Help me get started...

Hi, im building a bike from scratch. Firstly, to get a cool bike, but secondly to learn about how they work and so forth. However, im needing a little help on a few things to get me started.

I wanted to ask your opinions on what frame i should buy. My situation is that im a student so i dont have a large budget for the frame, probably around £100-£120, however, i do want a good frame which is light enough and without any dinks or problems. Could you point me in the right direction as far as brands are concerned and what to look out for, as ive been on eBay and i cant really tell which is a deal and which is a rip-off.

I wanted to know whether there are any parts of the bike which you would advise spending alot of money on, like the cranks or wheels...

Thanks -- MIKE TV

unipack FTW

Keep your eyes peeled for a second hand frame on here, and then do some reading.

Keep your eyes peeled for a second hand frame on here, and then do some reading.

to the point.

Use the raleigh frame you are trying to get rid of.

Use the raleigh frame you are trying to get rid of.

I would but its a little too small. What is a unipack FTW?

Keep your eyes peeled for a second hand frame on here, and then do some reading.

spot on. get stuck in.

I would but its a little too small. What is a unipack FTW?

It is like a ROFL except without the fun part.
RTFM(UTFS).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_NFjWgJyaU

YouTube - The Rolling Stone - Start Me Up

Thats exactly how i feel about this project.

what size frame you after?
i've got a 56cm Gillot for sale.
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread21566.htmlhttp://www.londonfgss.com/thread21566.html

That link didnt work, but im after a 56-58cm frame. Whats yours?

buy an IRO or BLB own brand frame, same factory I've heard, probably decent (if you want a track frame)
look ok too:
£175? for BLB own.
OR come up to OCW in oxford and choose a 2nd hand road frame for pittance, and respray it at armourtex.
then think more about components, spend more on wheels and your drivechain, as these are what stops you.
Halo OTP are really good value for money IMHO.
or get someone on here to build up a set after buying the components (or DIY):

Option 1: HIGH end: Up to £400.
Goldtec/profile/ phil wood
Either Aero section wheel:
CXP33/ Deep V/ DP18
or box section:
Gotta be Mavic Open Pros

Med End: (up to £230)
Gran Compes + any of above

Low End:(up to £150)
SJS/ ambrosio/ On one/.... ( I like on one- they seem better for some reason>?)

• any of the above
  
  

Drive chain, Get a decent chainring- convert a road crank
goldtec, Condor, TA.

Thats the majors.

Keep your eyes peeled for a second hand BIKE on here, GUMTREE, OR FRIENDS DADS SHEDS and then do some reading.

If you pick up an old race bike you've only got to sort the rear wheel out... all the rest is just taking things off.

Mike TV rules... :D

Dude, get a cheap rear track wheel from somewhere and then beg, borrow, steal the rest... This is the truest, cheapest way to fixed wheel Nirvana...

Agreed.

BLaGnBuild™ is better than 'buy'.

what size frame you after?
i've got a 56cm Gillot for sale.
http://www.londonfgss.com/thread21566.htmlhttp://www.londonfgss.com/thread21566.html

Mike, i'd suggest you buy this off Spagz, it's a hot whip.

Yeah, buy the Gillot- I would, only it's too big for me and I have no use for it whatsoever.

Yeah, it looks like a really nice frame. The colour is real nice too. Only thing is, thats its a little expensive for what i can afford. It would leave me with £20 to live off for the rest of the month. Maybe i should wait till my loan comes through, but it probably wont be around then.

What is the importance of the rear wheel may i ask?

twenty pounds? luxury.

What is the importance of the rear wheel may i ask?

That's the difference between a fixed wheel and freewheel bike basically.

Thanks, i think the main items im going to buy are:
Frame
Wheels
Cranks

Then as said, beg, seal or 'borrow' the rest.

did u mention the word 'steal' ?

i would neg rep you, but that's worse than that.

look closer...