Am I missing anything

Lethbridge, Alberta

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

Not sure if you can get it on Ebay, but do you have a good engine lined up for the bike yet?

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

Micawber - 2007-12-03 11:20 AM Not sure if you can get it on Ebay, but do you have a good engine lined up for the bike yet?

I think the engine is decent but has been moving a tank lately. I am hoping the bike will help out some. My oly this summer I average just under 22mph on a heavy road bike so I think if nothing else I will be comfortable on my new bike. I am not expecting huge gains in speed though.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

You're looking to put DA components on a $100 frame? Thought you were doing this to save money.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

how will the rest of us be able to do our dumbell curls if you don't have that heavy bike anymore.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

the bear - 2007-12-03 11:37 AM You're looking to put DA components on a $100 frame? Thought you were doing this to save money.

The original bike came with full dura ace for around $1200 so I am sure I can get it done for alot cheaper than that since I already have an extra set of rims. When I looked at ebay ultega did not look that much cheaper than DA so I thought I would do with DA. I might not be able to get a crank for real cheap and might have to get something different.

What would you suggest? I really would like to get better components because this will probably be the last bike I buy for a while. How much cheaper should ultega components be than DA or do you have another suggestion?

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

Gaarryy - 2007-12-03 11:40 AM how will the rest of us be able to do our dumbell curls if you don't have that heavy bike anymore.

Oh, I still have it but it will be reserved for group rides and crappy weather days.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

kproudfoot - 2007-12-03 11:42 AM

the bear - 2007-12-03 11:37 AM You're looking to put DA components on a $100 frame? Thought you were doing this to save money.

The original bike came with full dura ace for around $1200 so I am sure I can get it done for alot cheaper than that since I already have an extra set of rims. When I looked at ebay ultega did not look that much cheaper than DA so I thought I would do with DA. I might not be able to get a crank for real cheap and might have to get something different.

What would you suggest? I really would like to get better components because this will probably be the last bike I buy for a while. How much cheaper should ultega components be than DA or do you have another suggestion?

I'm looking at building my Blade with Ultegra components. It's what I have on both my bikes and I'm happy with the performance. One review here indicates that DA offers similar performance with marginally higher durability and less weight, but at a less-than-marginal (IMHO) cost.

https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/dura-ace-ultegra.shtml

Just as an apple/apple comparison, TriSports offers the Ultegra component drivetrain at $700 and the DA drivetrain for 71% more at $1200 (http://www.trisports.com/aerobuildkits.html .

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

the bear - 2007-12-03 1:33 PM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-03 11:42 AM

the bear - 2007-12-03 11:37 AM You're looking to put DA components on a $100 frame? Thought you were doing this to save money.

The original bike came with full dura ace for around $1200 so I am sure I can get it done for alot cheaper than that since I already have an extra set of rims. When I looked at ebay ultega did not look that much cheaper than DA so I thought I would do with DA. I might not be able to get a crank for real cheap and might have to get something different.

What would you suggest? I really would like to get better components because this will probably be the last bike I buy for a while. How much cheaper should ultega components be than DA or do you have another suggestion?

I'm looking at building my Blade with Ultegra components. It's what I have on both my bikes and I'm happy with the performance. One review here indicates that DA offers similar performance with marginally higher durability and less weight, but at a less-than-marginal (IMHO) cost.

https://www.bikesportmichigan.com/features/dura-ace-ultegra.shtml

Just as an apple/apple comparison, TriSports offers the Ultegra component drivetrain at $700 and the DA drivetrain for 71% more at $1200 (http://www.trisports.com/aerobuildkits.html .

Thanks for the info, very informative. I agree that ultega if I was buying brand new is probably the $$ way to go. From what I can tell on ebay not much difference in price but even that is hard to tell as the items I am watching for DA still have a few days to go so the price might jump and I will go for Ultega at that point. Fortunately since I am not in a huge hurry I can wait and see what I find on ebay. Worst case I just buy ultega though.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

A few more questions mainly around the crank. First what specifically do I need to make sure I get for the crank. I know I need a bottom bracket, crank arms and the actual gears but is that it?? I keep thinking I am missing something.

Also, are there any disadvantages to getting the 105 components? I looked on Nashbar and it looks like I can get everything brand new for about 1/4 of the price of dura ace and a few hundred less than dura ace. Any potential problems with getting 105 especially with the crank. I am not looking to KQ or anything, just enjoy the bike I am on without breaking the bank.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

kproudfoot - 2007-12-03 5:25 PM

just enjoy the bike I am on without breaking the bank.

