More ideas from my conversation with Joanna, someone I know who is contemplating recycling the components from her old road frame onto a cross/commuter frame:
The Competitive Cyclist fit calculator is a good place to start when trying to find the right size frame.
Measuring your existing bikes also helps. As a woman, you're going to want a shorter than average top tube. This is always a challenge for women looking for a cross bike since there aren't women specific cross bikes yet and a female specific frame tends to be built for shorter torsos.
Another tip - a pair of touring tires is probably good for a cross/commuter. Cyclocross tires are expensive and wear out quickly on pavement. Touring tires have a bit of tread and wear like iron.
Budget some money for frame building tools and expenses:
-cable cutter
-bottom bracket tool
-headset installation (that's usually a job for a pro mechanic)
-a new set of cables and housing
-a new chain as your chainstay length may increase
-a new cassette to go with your new chain, budget cassettes are heavy but durable
-odds and ends like handlebar tape and cable donuts
-a set of good ball-end hex wrenches, don't rely on a multi-tool. Bondhus offers a lifetime warranty, I've used it, it's worth it.
-a cheap, maybe 2nd hand work stand. It will save your back! (this is something you can usually borrow)
Also, most assembly steps require grease. A tube of plain old grease from the auto parts store will be good enough. Get some latex or nitrile gloves, maybe some industrial q-tips.
Also, put the cell phone number of your favorite bike mechanic buddy on speed dial, to call when the going gets confusing.
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2 comments:
Nashbar has a great P Handle set for $20 bones. I have had them for the past year and cannot live without them. Also, I would recommend a good shop apron, an old kitchen one works in a pinch, because if you get in the habit of putting your tools into the pockets and not on the bench it won't be as frustrating when you need that tool again.
That's a great point. A tool belt, nail belt or apron would be handy to keep the common wrenches and a tube of grease handy while you work.
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