter (There's 5 as many LED's in them), but Knogs do the job, too.

If you're looking for a budget crank, Condor do a Sugino/Condor 60th Anniversary collaboration for £50 which is way better than most other cranks at that price. I think they're a Sugino Messenger crank (which comes on the Plug, no?). The 75 is better, but WAY more expensive.

You can get good rims from about £20. Deep V's go from £35. You'll get no end of opinions why you shouldn't go for V's (weight, hipster), but whatever anyone says, they are strong and they look good. If you can salvage the hub, do it. The Charge hub may not be the best in the world, but if you're on a budget, they're fine. Getting a wheel built shouldn't cost much, there's loads of people on here who can do it for you. System X/Ambrosio are great hubs for the cash, but if you're on a budget stick with what you have for the time being.

I've got the Nitto bullhorns. They're great for tucking down and going fast and also when you get out of the saddle on climbs. Remember that they're a pursuit bar, so are designed to get you as low as possible, so the 'on the hoods' position is about 4-5" lower than it would be if you were really 'on the hoods'. If you get what I mean.

I just got a Knog Gekko rear light. Three bright LEDs and it hooks up to my seat post in a second. Looks good too, and just fine for even the most hostile London commute (like last night... grim). I'd certainly recommend them over the Frog for the extra bit of money.

PS. I don't work in Knog's marketting department.

Me either. I just like them.

Just wanted to wade in with a few thoughts...

Making some progress. BLB frame, not currently in stock, but end of month will arrive in 49cm...as I'm a runt... reckon cream....

Wheels, going to get a rear built up from my old Charge hub, is there a member here that comes well recommended but cheapish. Rim not sure on for now, maybe a black Velocity like Edscoble said, as that looks good and save a bit of weight n cash...

Will keep the front wheel as it is from Plug...upgrade when I break it...

Cranks - maybe find something second hand, or get the cheaper Suginos...

I just got a Knog Gekko rear light. Three bright LEDs and it hooks up to my seat post in a second. Looks good too, and just fine for even the most hostile London commute (like last night... grim). I'd certainly recommend them over the Frog for the extra bit of money.

The whole reason I like the Frog is simply the size, being able to carry them without noticing them in your pocket.

Rim not sure on for now, maybe a black Velocity like Edscoble said, as that looks good and save a bit of weight n cash...

If you like a deep v in black - Velocity Fusion - £30
if you like to have a decent rims that's a bit lighter - Mavic Open pro* - £30-35

(*I think they came in black with black braking surface).

If you like a deep v in black - Velocity Fusion - £30
if you like to have a decent rims that's a bit lighter - Mavic Open pro* - £30-35

(*I think they came in black with black braking surface).

Or saving even more if I get em in silver...£24.99
http://www.outspokencycles.co.uk/product_info.php/cPath/34_22/products_id/44

ummm 36 or 32?

Mostly riding the mean streets between Peckham and Chiswick, 100 miles a week and upwards, so would it be lace em up with 36 for bit more strength?