Then Ultegra is what you want.

Buy new Cable Housing: Don't re-use it. Buy new. Be sure you get shift housing for shifters and brake housing for brakes; they're different.

Buy a tube of Phil Woods grease and use it liberally when metal touches metal. Even grease the cables when you slide them into the housing. Every threaded junction for certain. Never use it on carbon fiber.

Be careful on eBay. It's VERY easy to overpay on things. Many on-line retailers have every day prices better than where auctions will close. Use on-line coupons and you'll most always do better than eBay. Look at www.comparisonpricing.com to see what many retailers are selling a component for.

If you're buying used, then, yes, eBay would be the place. But, personally, I'd always buy new Ultegra over used Dura Ace. It'd still be less expensive, would work equally as well, would have zero wear and be from a known reputable merchant. 105 is perfectly OK as well.

Your crankset is the crankarms and chain rings. The bottom bracket is sized according to what crank you buy; likely 68x108 English thread

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

More Questions...

Why do brake/front derailer/crank list 9 or 10 speed? I am looking on ebay for parts and will see a crank that says shimano ultegra 9 speed front. Why would the rear gears matter? I see the same thing for brakes.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 8:55 AM

More Questions...

Why do brake/front derailer/crank list 9 or 10 speed? I am looking on ebay for parts and will see a crank that says shimano ultegra 9 speed front. Why would the rear gears matter? I see the same thing for brakes.

Two part answer:

Crank / FD ARE different. The chain rings are different thickness b/c 10 speed chains are narrower. They'll (10 speed) accomodate 9 speed, but 9 can't handle a 10 chain. You can use a 9 speed crank with 10 speed, but you'd need to buy new, thinner chain rings.

The brakes are b/c Shimano changed part numbers for the 10 speed series. For Ultegra, 6500 (gen 9 speed) vs 6600 (gen 10 speed). DA went through the same part number change. They operate the same, but decals and shapes are slightly different to appease the marketing department.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

I assume that by Frame and Fork you are including a Head set.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

TexOma - 2007-12-04 10:36 AM I assume that by Frame and Fork you are including a Head set.

Yes?? I have the frame, fork and bars/w wraps and some cable housing.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

pitt83 - 2007-12-04 8:28 AM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 8:55 AM

More Questions...

Why do brake/front derailer/crank list 9 or 10 speed? I am looking on ebay for parts and will see a crank that says shimano ultegra 9 speed front. Why would the rear gears matter? I see the same thing for brakes.

Two part answer: Crank / FD ARE different. The chain rings are different thickness b/c 10 speed chains are narrower. They'll (10 speed) accomodate 9 speed, but 9 can't handle a 10 chain. You can use a 9 speed crank with 10 speed, but you'd need to buy new, thinner chain rings. The brakes are b/c Shimano changed part numbers for the 10 speed series. For Ultegra, 6500 (gen 9 speed) vs 6600 (gen 10 speed). DA went through the same part number change. They operate the same, but decals and shapes are slightly different to appease the marketing department.

Thanks for all the information and I think to save cost I will go with the 9 speed w/ double front crank in ultegra (unless I can find a DA part cheap). It just seems like the 9 speed is cheaper than the 10 speed and being I don't need to change gears often I would rather save the money for now.

A few more questions now. For the brakes it seems like the 9 and 10 speed are totally interchangeable if I undestand you correctly, am I right? Is there a front and rear or are they interchangeable? For the Bottome Bracket I see different sized (ie 68mmX130mm) how do I know what I need? Is this specific to the crank I choose?

Thanks again for all your help. I have learned alot.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 12:18 PM

pitt83 - 2007-12-04 8:28 AM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 8:55 AM

More Questions...

Why do brake/front derailer/crank list 9 or 10 speed? I am looking on ebay for parts and will see a crank that says shimano ultegra 9 speed front. Why would the rear gears matter? I see the same thing for brakes.

Two part answer: Crank / FD ARE different. The chain rings are different thickness b/c 10 speed chains are narrower. They'll (10 speed) accomodate 9 speed, but 9 can't handle a 10 chain. You can use a 9 speed crank with 10 speed, but you'd need to buy new, thinner chain rings. The brakes are b/c Shimano changed part numbers for the 10 speed series. For Ultegra, 6500 (gen 9 speed) vs 6600 (gen 10 speed). DA went through the same part number change. They operate the same, but decals and shapes are slightly different to appease the marketing department.

