[chaco24]

OK, I have decided to build a bike instead of buy one but I need some advice on the parts I need to get besides the frame and fork. My main question is about the bottom bracket, crank set, and rear derailleur. Does the cage size of the rear derailleur really matter? Are bottom brackets all the same size (I am familiar with english/french? difference) how do I know what size crank set to get? Any and all advice is appreciated, especially as I expect to get my frame and fork sometime this week.

[Industry_Hack]

You can use the short cage derailleur with a tight cassette cluster. If you have a big cog back there, you'll need a long cage. Bottom brackets come in different widths - I think that for road bikes there is one for a double and one for a triple, but someone else will need to confirm. For your cranks, you need to select not only the proper chainrings, but the correct arm length. Pretty sure common road sizes are 170mm, 172.5mm and 175mm.

[chaco24]

Thanks for the info Hack.

[jad3]

What type of bike you building Chaco? I have always wanted to do that but haven't had the guts! Keep us posted!!!

[Xela]

Hack's right about the crank arm lengths. I'm currently running a 172.5. Most shops will recommend crank length based on watching you and your knee placement. But as Hack pointed out, there's a pretty small difference (about 1/4") between the shortest and longest.

He's also right about the widths, which means you first need to decide between and double and triple and if you want standard 53/39 front rings, compact 50/34, or a triple. If you want to describe your terrain and fitness level, we can help you out with that one. I currently run a 50/34 with an 11-25 rear cassette. It will get me to the top of the steepest hills we have around here, which usually have a grade of about 20% but that doesn't last long. My friend in CA has some 20% sections that go on for a mile or two. He's gone from a 12-25 that he had when he lived here to a 12-27 for those.

Keep the questions coming and we'll try to keep the answers going.

[Industry_Hack]

My BMX race bike has 180mm cranks, the single speed 175mm, and the fixed has 170mm. It pays to get a professional opinion regarding proper size, as it's not just leg length, but gearing and BB height (of your frame) that come into play. And yes, that 1/4 makes a difference.

[rich88]

Check some of theses build kits:

Road Bike Build Kit - Shimano Dura-Ace 7900

Build Kit - Excel Sports Boulder

[chaco24]

here is a parts list of the stuff for my bike build:Amazon.com: Shimano Ultegra Front and Rear Caliper Road Bicycle Brake Set - BR-6600: Sports & Outdoors. Got the shifters, chain, stem, handle bars, and pedals yesterday and the framset is out for delivery on the Fedex truck right now. If you see any conflict between the parts that are in the links (I hope the links work!) please let me know.

[chaco24]

Amazon.com: FSA K-Force Light BB30 DA79 175mm 39/53 with Ceramic Bottom Bracket: Sports & Outdoors

[chaco24]

Amazon.com: Shimano Ultegra FD-6700 Front Derailleur: Sports & Outdoors