My Bike and I

First of all I would like to apologise for not having any posts recently, I have been busy with work and I'm in the midst of preparing for the re-opening of University for the new semester. Looking forward to going back to Uni after a long break. Although I have been working pretty hard to get the bike up and running throughout the holidays. I will try to update the blog at least once a week at a minimum.

Had a random in the train today come up to me today and said I had a nice ride. The feeling is so good.

I am currently awaiting for the shipment of 3 items from ChainReactionCycles. A hoodie, pair of skins compressions and another headlight for my bike. I am pretty keen to cycle in the night over the next few days. Night cycling seems more peaceful, however recently the weather in Melbourne hasn't been very good. Its been either raining or just really cold. I don't have enough layers or thermals to be cycling long distances in the rain.

Definitely need to get a pair of water resistant pants or pants covers. I'm always getting my work pants dirty these past few shifts when I ride to the train station. My stamina is currently slowly improving however my legs get tired really quick. I still wonder if I could put in the effort to cycle a few laps around the lake near my apartment to get my stamina up.

Really sorry that I haven't updated any pictures yet, I kind of broke my phone this time round and need to get it fixed soon. My camera is still down to.

I would like to get some advice, on how should I maintain my bike? What should I do regularly?
What kind of lube to use on the chains and How could I solve the front derailleur shifting problem?
How do I clean the bike? What do I use (just soap and water?)? Are there specific products to use to clean bikes or are there any DIY Methods to this?




Hope to get some advise from you guys soon.

Cheers~!

Gloves and Leg warmers

First thing to take not is to never cycle during winter without proper cycling base layers. Never use cotton base layers as they trap the sweat and when you speed up or the wind blows you are going to freeze. The possibility of hypothermia may set in.

I had to cycle home from work yesterday, didn't make the same mistake the as the same time. However, I did take a wrong left turn and ended up climbing 2-3 hills eventually. This was basically because I've never really cycled through those routes before.

Bought a set of BBB gloves and leg warmers at YarraValleyCycles yesterday. Eventually though of getting compression instead but they didn't have any on stock. I chose the leg warmers instead of a full length compression/thermal pants because eventually during summer when I want to cycle I would have to get another pair of shorts. So this was I could just remove the warmers and use the pants for summer.

Tried the gloves and warmers yesterday and they are really very comfortable. I still do get a little strain and pain from cycling on the joint of my thumb and palm. My hands for some reason feel very week in the morning. Is there something I am doing wrong that could be causing this ? I am really not sure.

I used my Singapore Armed Forces military issued gore-tex jacket to ride last night which I never knew was wind and water proof. Helped keep me dry all the way even though it started raining towards the end of my forty-five minute journey.

The front derailleur still does not shift very smoothly, and the bike even though with regular wiping down is really dirty. Probably would need to carry out maintenance soon.

Front Derailleur Problem

As predicted by many forum members, my front derailleur is starting to give me problem.

The shifting on the first day was smooth but today, sometimes it couldn't shift to 1 it could only do 2 and sometimes 3. What should I do to rectify this problem?

Is this due to compatibility issues with the shifter or could something else be causing a problem ?

This week I will have to purchase a new headlight for the bike, as the old one just broke again even with all the tape that held it up for the past two days. Also need to get base layers and maybe a new jacket to cycle in.

Will be looking around and posting links to several stores about the new products I am going to purchase next week. The post's will be on cycling apparel for winter in Melbourne. I've been doing research on what will be needed and based on the experience in the last post I've learnt my lesson never to cycle with cotton base layers.

The cotton base layer holds the sweat and when the wind blow or when cycling downhill the chills are horrible.

The hunt for parts is now over and now I begin the hunt for apparel and accessories.

Completed the build

Jut got the bike back from YarraValleyCycles at 4 pm. Purchased a helmet and a lock for my bike too .

$59 for the helmet and $20 for the BBB lock.

