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Hi,
Am [i]considering[/i] the possibility of having [i]someone else[/i] build me a steel hardtail 29er bike from the frame up, possibly based on a Surly Ogre/KM frame, or maybe something like a cotic, singular, etc.
Has anyone done something similar with a [i]non-local[/i] bike shop before - i.e. everything done via phone/email without visiting in person? Any recommendations?
Anyone had a bike built by bicycledoctor.co.uk before?
Thanks,
Ben
There's not a lot better than getting a bunch of brand new parts in shiny boxes with brand new grease and putting it all together. Not that hard, and you'll learn a lot.
But I would have thought plenty of shops would be delighted to help you spec and bike and build it for you. But part of the fun of doing it through a shop is the standing in the shop discussing shiny options and getting excited about it. Worth a drive, I reckon, you get to ogle stuff, and might get a cup of tea out of it.
Thanks. I can see the advantages of a self-build but I live in Kenya, that's why I can't build myself (too hard getting all the parts separately, if there's a problem I'm screwed) and also why I can't go to a shop in person...
Kenya! I can see why you're asking!
To be honest, If I was in Kenya without access to a LBS, I'd want some tools and some practice using them.
There’s all the workshop advice you could want on the web, vids from Park Tools on youtube.
I think if I was in your position, I’d be asking on here about a built-to-last bike spec – there are quite a few on here who’ve done huge unsupported rides that will have needed and tried kit that won’t need frequent tinkering and that’s easy to work on if do you need to.
Then speak to a bike shop (possibly from recommendations on here), maybe get them to press the headset in for you, and pack up all the parts with a tool kit?
The problem with shipping me the parts is if it turns out something doesn't fit or doesn't work or I just need some type of weird bolt that's missing, is then I'm screwed.
Sorry, that's not an option I need to ship a whole bike. I was looking at various complete bikes but fancied a few things that only a build could offer, so currently investigating the feasibility of that. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't, not sure yet.
Re: the built-to-last bike spec, yes you are definitely right on that. I need something that can be easily fixed and requires low, low maintenance. For this reason I'm considering mechanical brakes such as Avid BB7, and also have some worries about suspension fork maintenance, so am possibly considering coil forks over air forks as understand they probably require less.
But yes, I need some good advice on all this from a builder.
Surely Charlie for Surly, or Tim, whose not very thin.
Am aware of Charlie... Who's Tim?
I presume you mean Bicycle Doctor in Manchester - they are a long established, co-op run shop with a very good local reputation. They are also used to building the unusual (commuter bikes, hub gears, tourers etc).
I'd be happy to trust them, Sideways Tim, Charlie or Ben at Kinetics in Glasgow for this sort of thing.
Might be a good idea to order plenty of spare drivetrain parts and tyres with the bike. And do you need suspension at all. What about a bike that'll take 29+ wheels at least on the front. I've had a Rohloff now for 8 years and it's only required an annual oil change. Currently running only it's second chainring and third chain and sprocket and it's well used off road all year round. It would need shipping to Germany were you unlucky enough to have a problem but a cheap single speed wheel might be an option if that were ever necessary.
Thanks a lot for the tips and recommendations, much appreciated.