Newbie questions for crank and brakes

Hi there,

I'm new to this bike building and therefore bear with me if I ask some dumb questions! I've searched the forum and Google, but didn't really find answers to my question. I want to ride single speed with 2 brakes, so not fixie. I'm trying to find some components, but not sure what I need completely and what will fit.

I just bought this frame: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=170537042502&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1154
What do you think? I'll have it repainted as some point, but not right away.

I need a crank set, but am not sure on what to buy? I love the Sugino RD-messenger: http://www.suginoltd.co.jp/japan/single_piste_parts_list_japan.htm - but it's too pricy and I'm not sure which size? Any recommendations?

Also brakes and levers!? I currently have a dropbar, but might go for a old school gentleman's bar, so will these fit? http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=36636 or do I need something else??

Which brakes would you recommend? I've been looking at: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=33384 or http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=28076

Again sorry for many questions and many newbie ones, but I hope you'll help a follow biker!!

Thank you so much in advance

Kristian

I think a 105 brakeset is a bit extreme for your first build, Tiagra should suffice at half the price. As for levers, they're fine, but have a look at MTB & BMX groups for more choice of flat bar levers.

There's someone in classifieds selling an RD crankset, if you're quick... As for size, 170 is the standard, and as it's a SS it should be fine, as for gearing (teeth on chainring) have a search in the forum or read up sheldon brown, 'stock' gearing is usually 42/16.

Thank you so much for your quick answer. For the brakes I would prefer to go a bit extreme, my recent bike had bad brakes and want some good, solid that stops! I'll have a look at the other levers - just wanted to make sure that these were the type to go for - my old Raleigh has levers like: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13673 but the others are fine right?

I'll check out the crank! Will "all" cranks fit my frame, are there sizes too for that?

Thanks again

As long as the bottom bracket has the same axle shape (Square taper, octolink, splined, etc.) it should be fine. It'll most likely be Square Tapered.

Seriously, with the brakes, Tiagra is on par with 105 in performance, it's just weight and finish that are different. Get a set of Tiagra Brakes and some Swisstop pads and you can't go wrong.

Apologies, having looked at the pics on eBay it seems it came with headset but no BB. So in that case, just make sure you get the right size BB! Measure the bottom bracket shell to get this, again, more info on sheldon brown/park tool website.

As a fellow newb I've found this site really useful. It's a classic among bike sites:
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

As for parts both Velo Solo and Tokyo Fixed Gear.

If you are in London I'd recommend dropping into Tokyo Fixed Gear, Brick Lane Bikes or 14 Bike Co for advice. All have really helpful staff and mechanics.

Anyway to answer questions. I have Sugino Messengers on my bike and they are really nice sturdy cranks. The chain ring isn't the prettiest though but you can always swap that out at a later date.

Brake wise Velo solo do Tektro 510A Brake Calipers for £25 a pair which are all right for the price.

If you are thinking of respraying you're bike I really like Armourtex who powdercoat and do shit tons of colours, matt, sating, gloss, lacquer and metalic finishes.

Oh an another tid bit I learned the hard way. Steer clear of coloured chains. Go for a simple good quality chain that doesn't cost too much and you can replace regulary.

I changed mine to KMC Z510. They are cheap and yet super quiet and smooth. Couldn't be happier switching to them after using a shitty Charge chain before.

Thanks again for all the help - it's so appreciated. While we're at it, what BB should I go for, that would fit the bike and the crankset? ;-)

Thanks