Help me build a bike.

[worntreads]

We all doing it, figuring out which bits and bobs work. So ill give my thoughts then throw it out for some discussion.

I will be getting a carver gnarvester soon and need to build it. I already know I want the whiskey carbon no 9 for the ta and 3" tire clearance but after that its all just thoughts.

Drivetrain
The gnarvester unfortunately cannot take a front derailleur, so it is 1x for me. I've exclusively ridden shimano in the past and have been pleased so I'm leaning towards xt or even straight deore (deore had been great to me) but the idea of srams 1x11 is intriguing. I'd definitely opt for the x01 as I am cheap, I also like the idea of direct mount chainrings on the gxp bb, but price and reliability have me leaning shimano. Sram also has an edge as the 10 speed mountain and road are compatible if I want to go dirt drop.

Brakes
I'm really eyeing the new xt hydros. Heard good things for around a 200 price tag, not bad. Willing to hear other thoughts.

Wheels
Here's where it gets tricky. I need at least 35mm for 3" rubber, but I also want to be weight conscience since this will be my ultra racing rig too (no rabbit holes as I'll want to shrink size for racing). For money's sake I'm thinking blunt 35s on hope hubs, but those ibis 41mm carbon rims seem perfect and are so inviting.  I may just build the 35s for play now and save my nickels for the ibis set for tour Divide.

Headset.
I like the modularity of the cane creek angleset anyone use this? How is it?

Cockpit
since the bike is ti I feel I can get away cheap with ritchey wcs alloy and thomson alloy.

Rubber
Chronicles look nice but over built for the bay area where I ride. Vee rubber trax look fun. I don't like the knards "not tubeless" thing.

Seat
This vegan will probably spring for a brooks c15.

So what are your thoughts? I'm so excited to build this but not excited at clearing out my savings!

[bouldernick]

Looks to me like you have it pretty sorted out! Stick with reliable.

The drivetrain question is a good one. It will affect the hubs you buy. I would encourage you to think not only about range but also about the steps between gears. It always stinks to be stuck wanting a gear in between what you have. Tire size, of course, affects this. With 29+ you'll want to gear low for loaded climbing.

Re: brakes, the Deores offer the same stopping power as the XTs once you normalize the pads and rotors between them. So invest in IceTech finned pads and the nicest rotors you can afford. That's a better way to buy.

Wheels are a tough one. Carbon is so tempting and I've had great luck. They often save weight, but the big advantage is how tough modern carbon rims are. While they're a big pill to swallow, it's sometimes better to buy them first instead of swallowing two pills.

The Angleset is interesting and I've only heard good things about them.

Cockpit, get what you like. I like Thomson for stems and posts. With a rigid bike, you might consider a Ti bar for extra cush. I'm also a Jones Loop fan.

Have fun!

[worntreads]

Thanks Nick! I've got Ritchey WCS coming for the cockpit. I've never used it, but it seems quality, and used it is so cheap!

I got Blunt 35s to SLX (gross) but I got them used for cheap (230 for a set? Dealio.) But you're right, those carbon hoops will be worth it. I might have a "racing set" (Ibis 941s, not sure if I want to try the Ibis hub or build custom with Hopes/King) and a "beater set", the Blunts to SLX, but we'll see. I also won't race 3" tires.

I will take your advice on the brakes for sure. Any advice on rotors? Disc brakes are a whole new beast to me. Also Shimano 1x10 decided with 34 tooth ovalized ring, because why not?

[bouldernick]

If using Shimano brakes, I'd stick to Shimano rotors. If you can, I like Centerlock. Easy on and off, great for travel. But that's up to you. Look for XT level. Best performance for the dollar. XTRs are a tad lighter, but don't really stop much better.

[Moyo]

Just a suggestion, but I've heard great things about derby 29x35mm carbon rims. Not as wide as the Ibis, but very similar in design it seems. (Ibis brags on derby and also helped derby get set up financially)

[Briansong]

WT,

Just from my experience on a failed TD attempt this year. 1 x 11 is a tough range. There were many climbs I walked. I ran 2 x 10 and had 22 x 36 with a 11-36 rear. If you get low enough to climb your top gear may keep you at 22-23mph on the big end. I don't know if you've done the TD yet or not. Sorry if I am giving you info that you already know.

Riding 14-16 hour days on a loaded bike without enough gear would really suck.

I am going to build a Ti HT with a Rohloff for my next try. Had so much trouble with rain, mud, snow this year the drivetrain really suffered. The Rohloff guys just kept going.

Best of luck

[worntreads]

My frame has no front derailleur option, so it's only one by ten.  I did the tnca on road gearing and just walked when I had to. I think eventually this bike will hey rohloff treatment but for touring not racing. Also I pack hella light.