First Build

[variable]

Hello all, new to the forums (and for that matter Australia), but have been going through postings trying to compile a list of possible frames and sources for a singlespeed project. Mainly planning on using it for commuting. This will also be my first build project. I have acceptable mechanical abilities, but am looking to learn, and figured this would be a great start.

I guess I am lost as to where to look for frames, seems there is no real central source. I'd love to ride titanium, but for a commuter that seems a bit much $$. So really looking at either steel or Al. I'd love any recommendations or pointers!

Thanks!
-Eric

[HLC]

What is your budget for the build?

[GaryF]

Hi variable, my only suggestion is good old 'ebay'. It's the only place where you can have a choice or options. You may be lucky to find a bikeshop that has a few frames to choose from or perhaps a garage sale or tip find but, for options I would look at 'ebay'.

[bychosis]

Do you want a new bike with new parts, or do you want to build a licorice all sort with whatever you can scrounge? There is a big difference in where to look.

Flat bar, drop bar? MTB tough, roadie fast? Carry a load? Might help narrow down some options.

Personally I'd be trawling fleabay and scumtree looking for the best value bits and build a bitzer.

[variable]

So sorry for the delay, apparently I didn't have autosubscribe to topic turned on. Anyways. I'd like to keep the total build to less than $1000, but seeing as that may be difficult, I could see it being worth up to $1500. I would like to do Aluminium with drop bar. 'Roadie fast' as bychosis puts it.

Whilst looking on ebay / gumtree any search terms I should be looking at to get a decent Aluminium fixie frame?

[HLC]

So sorry for the delay, apparently I didn't have autosubscribe to topic turned on. Anyways. I'd like to keep the total build to less than $1000, but seeing as that may be difficult, I could see it being worth up to $1500. I would like to do Aluminium with drop bar. 'Roadie fast' as bychosis puts it.

Whilst looking on ebay / gumtree any search terms I should be looking at to get a decent Aluminium fixie frame?

If you want Aluminum, have a look at Leader, Colossi, or LDG frames. Gear Brisbane http://www.gearbrisbane.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is a good place to start looking, they stock the first 2.

Leader Frame & Fork ~$500
Miche Wheelset ~$200 on Wiggle
Sram Omnium cranks/BB - ~$260
Bars, Stem, Seatpost Seat, tyres/tubes, chain, cog, lock ring ~$300

Will build a nice bike.

[variable]

I like the Colossi frames, I am unsure of the track geometry changes. For road bikes, I fitted myself out from the appendix in the Zim Art of Road Bike Maintenance and came up with a 575mm Top Tube, but for track bikes, many times this equals a 60cm or larger frame. Is that correct? Any tips for track frame sizing?

[HLC]

Seat tube size is largely irrelevant IMO.

Some people suggest to buy a size smaller with your track bike than your roadie, and use a long erecto stem and a ton of seat post. Which will get you low over the bike.

My track bikes are the same size and fit as my roadie. Do what is comfortable for you.

[variable]

Ok so you are saying ignore the 56,58,or 60cm frame size and go with whatever frame has a 575mm top tube or maybe a bit smaller?

[HLC]

Ok so you are saying ignore the 56,58,or 60cm frame size and go with whatever frame has a 575mm top tube or maybe a bit smaller?

If you can find one a similar fit to your roadie, then you will be on the money.

But yes, i'm largely saying find something with a 575mm top tube, and you should be able to get it to fit with the correct stem height/seatpost length etc. ( i wouldn't completely disregard seat tube length, but it is not as critical as TT).

[PYLee]

what about the cinelli frames ? vigorelli, mash and gazzetta