![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Has been a while since i've graced these forums, but i thought that this was worth making a comeback for. Nearly posted this in the MTB forum, but thought you folks would appreciate the single-speediness of it more than them
![Wink ;)](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
The project:
To build a 29er rigid single speed belt driven mountain bike, from scratch (with the exclusion of the frame). The frame i'm getting fitted with a headset by the builder, but will otherwise be naked. I've purchased a fair amount of the parts required so far, with not too many bits to go - though the build itself won't begin until early-mid August, due to my current travel plans.
Anyway, you probably want to know what parts i'll be using...
Frame: Pipedream Skookum (Reynolds 853 chromo steel)
Fork: Ritchey WCS Carbon Mountain rigid 29"
'Bars: Easton EC70 Carbon
Headset: Hope Pick'n'Mix
Bottom Bracket/Chainset: Shimano XT M780 Triple (soon to be a single...)
Seatpost: Easton EC70 Carbon
Brakes: Avid Elixir 7 160mm
Hubs: White Industries MI6
Rims: Velocity Blunt SL 29er 32h
Spokes: DT Swiss Champion
Chainring: 42t Gates CDX
Sprocket: 20t Gates CDX
Pedals:Crank Brothers Eggbeater 3
Original budget was "Under $3000" (of which, the frame takes up ~$800), and i'm sure i'm going to go over by about $500... So far have spent $1900+, and have about $1500 to go i suggest. In reality, you could get away with an under $2000 bike based on this frame, if you drop the spec on them a bit, and take a bit of a hit as far as weight goes.
Based on the parts list above, the weight should come in under 10kilograms, hopefully somewhere closer to (or under) 9kg when in 'commuter mode' using 700x28mm tyres.
The combination of a 42t/20t chainset and sprocket should mean that i can use the same belt if i move it down to a 39t/24t system for off-road use, according to the gates belt drive calculator (on their website).
Whilst i've never 'built' (built-up is probably more accurate) my own bike before, i do 99% of my own bike maintenance, and have done ever since i was a youngin'. So none of the parts are all that of a worry for me. That said, i have fixed/replaced spokes on my wheels before, but i've never built them from scratch as i will be here. I have no doubt that Sheldon Brown (the saint that he is) will be of great assistance there
![Smile :)](./images/smilies/icon_smile.gif)
Anyway, that's about all for now.... Just can't wait to build it up! (and ofcourse, ride it)