Since it is my first mountain bike with a front suspension I could feel the difference riding it home from the supermarket today.

I'm going to fit the lights in to ride later tonight.

Will be riding the bike to commute from work later tonight.

BBB Combination Lock 

Lazer 

My finished Bike 

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in this build, particularly the guys on Rotorburn.com , BicycleNetworkAustralia and YarraValleyCycles. Thank you for all your support and help with the build. 

This does not mean it is the end of this blog though. 

I will be posting updates on my rides and upgrades or even simple maintenance updates. Look forward to seeing more people supporting the blog. Thank you all once again! 

Cheers!

Detailed Updated Parts Listing - Excluding Brakes

So far the search for parts has been coming along pretty well, and in these past few weeks I have learnt a great deal about mountain bikes and bicycles in general.

These are parts that I have recently purchased and waiting for them to be shipped/arrive, they should all be getting here some time next week since most of the parts are coming within Australia.

Except for the Shimano Deore M590 Chainset with BB - 170mm,22,32,44t which was bought on ChainReactionCycles.com , the rest of the parts are all from forums such as BicycleNetworkAustralia and Rotorburn.



Parts List 

• One-one inbred 26er 16” frame (new)
• Seat Post(new)
• Seat Clamps(New)
• Bars (new)
• 90mm truvatic stem(new)
• Headset (new)
• On-One Saddle
• Marzocchi 1998 Bomber fork (Used)
• SRAM PG970 cassette (brand new seller bought wrong one)
• SRAM X0 9 Speed rear derailleur (used)
• SRAM X0 Twist Shifters
• Funn Souljam Pedals (used)
• Shimano XT from mech – 28.6mm clamp (used)
• Wheels : Novatech D811SB qr/D812SB Qr read, Hubs, DT Swiss Comp spokes with aluminium nipples, Alex XD Lite Rims , Bike ribbon tape (New)
• Shimano Deore M590 Chainset with BB -170mm, 22,32,44t (New)

I have not decided on which brakes I am going to get definitely its going to be a disc brake set.It would be wise to go for an Avid brake system since it comes so highly recommended by so many people in the forums that have been teaching me so much about building a mountain bike. Recently I received several offers on brakes on Rotorburn.com hopefully I get a good deal in the next two weeks.

Latest Updates - SRAM Cassette and Shimano Front Derailleur Received

Hi Guys!

I just received my first order today. Parts which I purchased off a user on Rotorburn.com 

All the items received in good condition, really fast shipping by the seller. 

(Shimano FD M750 XT Front Derailleur and SRAM PG970 12-26 Cassette)

Only problem now is that the front derailleur that I bought is not compatible with my frame. My frame (On-One Inbred 26er 16") is a front pull and the Shimano FD M750 XT isn't a front pull system. (This is what happens when I get too excited scouring for parts). Total cost of FD and Cassette was $65 free shipping.

Still waiting on my frame and other parts. 

Do all cassettes use the same tool or do sizes vary with different cassettes? (I want to get a cassette tightening tool but I'm not too sure which one to get. Eventually did look around on several sites but some say that they only work for Shimano cassettes. Would this tool work? (X-Tools Cassette Lockring Tool - ChainReactionCycles.com) 

Chainset/Crankset
Looking at getting a Chainset or Crankset below $100 and also Nukeproof pedals. I was recommended a Shimano Deore Crankset (Shimano Deore M590 Triple Chainset - ChainReactionCycles), also came across the FSA Afterburner BB30 Chainset but I'm still not sure which one would be a better choice.

Fron Derailleur
If I get the cranksets as mentioned above what kind of FD (Front Derailleur) should I go for? This is kind of confusing, should the rear and front be the same brand? How would they be compatible? What are the compatibility issues I should consider?

Rear Derailleur
As for the rear derailleur at first I was going to go with  a Shimano, but I need to try something different and reviews on SRAM products seem pretty good. I was recommended the SRAM X0 9 Speed Rear Mech - ChainReactionCycles , and considering it.

