First Bike build up advice

I wasn't expecting it so soon, but here is what caught me by surprise today.
Thanks to all of you for the advice, for making my decision a bit "easier" and for making tomorrow a day to look forwards to.... even more thinking about the components.

Zbiker01 said:

Only after I already paid for the frame I learned that you pay more for the components when you buy them separately. So the frame is on it way, and I still have to buy all the bells and whistles to it. Thanks to the forums I have made up my mind on what a lot of people call the biggest bang for the buck Shimano Ulterga 6700 parts. I kinda started looking at couple of web stores that i found through this forum. But it seams to me that I still have a lot to learn and no time left since I want to have the parts in when i get the frame. So I came to ask for your advice, there are a couple different subcategories in Ultergra specs: Double, Compact and Triple and there are some number specs also for ex. 52-39 or 50-34 or50-39 Which one is the best for a kinda a beginner rider. Also, maybe any of you know of a place where I could find the best deal on the components or any other advice on putting a bike together. Thanks in advance!!!

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Certainly this is just my opinion, but the route that I took last year for my build was buy the group set off of ebay. I saved a lot of $$ compared to retail even with the "buy now" option, taxes, and there was free shipping. Many of those sellers group up the set just as you would like and some of the seller will allow you to pick the some of the items.

For me I went with SRAM Red Compact and use a 11-28 cassette because of the versatility. I can ride from flat terrain to the mountains up to 20% gradient. So with the one bike I have a greater range in where I can go and I do use the full range and you will not have to have the triple. I was on a 7% to 20% gradient yesterday with a compact. The Ultegra will be nice and is what I have on two other bikes.

If you do not go to places with steep long hills perhaps a full size is all you need, but I would still select a cassette with a large range. Again just opinion.

I also chickened out once I invested so much $$ and had a good friend, who is a top bike builder, build it for me. He did it for $100 US at his house and spent time explaining each step as he built the bike as to what he was doing and why.

My 2009 Project

Best wishes and enjoy the project. Your bike is going to look nice.

[quote="Zbiker01"]Just started riding last year and got addicted. At first I didn't know if I should dish out so much $$$ for a bike, since I wasn't sure if I will ride for that long. But once I realized that this is going to be a lifelong addiction, I knew that spending $$$ is inevitable. Just recently, a friend of mine was buying a carbon fiber frame and convinced me to also jump on the wagon, since I would get a good deal for a second frame. Plus I thought putting it together would be a fun experience, rather than just going to a store and buying what I like. And I am sure it is, but only when you have some $$$ to burn. Only after I already paid for the frame I learned that you pay more for the components when you buy them separately. So the frame is on it way, and I still have to buy all the bells and whistles to it. Thanks to the forums I have made up my mind on what a lot of people call the biggest bang for the buck Shimano Ulterga 6700 parts. I kinda started looking at couple of web stores that i found through this forum. But it seams to me that I still have a lot to learn and no time left since I want to have the parts in when i get the frame. So I came to ask for your advice, there are a couple different subcategories in Ultergra specs: Double, Compact and Triple and there are some number specs also for ex. 52-39 or 50-34 or50-39 Which one is the best for a kinda a beginner rider. Also, maybe any of you know of a place where I could find the best deal on the components or any other advice on putting a bike together. Thanks in advance!!!


I have Ultegra 6700 with a compact crank (50-34) and 11-28 cassette. That's what I would recommend for you if you plan to climb some mountains. I have built three bikes now and you can get soem great deals on groupsets online. The UK online shops are selling Ultegra 6700 groupsets for around US$800 or less. Check to see if you require a braze on or band on front derailleur. You'll need the bottom bracket installation tool, cable cutters, and cassette installation tool. Be careful not to overtighten stem, seatpost or handlebar bolts when clamping carbon fibre. Good luck.

biker jk said:

Be careful not to overtighten stem, seatpost or handlebar bolts when clamping carbon fibre.

You should probably also get a good torque wrench for this step.

I recommend 52-39 (cranks, double) 12/25 (cassette), possibly 12/27. This however depends on the terrain for your most common rides. Imho, go compact only if you literally live in the mountains or have many steep climbs around that you will ride regularly.

It depends a lot on your fitness and cadence, but the 50-34 can put you in some awkward shifting situations. Its nothing you cant shift through, but its more common to find yourself in cross-chaining situations where you need to change rings in the front and traverse the cassette. This wont happen as often depending on your fitness and natural cadence though, and its less frequent on the 52-39 which is well suited for rolling hills and most general riding. Mountains are fine with a 52-39 too, honestly, you just dont start there, of course.

Whatever you choose, get a good fitting, and have fun with your build. 🙂

Have fun!