Thanks for all the information and I think to save cost I will go with the 9 speed w/ double front crank in ultegra (unless I can find a DA part cheap). It just seems like the 9 speed is cheaper than the 10 speed and being I don't need to change gears often I would rather save the money for now.

A few more questions now. For the brakes it seems like the 9 and 10 speed are totally interchangeable if I undestand you correctly, am I right? Is there a front and rear or are they interchangeable? For the Bottome Bracket I see different sized (ie 68mmX130mm) how do I know what I need? Is this specific to the crank I choose?

Thanks again for all your help. I have learned alot.

Brakes are brakes: Fornt / rear: No difference (at least for Shimano). Buy what you prefer. IME: I use Kool Stop salmon brake pads and love them. Much better than the Shimano stock ones. These:
http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Brake+Pads+fo...

I run 9 speed on 3 bikes; when I built the tri bike, it was my first 10 speed. I agree: The components are so much cheaper, it's tough to resist.

Bottom bracket depends on the crank. Depends on the spline pattern (octalink V1 / V2, square taper, ISIS, many others) and the chain line. The BB sets where your chainline falls, therfore, the length is important. You can spacer it in / out a BIT, but buy the correct length straight off. I'd bet it's a 68x108mm you want. Indeed it is specific for the crank; get that figured out first.

Edited by pitt83 2007-12-04 11:32 AM

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

pitt83 - 2007-12-04 11:26 AM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 12:18 PM

pitt83 - 2007-12-04 8:28 AM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 8:55 AM

More Questions...

Why do brake/front derailer/crank list 9 or 10 speed? I am looking on ebay for parts and will see a crank that says shimano ultegra 9 speed front. Why would the rear gears matter? I see the same thing for brakes.

Two part answer: Crank / FD ARE different. The chain rings are different thickness b/c 10 speed chains are narrower. They'll (10 speed) accomodate 9 speed, but 9 can't handle a 10 chain. You can use a 9 speed crank with 10 speed, but you'd need to buy new, thinner chain rings. The brakes are b/c Shimano changed part numbers for the 10 speed series. For Ultegra, 6500 (gen 9 speed) vs 6600 (gen 10 speed). DA went through the same part number change. They operate the same, but decals and shapes are slightly different to appease the marketing department.

Thanks for all the information and I think to save cost I will go with the 9 speed w/ double front crank in ultegra (unless I can find a DA part cheap). It just seems like the 9 speed is cheaper than the 10 speed and being I don't need to change gears often I would rather save the money for now.

A few more questions now. For the brakes it seems like the 9 and 10 speed are totally interchangeable if I undestand you correctly, am I right? Is there a front and rear or are they interchangeable? For the Bottome Bracket I see different sized (ie 68mmX130mm) how do I know what I need? Is this specific to the crank I choose?

Thanks again for all your help. I have learned alot.

Brakes are brakes: Fornt / rear: No difference (at least for Shimano). Buy what you prefer. IME: I use Kool Stop salmon brake pads and love them. Much better than the Shimano stock ones. These: http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Brake+Pad... I run 9 speed on 3 bikes; when I built the tri bike, it was my first 10 speed. I agree: The components are so much cheaper, it's tough to resist. Bottom bracket depends on the crank. Depends on the spline pattern (octalink V1 / V2, square taper, ISIS, many others) and the chain line. The BB sets where your chainline falls, therfore, the length is important. You can spacer it in / out a BIT, but buy the correct length straight off. I'd bet it's a 68x108mm you want. Indeed it is specific for the crank; get that figured out first.

So I am looking at this crank. How do I tell what BB I need.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

pitt83 - 2007-12-04 11:26 AM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 12:18 PM

pitt83 - 2007-12-04 8:28 AM

kproudfoot - 2007-12-04 8:55 AM

More Questions...

Why do brake/front derailer/crank list 9 or 10 speed? I am looking on ebay for parts and will see a crank that says shimano ultegra 9 speed front. Why would the rear gears matter? I see the same thing for brakes.

Two part answer: Crank / FD ARE different. The chain rings are different thickness b/c 10 speed chains are narrower. They'll (10 speed) accomodate 9 speed, but 9 can't handle a 10 chain. You can use a 9 speed crank with 10 speed, but you'd need to buy new, thinner chain rings. The brakes are b/c Shimano changed part numbers for the 10 speed series. For Ultegra, 6500 (gen 9 speed) vs 6600 (gen 10 speed). DA went through the same part number change. They operate the same, but decals and shapes are slightly different to appease the marketing department.

