Bike Building questions/advice

[rdr0912]

I think I have deceided that I am going to tackle the task of building a bike for my girlfriend...soon to be fiance/wife all that good stuff.
Anyway, I wanted something that is going to last if she deceided to stay with it, but not top of the line. I wanted to get some used parts like the frame if possible. I know this route might be a little more expensive than just buying a used bike, but we both think it will be a fun challenge.
She said her inseam is 31" (We haven't had time to measure) so I was thinking about a 52 cm frame. What do you all think?
Just a quick search on ebay and I found this cannondale frame:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-MS1000-frame-650c_W0QQitemZ230151479677QQihZ013QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
What are some thoughts about this?
Also, are there any decent books out there that talk about building a bike or give pointers on the build or anything like that?
Thanks in advance!

 

[pistole]

- can be done.

- am doing one up now itself.

cheers.
.

 

[Retro Grouch]

I think I have deceided that I am going to tackle the task of building a bike for my girlfriend...soon to be fiance/wife all that good stuff.
Anyway, I wanted something that is going to last if she deceided to stay with it, but not top of the line. I wanted to get some used parts like the frame if possible. I know this route might be a little more expensive than just buying a used bike, but we both think it will be a fun challenge.
She said her inseam is 31" (We haven't had time to measure) so I was thinking about a 52 cm frame. What do you all think?
Just a quick search on ebay and I found this cannondale frame:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-MS1000-frame-650c_W0QQitemZ230151479677QQihZ013QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
What are some thoughts about this?
Also, are there any decent books out there that talk about building a bike or give pointers on the build or anything like that?
Thanks in advance!

parktool.com has step-by-step instructions for installing and setting up each component.

Measure first. Try one of the on-line fit calculators to put you into the right ballpark for frame size.

Keep an eye out for a good deal on a bike that doesn't fit. It can become a low cost donor to provide most of the parts that you'll need.

 

[rdr0912]

Thanks for the info. ANy suggestions for a decent frame for a decent price? I've tried ebay, but I'm looking for a 52 cm frame and there aren't that many on there. I'm fine with a used on as long as it isn't beat up.

 

[gotundersteer?]

I think I have deceided that I am going to tackle the task of building a bike for my girlfriend...soon to be fiance/wife all that good stuff.
Anyway, I wanted something that is going to last if she deceided to stay with it, but not top of the line. I wanted to get some used parts like the frame if possible. I know this route might be a little more expensive than just buying a used bike, but we both think it will be a fun challenge.
She said her inseam is 31" (We haven't had time to measure) so I was thinking about a 52 cm frame. What do you all think?
Just a quick search on ebay and I found this cannondale frame:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Cannondale-MS1000-frame-650c_W0QQitemZ230151479677QQihZ013QQcategoryZ98084QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
What are some thoughts about this?
Also, are there any decent books out there that talk about building a bike or give pointers on the build or anything like that?
Thanks in advance!

Hey, I've very new to cycling, but have found this book to be helpful. It kind of seems like the holy-grail of bike building/diagnosing problems/maintenance. Check it out, its cheap on Amazon.

 

[alw041]

Hey, I've very new to cycling, but have found this book to be helpful. It kind of seems like the holy-grail of bike building/diagnosing problems/maintenance. Check it out, its cheap on Amazon.

Anyone else have this book? I am pretty interested in it if it is any good.