First time building a bike

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I have a large 2004 Specialized enduro frame and i want to start adding components. I know know where and how to get the parts but,


1. Can I just purchase whichever fork, shock or wheel set I like or does it have to be a certain size? (i like the fox dhx 5.0)

2. How do i know which size to purchase?

I have a large 2004 Specialized enduro frame and i want to start adding components. I know know where and how to get the parts but,


1. Can I just purchase whichever fork, shock or wheel set I like or does it have to be a certain size? (i like the fox dhx 5.0)

2. How do i know which size to purchase?Most components are size specific. Follow this link to see what came on stock 2004 Enduro bikes, and make your brand choices based on the sizes of the listed components.

http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?arc=2004&spid=6889&JServSessionIdroot=fvtuq84pwh.j27004

Thanks,

3. Do i need to match component types (all XT or LX) or can I mix and match

4. Which components do i need to match?

Thanks,

3. Do i need to match component types (all XT or LX) or can I mix and match

4. Which components do i need to match?These are very broad questions, so my answers are as well.

3) Not usually, but you typically need to match components by the total gear range (8 speed vs. 9 speed).

4) The bottom bracket and crankset are sometimes component type specific, but not always.

From your questions, I gather you are relatively new to assembling/repairing a bike. I suggest thoroughly checking out these links for more information:

http://sheldonbrown.com/

http://www.parktool.com/repair/

http://bike.shimano.com/publish/content/cycle/sac/us/en/technical_service/compatibility_charts/mountain_compatibility.html

http://www.sram.com/en/service/sram/faq.php?faqID=6512bd43d9caa6e02c990b0a82652dca

Is it just me or is there not a single website that gives you a walkthrough on how to build a bike (as far a shopping for parts to build onto a frame)? I found the second easiest way to start riding is to buy a frame and then a "build kit" a pre-constructed list of components that has almost everything you need to hit the trails.

5. Will this kit fit onto a Specialized Enduro Pro 2004 frame?

http://www.dirtworld.com/store/details.asp?id=6607

or this?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7213082738&ssPageName=MERC_VI_ReBay_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

I really appreciate all the comments and advice so far this should be helpful to many people

I think the assumption is that most people that are building a bike know what they want, as that is the big advantage to building a bike.

PRicepoint also has build kits. Its not a question as to if it will "fit" as long you find out the sizing you need for your seat post and bottom bracket. Might wanna consider a SRAM kit.

The Park tools site has good assembly info, but no one can tell you what parts to pick.

I'm in the same situation. My cousin gave me his old Cannondale superV bike and the only thing I think I can still use is the frame. If I bought a complete build kit, how do I know if the bottom brake and everything will fit, or will thread in correctly?

best thing is to bug your local bike mech about compatability and which tools you will need having the right tools are very important

I'm in the same situation. My cousin gave me his old Cannondale superV bike and the only thing I think I can still use is the frame. If I bought a complete build kit, how do I know if the bottom brake and everything will fit, or will thread in correctly?
If your frame still has all the old parts on it, the bottom bracket wil have the size printed on it. Everything on the bike is so trashed that it requires all new components??

If your frame still has all the old parts on it, the bottom bracket wil have the size printed on it. Everything on the bike is so trashed that it requires all new components??
My cousin told me that any of the compenents that still might be servicable are so old that I'd be better off getting newer technology, especially in the brakes and newer trigger shifters. I don't know a whole lot about bikes so I thought that this would be a good opputunity to learn and to get into mountain biking.

My cousin told me that any of the compenents that still might be servicable are so old that I'd be better off getting newer technology, especially in the brakes and newer trigger shifters. I don't know a whole lot about bikes so I thought that this would be a good opputunity to learn and to get into mountain biking.I visited a few bike shops nearby on my quest to build a bike. A bike shop can put together a complete bike (providing you have all the parts) for $100-130 plus $20-30 for cables. If you want to hand pick parts off of ebay or online stores you may get lucky and save maybe $100-$200 or get down to the last few parts and spend months trying not to overpay
because of compadability issues. and if you plan to build it at home you'll need special tools like this set: (http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/14585-325_SET215-2-Accessories-42-Tools/Sette-Torx-ST-21-Tool-Kit---21-Tools.htm)
which is a small package and may not contain everything you need to put it all together. so either way it is expensive and time consuming which just might be what some of us are looking for.

As to your question, if you or your cousin has the tools and knowledge to put the new parts on your frame try it. or you could take it all to your local bike shop and hook it up.