Thanks for all the information and I think to save cost I will go with the 9 speed w/ double front crank in ultegra (unless I can find a DA part cheap). It just seems like the 9 speed is cheaper than the 10 speed and being I don't need to change gears often I would rather save the money for now.

A few more questions now. For the brakes it seems like the 9 and 10 speed are totally interchangeable if I undestand you correctly, am I right? Is there a front and rear or are they interchangeable? For the Bottome Bracket I see different sized (ie 68mmX130mm) how do I know what I need? Is this specific to the crank I choose?

Thanks again for all your help. I have learned alot.

Brakes are brakes: Fornt / rear: No difference (at least for Shimano). Buy what you prefer. IME: I use Kool Stop salmon brake pads and love them. Much better than the Shimano stock ones. These: http://www.excelsports.com/new.asp?page=8&description=Brake+Pad... I run 9 speed on 3 bikes; when I built the tri bike, it was my first 10 speed. I agree: The components are so much cheaper, it's tough to resist. Bottom bracket depends on the crank. Depends on the spline pattern (octalink V1 / V2, square taper, ISIS, many others) and the chain line. The BB sets where your chainline falls, therfore, the length is important. You can spacer it in / out a BIT, but buy the correct length straight off. I'd bet it's a 68x108mm you want. Indeed it is specific for the crank; get that figured out first.

So I am looking at this crank. How do I tell what BB I need.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

Didn't read the whole thread but I didn't see a head set in your list...

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=3742

Edited by running2far 2007-12-04 11:42 AM

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

Your list looks complete. The only thing I can think of is you may need some new cable housing and you might want to rewrap your bars just because. You probably don't have the little chunk of housing you need to go from your chainstay to your rear deraileur. This MIGHT come with your shifters.

In my opinion you are better off going with Ultegra or 105 (or a mix) in a 9 speed. I'd go new where you can. Your speed gains are coming from aero, not the level of components you are running. 105 and up are all nice, and if you wanted to spend $1000-$1200, why not just order the new bike from bikesdirect?

Check out chucksbikes.com for some cheap 9 speed parts. (bar ends, deraileurs)

Nashbar has some closeout 9 speed 105 cranks right now.

I wouldn't spend too much on the brakes and levers. They won't make much difference on a TT bike. You really shouldn't ever use them in a race, right?

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

running2far - 2007-12-04 11:38 AM Didn't read the whole thread but I didn't see a head set in your list... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Headset_(bicycle_part)[/QUOTE] Dumb question but what is a head set? The link did not work.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

check now...sent you to a product page.

http://www.chrisking.com/headsets/hds_index.html

I like King headsets

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

tkbslc - 2007-12-04 11:41 AM

Your list looks complete. The only thing I can think of is you may need some new cable housing and you might want to rewrap your bars just because. You probably don't have the little chunk of housing you need to go from your chainstay to your rear deraileur. This MIGHT come with your shifters.

In my opinion you are better off going with Ultegra or 105 (or a mix) in a 9 speed. I'd go new where you can. Your speed gains are coming from aero, not the level of components you are running. 105 and up are all nice, and if you wanted to spend $1000-$1200, why not just order the new bike from bikesdirect?

Check out chucksbikes.com for some cheap 9 speed parts. (bar ends, deraileurs)

Nashbar has some closeout 9 speed 105 cranks right now.

I wouldn't spend too much on the brakes and levers. They won't make much difference on a TT bike. You really shouldn't ever use them in a race, right?

Thanks for the info. I would love to order the full bike but the SO would freak if I spent $1K on a bike. I think I can get away with close to $500 total (plus some for assembly) for the same bike with ultegra instead of the DA that bikesdirect has.

From what I can tell the 105 and ultegra is not much difference in price so I figured get ultegra if I can.

I do agree that the brakes are not that important in races but I would like to have good ones for when I train. I have sora now and at 210lbs I don't feel I am stoping like I should. I would rather get something alittle better.

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Subject: RE: Am I missing anything

running2far - 2007-12-04 11:44 AM check now...sent you to a product page. http://www.chrisking.com/headsets/hds_index.htmlI like King headsets

Thanks, I actually have that already. The front end is completely assembled bars to forks I just need the components now.

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Am I missing anything

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