My first build

I'm working up to building my first bike from scratch. Is there a book/blog/website anyone can recommend I buy - i'm no mechanic - so essentially looking for a comprehensive, layman's guide for a first-time build. Cheers

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/fixed.html (and the rest of his page)
http://www.fixiefaqs.org.uk/

The best thing, though, is to Google a specific problem.

I'd recommend befriending someone from the forum as a bike buddy. There will be loads of people who are more than happy to give you a hand. I'm one of them.

Maybe go down to one of the drinks in your area and ask people's advice.

You didn't say if you want to convert a road bike or buy new track/fixed gear components. That would be to first thing to be thinking about.

Park tools; http://www.parktool.com/repair/byregion.asp

Sheldon; http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

enjoy

cheers guys this is what i'm talking about

Which tools do I need to build my first track/fixed gear bike from scratch ?

How do I choose the right track bike frame size whether it's new or used frame ?

Which tools do I need to build my first track/fixed gear bike from scratch ?

There are quite a few different tools you will require, it depends mostly on how much you get done by the shop you buy the parts from (for instance getting your headset installed properly, or having your wheels built), among them are allen keys, spanners, a chain breaker and other specialist tools.Most importantly you'll need a degree of mechanical knowledge so you don't end up damaging your lovely new parts, I would rock up to one of the drinks sessions sometime and have a chat with a few of the guys and girls, as there is no short explanation or answer to this question that can be condensed into a single post.

Yep, just buddy up with someone in your area. There will be lots of people happy to. Just ask!

The frame size depends on how tall you are... well, how tall are you? On the other hand, seat posts go up and down and stems come in a variety of lengths. There will always be some play. Sit on someone's bike at the drinks and find out.

that sheldonbrown site is wikid!

Thank you all . I'm 5'9' or 175cm .

you'll need 54cm/ 56cm (i think)

I'm 170cm and I have a 56cm which is just a tad too big, so yes 54-56cm would be ideal.

I'm 5'11 and got fitted for a 54cm, but i normally ride my 57cm

just thought i'd share that

Thanks

I'm looking to change my frame over shortly, so need to swap the crank over and sort out changing the headset on to the new forks. Think I can manage the wheels and seat ;-)

Might need some help at some point. I have most tools, but need to get a chain breaker. Anything else I need that is bike tool, as I have a good tool kit for my car.