Fork
A member from the BNA forum donated a 1998 Bomber Marzocchi suspension fork. It looks pretty old school, the owner said he will remove the V-brakes before shipping. I really don't need them because the frame is a disc-brake specific frame.

Here are a few pics I received from the owner:

All I had to do was pay for shipping, which seem to be a great deal!





Well that's all the updates I have for now, hope to read your comments on these products.


  

MTB Parts List

This is the list of parts that will be needed in order to build the mountain bike.
I came up with the list from the best ability of my memory. If I do miss anything in this list do let me know as soon as possible.

1. Front Derailleur
2. Rear Derailleur 
3. Cassette [9 spd]
4. Fork [100mm travel]
5. Handlebar - (clamp/stem)
6. Headset
7. Handle bar
8. Seat clamp
9. Seat post
10. Saddle 
11. Frame 
12. Tyres & Tube
13. Rims 
14. Handlebar caps (end-caps)
15. Gear Shifters 
16. Grips
17. Pedals
18. Brake System (full disc brake set)
19. Chainset
20. Bottom Bracket
21. Wheel Nipples
22. Spokes
23. Hubs (preferred brand - Hope, dude to lighter weight)
24. Chain 

Hope I remembered most of the parts by now.

The new tools

Here's a picture of the tools I purchased yesterday.

If I am still missing tools please let me know...

Latest Updates - Tool Shopping & Search for Parts

Welcome Back to my blog once again. 

This week has been a pretty interesting week in my search for parts for my new DIY Build. 

Rotorburn.com has many listing of used parts or sometimes even new, but they are not commercial sellers.  Just a few hours ago I found two new parts 

1. NEW SRAM 9spd PG970 12 - 26 cassette ($50)
2. Shimano FD M-750 XT Front Derailleur ($15)

 I just emailed the seller a about an hour ago regarding the sale of these two  items, hopefully he/she gets back to me as soon as possible. This would be a great deal, although I am not sure if getting the Shimano FD M-750 XT Front Derailleur is such a good idea. 

I'm still half hearted of putting a 2x or a 3x crankset in, initially this was the plan but however I did also want to make it a single speed to save some money and eventually upgrade it. Another problem that, I recently read about was on how a chain set / crank set could easily scrape the ground. I did not know that there was a length to consider. Please advise me on how would I find out what the length should be ? 

Frame Details

Frame Material	DN6 double butted 4130 chromoly steel
Approx. Frame Weight (g)	2500
Seatpost Size (mm)	27.2
Seat Clamp Size (mm)	29.8
Front Mech Clamp Size (mm)	28.6
Wheels	26" x 2.5 tyres will just about fit, but we recommend 2.0 – 2.3"" for best performance
Mudguard mounts	No
Rack Mounts	Yes.
Bottle Cage Bosses	1 set
Fork Travel	120mm MAX
Dropouts	Horizontal Taperlock
Bottom Bracket shell	68mm, English threaded

(source : On-One Inbred 26er Frame Specifications ) , please refer to the same link for frame geometry.

Payment for the On-One Inbred 26er 16" frame has been confirmed and the seller has emailed me regarding a few extras he may be throwing in. Sound like a massive bargain so I can't wait to see what I'm gonna be getting in the package when it arrives next week. 

I've looked at two Shimano bottom brackets for this frame and will be going for a Shimano XT/SLX/Zee Bottom Bracket - Chain Reaction Cycles . The other part that I am seriously also considering is Shimano XTR M971 9sp Rear Mech - ChainReactionCycles.com or Shimano XTR M972 Shadow 9sp Rear Mech - ChainReactionCycles.com  . The reviews on these three items seem pretty decent enough. 


Also came across the Shimano Saint M810 Shadow 9sp Rear Mech. The reviews on this item looks pretty good however, if you have used them please post a comment and tell me how you have found it.


