help me spec my build for a cs-036

[vicious meister]

I'm going (i think)?with a sram x1 mini group w/ shimano xt 11 spd. cassette, sram x1 chain. Shocks are marzocchi 100 mm lcd w remote & 2014 Fox float CTD 163x38 brakes are Avid elixir 1 w/ G3 rotors. so far my bill, minus frame is $884 This is my first build, i've been lurking for months here so be nice and help me out  Id like to go with peter and also have them include a wheel set, maybe a stem and saddle.  the xt cassette works with a 10 spd hub i,ve read any thoughts on that? and cockpit advice too? Im 6'1 210. has anybody else "hacked" the sram x1 setup i figured on?

[Carbon_Dude]

For the drivetrain, I still like a full SRAM 1x11 (un-hacked), there are so many price points now that I'm not sure I would bother mixing in Shimano 11-spd parts with SRAM parts.  Just don't see the point in it.  SRAM is all in on 1x11 and now 1x12.  The disadvantage to the Shimano cassette is you have less top end since the smallest rear cog is still 11T.  Another option if you don't want to do a SRAM cassette is to look at the e-Thirteen 11-speed 9T-44T cassette.  Even wider range for about the same cost.

As for suspension, I like having the ability to lock out my front and rear with one lever, both Fox and Rockshox offer this option, although I prefer my Scott twin-loc lever over what Fox has to offer.  Rockshox has a hydraulic pushbutton lock out, another nice option.  Since the -036 suspension design is nothing fancy, it's good to pair it with a nice shock like the Monarch XX or the Fox CTD BV like on my bike.

If you don't care about a remote lock out for the fork, just having the ability to remotely lock out the rear shock is adequate.

As for brakes, I am still a Shimano XT fan, I've ridden Avid brakes in the past that were terrible but the newer Avid stuff is better.  The last set of Avid brakes that I tested were the Guide R and they were about 90% as good as my XT so not bad for the price.  Possibly the higher line Avid Guide brakes are as good as XT and XTR brakes these days.

If you want the low cost Chinese carbon bars, post, stem, or saddle you will need to order them with the frame to save the most money on shipping.  Otherwise you will be going to eBay for those parts.  As for wheels, go carbon, I have been really happy with my carbon wheels from Peter.  In the end they are only slightly more expensive than a nice set of Stans or any other brand name aluminum rim.

[vicious meister]

Thanks for the tips dude! i just ordered my cs-036 from Peter i told him to use your paint scheme but i chose volvo polestar blue!! where yours is white,  its gonna be so awesome. i couldn't pull the trigger on the carbon rims but I'm really wanting them 450 for pair, soo tempting

[Carbon_Dude]

Ooo, Volve Polestar Blue, nice choice!  Looking forward to seeing that paint on your -036.  I think you will really like your new bike when you get all the parts and get them installed.

[vicious meister]

 I'm going with  a 21" frame but I'm still not sure if 19" would be better. I'm 6"1 but on the 6 ft side of that. It's not too late to change the frame as they are on holiday til Tuesday,   I figured less seat post height reduces the chance of it cracking as I'm going with carbon. Aside from that, I'm going with the sram gx group, $370 for the lot. Xx1 will have to wait, trying to keep a sub 2k build is rough

[Carbon_Dude]

I am 5'-11' and a 19" 036 frame fits me well, if I were another 2" taller, I would have also considered the 21" frame.

[vicious meister]

thanks for the feedback Dude, can you point me in the direction of some tools i will need and perhaps a good link to a video tutorial, I was on youtube looking today and didn't see anything too specific to that build, I've read your build summary and that but i likes me a good video, Cheers! Im really starting to jones for those carbon rims it's too bad they can't put them in the same box as the frame and save me $75 shipping I can't find that Scott twinloc for sale anywhere, there was 1 on eBay and it's sold otherwise the Scott website just shows pictures of it but it seems you have to buy the whole bike to get it, you can't buy anything off that website it only will show dealers, hmm

[Carbon_Dude]

Here is my first long post after I built my -036: http://chinertown.com/index.php/topic,4.0.html  Lots of info posted there about building your bike.

Here is a list of tools I would recommend:

1) A good repair stand (This is like the one I have:  http://www.topeak.com/products/Repair-Stands/prepstand_elite_2016)

2)  If you don't really have much for bike tools, go ahead and buy a kit that includes many of the tools you will need.  Something like the Park Tools PK-2 (http://www.parktool.com/category/tool-kits) will have much of what you will need.

3) If you already have some tools but want to know a general list of tools you will need, I suggest the following:
a) Cable cutters for a clean cut of your derailleur cables.
b) Brake line cutters for a clean cut of your hydraulic lines.
c) A bottom bracket tool for whatever BB your will be installing.
d) Brake bleed kit for the brand of brakes you are installing.
e) Chain whip tool for installing your cassette.
f)  Metric hex wrenches.
g) Torx bits and a driver.
h) A piece of PVC pipe for installing your crown race.
i) Tire levers for installing your tires.
j) A pipe cutter for cutting your steer tube ($8 at Home Depot) or you could have your local bike shop do this for a small fee.
k) Chain break tool for sizing your chain, master link pliers are nice too, some SRAM master links are difficult to remove.
l) It's nice to have a torque wrench as well, particularly if you are tighting down clamps on carbon parts, something that goes down to a few NM, here is one on Wiggle:  http://www.wiggle.com/lifeline-essential-torque-wrench-mk2/?lang=us&curr=USD&dest=18&sku=5360671412&kpid=5360671412&utm_source=google&utm_term&utm_campaign=US_PLA_Low+Margin&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid%7csabGHIROq_dc%7cpcrid%7c96794699528%7cpkw%7c%7cpmt%7c%7cprd%7c5360671412us
l) You will also need general purpose grease like the Park Tools Poly Lube, as well as some carbon past like Finish Line Fiber Grip.


It may sound like a lot of tools but if you invest now, you will have everything you need to do all your own maintenance as well.

[vicious meister]

don't worry i love buying tools, I'm a carpenter. just getting boggled by all the choices, i just want to RIDE!

[Midwest-MTBer]

Any update on your build? I'm around the same height as you and I'm wondering if you regret going with the larger frame.