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English => Parts & Bikes => Topic started by: sallybow on October 04, 2014, 09:56:53 PM

Title: questions for building bike (beginner)
Post by: sallybow on October 04, 2014, 09:56:53 PM
Hi. I want to get into flatland and I have searched a lot to find out which bike/parts I need. I read that the DK Opsis is a good beginner bike but is discontinued so I'm considering building a bike from scratch.
I'm 170 cm (5'7) and weight approximately 60 kg (132 pounds I think) so I have the feeling I need a light bike with a short top tube correct?
I'm in europe so flatlandfuel will get too expensive for me. I want to do this as cheap as possible but still end up with a bike made for flatland if that's possible.

on kunstform.org they have this Felt Darchor frame on sale:
http://www.kunstform.org/en/felt-bikes-darchor-bmx-frame-p-5180?options={9}35{1}258{17}436 (http://www.kunstform.org/en/felt-bikes-darchor-bmx-frame-p-5180?options={9}35{1}258{17}436)
TT 8.5 and weighs 1.78 kg.

I don't know if the specs make sense or the size/weight is right which is why I'm asking here.
For example it says: "No brake mounts". does that mean I can't have brakes on the front so I can spin the handlebars 360 degrees?
I have never made a bike so I'm a bit lost when it comes to what to look for and what handlebars/forks/hubs etc. to get.

Or do you think the price will end up a lot more than a complete bike and I should just do that?
Any tips appreciated thanks!
Title: Re: questions for building bike (beginner)
Post by: letsgo on October 04, 2014, 10:22:16 PM
"No Brake Mounts" the means the frame (or Fork) does not have any place to attach the brakes.  Even if you have brakes you can still spin the handle bars 360 degrees.  There are detanglers such as an Odyssey Gyro that will allow you to have brakes and spin the handle bars 360 degrees.

Building a bike from scratch will be more expensive than buying a complete package. 

If you cannot find a complete bike I suggest buying some used parts and new to assemble your bike.

Try the St. Martin Selection or Ares Aplus as a substitute for the DK Opsis.

http://www.kunstform.org/en/st-martin-selection-2014-bmx-bike-p-6204 (http://www.kunstform.org/en/st-martin-selection-2014-bmx-bike-p-6204)

http://www.kunstform.org/en/ares-bikes-aplus-comp-2014-bmx-bike-p-6909 (http://www.kunstform.org/en/ares-bikes-aplus-comp-2014-bmx-bike-p-6909)
Title: Re: questions for building bike (beginner)
Post by: FlatSociety on October 05, 2014, 09:30:52 AM
The St. Martin bike is definately better (full chromoly) than the Ares except that I think the frame is too long. Whereas the Ares has better geometry. This might be a good alternative for you: http://www.kunstform.org/en/khebikes-evo-0f-2014-bmx-bike-p-5221 (http://www.kunstform.org/en/khebikes-evo-0f-2014-bmx-bike-p-5221) Here's one that should also suit you well The St. Martin Darwin: http://blog.brakeless.ch/blog/complete_darwin (http://blog.brakeless.ch/blog/complete_darwin) It's always exciting to get a new bike. I hope this helps. Good Luck!
Title: Re: questions for building bike (beginner)
Post by: letsgo on October 05, 2014, 05:08:39 PM
Good call on the KHE Evo Quixnet90.

Sallybow, Many people buy a complete and then change parts one by one as they develope their riding style.  The complete would be your base to build on and get you riding right away.
Title: Re: questions for building bike (beginner)
Post by: sallybow on October 06, 2014, 12:59:30 AM
Thank you for the tips!
I'll save up some more and look at all the bikes you mentioned.

btw. this is the most evil captcha I have ever seen!