Will make up my mind by next Wednesday and then put in the orders if I don't find a better deal on any of the forums. I still am on a look out for a fork, preferably RockShox, but prices seem pretty steed for the medium range forks. So far the only good deal for a RockShox fork I've come across is the RockShox Recon Silver TK Coil 100mm Fork With Lockout (approximately AUD$209-$210). 

My day at Bunnings was a pretty interesting one, even though I've never been to hardware stores as large as Bunnings. It was something new. I grew up with tools all around me, my dad is a contractor. So I knew what I was looking for and tried my best to stick within my $50 budget even though I think I did go a little over the budget. 

Tools purchased today :

1. Rubber Mallet = $7
2. Tube Cutter = $8
3. Gripwell Screwdriver set = $6 (was on special, couldn't help it)
4. Adjustable Wrench = $10
5. Allen Key Set = $5
6. Pliers Side Cut = 8
7. Pliers Combination = $10 

Approximate Total : $54

*(Note: This are estimated prices only) 

I have not looked at into buying any of the bicycle specific tools yet, but I will look online on several sites to get them eventually. 

Well, I guess that's all it is for now. 

Thank you for reading, please do feel free to leave your comments and suggestions. 

Fundamentals Mountain Bike Set Up Video

It's my day off so I was aimlessly surfing the net and ended up on youtube. 

Found this documentary on the Fundamentals of a Mountain bike. 

Pretty much most of the information I was looking for is on it. Do check it out !

YouTube-Fundamentals Mountain Bike Set Up 

About My Blog

Hi!

first and foremost I would like you to welcome you to my blog.

This is my first DIY Mountain Bike Build. I have cycled about 7 years ago on a regular basis however, I took a break from it when I grew out of my teenage years. One of the main reasons I stopped cycling was because someone had actually stolen my last bicycle when I was about 14-16 in Singapore.

Currently I am in Victoria, Australia studying at Swinburne University of Technology. It has been an interesting experience living and studying in melbourne. I live about 15 minutes from the train stations, and my home is roughly about an hour by train to the city. I recently got a job, one suburb away. As I have to do overnight shifts and stuff I decided that I needed an alternative mode of transportation. I do not have a drivers license and getting one here would take about six months. I decided to take up a motorbike license instead but realized that a motorbike would be way over my budget. Eventually a friend of mine suggested cycling to work. At that point I started doing research on prices of a full bicycles and the parts they came with. Almost every bike was above my budget and I was looking for a hard tail mountain bike.

Given that trailing would be something I want to pursue in future. I came across articles on the net about DIY builds.

That led me into joining two forums : Bicycles Network Australia and RotorBurn.com .

These are two great forums I found that is helping me in both getting parts and information. Some users trade parts, some sell, some give them for free. So if you are looking to build a bike or are looking for spare parts this is one of the best places I know so far of in Australia.

In one of my threads on BNA (Bicycles Network Australia), a user even offered to give me a frame for free but the frame was just too big. Obviously I would have to pay for the postage. Sometimes postage for large parts such as frames can be a little costly.

Always look at a few difference sources before buying parts online, as the prices are fairly competitive. If you are looking for superseded parts, a few online stores such as ChainReactionCycles.com and MerlinCycles.com. They have a good range of old parts on discount. I don't know why purchasing parts from stores in the UK seams cheaper than the USA.   

From my initial research, I realized that I was not very sure what parts I needed to get. So I started posting threads on the blogs asking for other cyclist for advise on parts that I would need and where I could source them from. All those links are based on replies in forums on my threads.

Just two days ago I made a purchase of an On-One Inbred 16'' 26er frame with a few extra parts used for $200 from the Bicycles Network Australia forum. Once the item has been received I will post pictures of them up.

I will have regular updates on my progress of my build with pictures. If you do have comments and suggestions, I would really love to hear them. Do also feel free to post links to stores internationally that you may have found to carry good deals.


Well that's all I have time for, for the first entry on my journey to building up a new mountain bike.