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Question - are certain components specific to certain frames


sean07

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Hey Hubbers,

 

I'm a novice to please bare with me. Are certain components specific to certain brands of frame?

 

Just as an example, is a certain stem better suited to a specific frame?

 

Thanks in advance.

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Its only Trek that tells you wich stem wont break their forks. And some cannondales uses differnt stems. Otherwise its mostly standard.

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This is my "opinion". They are not spesific to certain frames. You get some components that are made for certain frames, but not in general.

 

Things like stems, handlebars, groupsets etc are personal choice and are there to get the best fit for each individual.

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Until a while ago Leftys only worked on Cannondale frames. Some seatpost only work with some frames.

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I was actually going to start a new thread on pretty much this topic, but more oriented around asking what I need to look for if I were to purchase all the bit and pieces for an entirely new bike, but seeing as this thread pretty much covers the same ground, I'll just take it further.

 

I'll elaborate just a bit - I've decided to embark on a little project, and that is to buy a new bike for myself, not all in one go, but rather over time. The one way I can think of doing this, which will turn it into a little project, is to purchase one or 2 components at a time, with the final few purchases being the pricey ones (wheels, frame, etc). The other way, of course, is do buy it and pay it off ... Blegh!!!

 

My problem is the same as Sean07's - I don't know much about the technical issues that my endeavor will present to me. I'll be looking at products in the "slightly above mid range" category - ie, not cheapo, budget components, and not top of the range stuff. I'll probably be looking at a hard tail Specialised or Giant frame.

 

What pitfalls should I be looking for to avoid? Am I being stupid and asking for too much trouble by doing this? Are Spec and Giant frames that would allow me to pick from a wider range of products than, say, 'dale or trek would? Should I rather be deciding on, and buying, the frame first and then get the components to fit? Should I be looking at other, better brands that are more suited to this kind of project? Am I being short sighted looking at a Hardtail over a Full Suss (I've been away from the scene for too long, so costing is a black hole to me).

 

It seems the Tech section of the Hub is still a good place to come for advice, the rest of the place seems to have degenerated into a flame-fest and ego booster, so I'm pretty sure you lot that hang around here will be able to answer pretty much everything very competently. Thanks all in advance.

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Some frames can only take bottom swing versions. That means that the cage swings below the clamp. This is due to the space around the BB. Some frames are also either bottom or top pull. With Shimano this is not a problem as their changers can do both. Then there is also seat tube diameter. Again not a problem with Shimano as they make one size and supply you spacers with.

 

The BB is either BB30 or pressfit or the conventional screw in type.

 

The seatpost and seatpost clamp size is also determined by the frame. So is the headset. The rest of the stuff will fit fine.

 

Here's a pic of different derailleurs.

 

post-21-066342000 1280491948.jpg

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Also if mtb remember Shimano and SRAM have different RD ratios so shifters and RD's not interchangable. Otherwise all components have specs that you need to match up to the frame and other components, that can be a bit of a learning curve.

 

Can recommend building up a bike - and be assured there will be a u-toob on everything you need to know :)

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I've got a file going on how to choose components. I should just go sit down and finish the damn thing. Will be aimed at mtb though

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Also if mtb remember Shimano and SRAM have different RD ratios so shifters and RD's not interchangable. Otherwise all components have specs that you need ot match up to the frame and other components, that can be a bit of a learning curve.

 

Can recommend building up a bike - and be assured there will be a u-toob on everything you need to know :)

 

As long as you have the same brand of shifters and Rear derailleur then you are fine (doesn't have to be same model), front derailleurs are interchangeable between brands, as Mamparra said the frame design determines which action works.

 

Make sure that the number of speeds on your cassette matches the shifters.

 

The bottom bracket is influence by the cranks and the frame.

 

Pretty much all the other components will work but might need a few adapters.

 

If you need help just ask and somebody here will help.

 

Also look here http://www.parktool.com/repair/ it pretty much has everything you need.

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