I believe that the linked B.B. will only work with RaceFace Cinch cranks which use a 30mm spindle.

In fact, Rotor use the same BB standard as RaceFace Cinch cranks but if he's on a budget, Rotor cranks are already out of the game since they cost a lot.

Shimano SLX cranks clearly are best bang for $ . They are as light as XT if you use an aftermarket chainring like the RaceFace narrow wide ring or something similar (many vendor at various prices). They use BSA bottom bracket and have a 24mm spindle. You can get a XT BB for 25$ CAD at CRC so it's cheap.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ca/en/shimano-xt-mt800-bottom-bracket/rp-prod135826

From what I could read about chinese frames and Europe buyers, a lot of people seems to say that unpainted frame go through pretty easy but painted frames are hitted with VAT (19% I think). I don't know if UK is part of thoses places but you better check this out before just in case.

As for trust, I never pay before getting pictures of the frame ready to be shipped. I don't care if it takes one more week to get it just because of that. I prefer to do a little inspection before shipping. Last time, I was able to catch a mistake from Iplay. The dropout was QR instead of 12x142. They corrected it before shipping.

You don't want to negociate but you don't have to work that hard to get a little better price or some goodies added free like a rear axle, a headset and spare hanger. Just ask nicely if it's included in the quote for the frame. Something harder to do through ebay/aliexpress.

Good luck!

That thing is a piece of beauty!!!

I don't know how much you want to pay but you can get a good aluminium fatbike frame ticking all your boxes for $599.00 CAD if you're going with RSD bikes.

http://www.rsdbikes.com/portfolio/v3-mayor-aluminum/

It's my second winter on the Mayor and it's a blast to ride. Clearly a great bike. You can buy only the frame or go with a full build. It's up to you. There is a 10% off right now so the frame would cost you $534.00 CAD ($427.25 US).

Ok, I'll dive into it. No pictures since I'm not home right now.

The first set of wheels I built in 2012 was with https://www.lightbicycle.com/ 26er rims with 17.8mm inner width. The weight was 330g each. I laced them with Sapim Laser spokes and Polyax alloy nipples to a set of WTB Laserdisc Light hubs (rebranded American Classic hubs). I went 28 spokes front and rear. I replaced the junk bearings that came in the hubs with Enduro ceramic hybrid bearings. They weight 1373g with tape. Those wheels are still on my Giant Anthem 2008 and have seen many many Km.

The second set of chinese carbon wheels I bought was for my roadbike. They are from http://www.farsports.com/product/detail.php/id-107.html and were ordered with the Ed hubs and ceramic bearings.

The third set of wheels is another one I've built at the begining of 2016 with http://www.carbonbicycle.cc/proshow.php?cid=62&tid=59&id=142#.WnNS5jffO70 rims. They came in at 378g each. I used Pillar Megalight SS spokes and Pillar alloy nipples with Tune King/Kong hubs. I went 28 spokes front and rear. The weight at that time was 1354g with tape and valves. At the end of 2016, a stick of wood got stuck in my rear wheel breaking the rim, many spokes and my rear derailleur. I replaced the rim with a 35mm assymetric one from http://www.xmcarbonspeed.com/ and changed the spokes to Sapim CX-Rays and Polyax alloy nipples. That choice was money driven since Pillar Megalight SS spokes cost a freaking lot of money. I kept the remaining good Megalight spokes as spare for my front wheel. I didn't weight the rear wheel with the new rim/spokes.

Hi Tom, what is the biggest tire you can fit in the rear? Is it really limited to 29x2.2?

Thank you!

I can still access the information.

I serviced my old XT 770 pedals once and didn't encounter any problems. It wasn't moving as freely at first because I put a LOT of grease in them but after a ride or 2 it was back to normal. How hard did you tight them when rebuilding?