Wanted: Various bike bits for slow burning build!

Ok - so have a singlespeed bike I cobbled out of old/odd bits, and am going to upgrade/replace gradually.. YES I am learning about this stuff so don't have a clue etc etc. This one will be Fixed

Cinelli Mash/Vigorelli - what are the pros and cons of each? I'm looking for one in 53cm, decided I want Aluminium with Carbon as it's what I have at the moment and want to keep road noise to a minimum on commute.

Wheels - was thinking deep Vs, what's best for a fast, lightweight build for speeding along to work on London roads? Once again trying to keep it comfortable. Also, advice on hubs would be appreciated, what is important here?

Crankset - want something light, strong and short (I have a fear of pedal strike!), something track related a good idea? Was thinking Sugino 75 or similar, but don't want to spend a tonne of money for the sake of it.

Any helpful advice, offers to sell are appreciated!

Ed

Bottom bracket and cranks are pretty important, I'd put some of your budget there as they are things you're less likely to swap out in future (because they are a "forget about it" item and they're a chore to replace unlike wheels). Sugino 75's just work. The BB has to be good because it is the centre of the circle, if your BB is shit on a fixed, you'll know it soon enough. Think of the kind of pressures that are going to be going through the cranks and BB axle when you skid or control your speed. Don't under-estimate either the cranks or the BB.

Velocity Deep V's are bought for 2 reason: 1) They're rock solid, and 2) They come in lots of colours and look OK. They aren't bought because they're light or comfortable... in fact if you've had the chance to compare several sets of wheels on the same bike you'd probably come to the conclusion that they felt quite bad. However, it's London, you'll hit pot holes and having really solid rims whilst compromising a bit of comfort isn't a bad thing.

Hubs, I've found in the lower end the things to look at are the nuts and washers on the axle. The formula hubs are famed for being shitty here. Goldtecs are more expensive but offer fantastic value for money being way cheaper than the over-engineered set-it and forget-it stuff like Phil Woods. You can get away with dirt cheap formula hubs if you view them as a cheap thing to replace in the future and aim to replace them in a year... as in, wheels are piss easy to swap out and build up (compared to BB, headset, etc) so if you're delaying cost then do it on the wheels.

All that said, the quality/feel of your ride is dictated most by the frame and wheels. I just am of the opinion that the sequence of investment starts with the frame and ends with the wheels.

aluminium track-specific frames and comfortable city cycling? these two concepts are immiscible.

you gotta love the use of 'immiscible' at this time in the morning!

I thought you could only use that word when speaking of liquids?

depends how 'fluid' your riding is!!

*I'll get my coat...........

Thanks for that, Velocio what would you say best wheels are for city riding? I do the odd 10 mile ride but in general it's 4-5 miles, want to keep weight low as I like to fly amongst traffic!

Immiscible is truly immiscible with this thread

Thanks for that, Velocio what would you say best wheels are for city riding? I do the odd 10 mile ride but in general it's 4-5 miles, want to keep weight low as I like to fly amongst traffic!

You're not going enormous distances, for the majority of your riding you'll fly through traffic and hit pot-holes... Deep V's are pretty much ideal for this all-season urban riding scenario. I just didn't want you to be under any illusions as to why people ride them. They're also pretty good for tricks if you want to try them... being rock solid gives them quite a few virtues, weight and comfort just aren't them... but as always, unless you're choosing to become a weight weenie and not eat ice cream, the difference is negligible.

Aluminium is fine. HTFU.

Those Nelson Alu frames look decent enough. Or go with a Dolan.

Mavic Open Pro is the do-it-all of the rim world really- and will be lighter and more comfortable than deep V's.

But you won't have the look- depends what's important to you.

As an example- I ride an extremely stiff alu track frame around London, so don't expect me to be sensible.

Are KHS alu frames any good, there used to be one called the aero I think, and now flite 100?

Wheels - was thinking deep Vs, what's best for a fast, lightweight build for speeding along to work on London roads? Once again trying to keep it comfortable. Also, advice on hubs would be appreciated, what is important here?

Hey dude
I've PM'ed regarding my deep-v's on suzues for sale at £150 and sent pictures.
Let me know what you think.
Peas
Bogey