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I’m sorely tempted to build a Norderst Super Albarda as an ‘Everything except MTB’ bike. The problem is that it’s only available as frame and fork. Despite riding bikes for years I’ve never built one.
The frame and fork comes with a headset, stem, seat clamp and axles. I was planning on buying a GRX 1x groupset, some Ritchey venturemax bars, Lizard skin tape, saddle and seatpost. Other than wheels, tyres and a BB what else have I missed? How do I know what wheels and BB to purchase? Full budget is £2k max.
Would it be less faff to simply buy a full bike from elsewhere? I have a great mobile bike mechanic nearby, so at least I can rope him in if I make a bad job of it I suppose.
As usual any advice, opinions and general piss taking are appreciated.
It would definitely be less faff to buy a full bike. But you'll get more satisfaction if you can do as much as you are able.
BB86 bottom bracket suggests press fit. But this is determined by what crank you end up getting.
If you're buying a full GRX groupset and the BB is included, make sure it's the press fit one.
Again, wheels specs seem to be 142x12 rear, 12x1.75? (I'm not well up on that front standard). Other side is deciding on 650b or 700c.
If you're unsure of how anything fits, read up, ask questions and watch some vids 🙂
Measure and cut your cable outers with the bars fitted before you start bolting everything on and don't make the mistake of cutting the cables with the inners already fitted!
Cheers guys. Argh! Missed the fact it’s pressfit BB. That’s making me rethink it a bit.
In my opinion, problems with press fit are overhyped. I'd prefer the BSA type, just because you can remove it easily without damaging the bearing or cups should you need to.
I've had no more trouble with them than I have with the other, so it's not something that would put me off any bike.
Some Brakes would be good:-)
They come as part of the groupset 😀
There's nothing wrong with BB86 - it's the only press-fit BB that Shimano make. BB30/PF42 is the one to avoid - that really is a crock. If you've built it yourself, you should have a better idea that it's been done properly and therefore can keep up with the maintenance.
Thanks, think I’m probably gonna go for it. Any recommendations for a 650b wheelset and decent tyres that work off road and don’t drag too much on?
I use wtb byway 47mm in summer, and wtb sendero 47mm in winter, great tyres.
As that frame has more clearance I'd probably look at the Vittoria Mezcal 2.1.
Go for it. Its very satisfying, and the bike you build is much more "yours".
Youtube is your friend,
You'll need a tool to install any type of BB, press fit you can buy/borrow a press, or make one with B&Q threaded rod, nuts and big washers
Some sites like r2-bike let you customise a groupset with your chosen BB, crank length, cassette size, etc. Saves a lot of bother.
From the above, you're probably only missing odds and ends like headset spacers and a star nut. Groupswt normally includes cables and outers, ferrules, etc
The BB and headset will be the only tricky bit, if you don't have a press.
Forks are carbon so will probably come with a star nut installed or whatever the carbon version is called.
+1 on the Victoria mezcal g+
Definitely more dirt oriented but fast rolling, hard wearing, very trippy and I personally wouldn't change them for winter.