Hello,

Now that I am going to build the bike I want to race in, I am seeking help from those that wish to share as this will be my first time building one. I have done extensive research into building a bicycle online and have purchased some books and have done some maintenance on my current bike. For this build I want it to be done with utmost care and precision with little guess work and there are some questions I have that aren't answered in my resources and I don't want to keep pestering the mechanics at the LBS.

What are some resources you have used to build / maintain the bike you currently have? (ie websites, books and blogs or other worldy advice given)

Thanks,

First of all you should be sure of what fits you. Are you going to order a bike and build kit online for the web dealer to put together, or are you going to build it yourself?

The most important thing is get a good bike fitting, and for that you have to go to a bike shop. Unless your trying to save money with a '09 closeout bike, you should use that shop to order your bike.

As for web sources, I've used advice from Lennard Zinn (velonews.com) and Sheldon Brown, who has passed away but has left a wealth of knowledge (sheldonbrown.com). And not everything you read on the internet is going to work for you either.

Wrench Science is a great resource. Speak with Tim Medina. They will ask you a battery of measurments through a little measuring homework. Asking your likes and dislikes of any exiting bike(s) and measurments off those bikes. They guarantee fitment.

I wouldn't trust an on-line fitting: not Wrench Science or Competitive Cyclist. It's ok to use these resources to compare to what you have, but I wouldn't change anything based on what some website says. It depends on how much experience you have. Bike shop - and one that knows what it's doing.

 I'm going through the same thing as we speak. I'm putting together an SLC-SL. I've gone with Campy 11 and used Campagnolos "how to" instructions and things have gone well. So perhaps go with the instructions of each individual component and your "know how" to get it done. All I have to do is cut the steerer and route the cables but I'll leave these two for my LBS. Good luck.

i love the SLC-SL! Post pics when you're done!

 Can't wait. Will do

I'm in a similar situation to you, just purchased a 2009 S1 frame set, in my opinion the best looking S1 yet , sorry Rock, and will be building her from the ground up.

I'm particularly nervous about sizing the fork length which i might get my LBS to do and installing the cables for brakes and derailleurs.

Please provide us with ongoing cometary on how the build goes, i need as much help as i can get i feel!

All the best with it, look forward to seeing the finished product!

I would have the dealer install the bottom bracket.  It is critical that this be done properly with the proper tools.

The Park Tool website has a vast amount of useful information: http://www.parktool.com/

Some other advice, based on my own (limited) experience:

• Use a torque wrench (or two for different torque ranges)
• Double check torque requirements and wrench settings for every part
• Always make sure the wrench hex bit is fully seated into the bolt head
  
• Keep everything very clean
• Always use the correct tools for the specific job
• Measure three times before cutting anything (e.g. fork steerer, cable outers etc.) and remember that a little bit too long is generally better than too short
• If anything feels wrong, stop tightening and think about whether you are doing anything wrong (e.g. crossed threads)
  
• Make appropriate use of anti-seize, threadlock and carbon assembly paste when putting everything together
• Use a magnetic parts bowl
  
• Ask specific questions on this forum. With luck, Sam might answer!

I know that's all common sense, but I've messed up all of the above at some point (except the fork steerer)!

devisible,

 can you tell me which books you have purchased to use as reference for the build?

 Thanks