V20 build

[Frederik]

Hi

Finally bought a frame for a v20! Read a lot about it the last years, tried a M5 M racer and a M5 CHR, but finally went for a v20.

I'm at the search of all my components, but still doubting a lot. Read a lot on the forums, but still haven't come to (my) conclusion
My requirements:
1) hydraulic disc brakes (I like the magura MT5 on other bike). Would like full hydraulic, not mechanical or hybrid like TRP HY/RD
2) 32mm tyre at rear and perhaps front (so callipers are not ideal, why disc brakes also) GP5000 with tubes probably
3) cranks ideal 155mm, but 160 could probably do
4) gears: not sure
5) kiss: keep it simple and stupid

I first wanted to go simple 2x11 Shimano 105 road disc set (cranks for 2x 105 come in 160mm also), however, these disc brakes are flat mount and thus not compatible with the v20 frame. When trying to combine with SRAM rival 22, it seems that the hydraulic disc brake set on its own with brifters is almost at the cost of a full set...

I've got good experience with the Magura MT5 hydraulic disc brakes, they are excellent (and for repairing, would be ideal to have the same as on other bike). However, these do not come in brifter version.

So my questions, I hope someone can bring me some enlightment:

1) builds without brifters: is this feasible? (I found an old thread, but the forum had removed all images).
--> I would try the Magura MT5 + shifter combination, but would this be "ok" configuration on a v20 without the "hoods" part of brifters?

2) gears: I like quite well a 1X10 drive train on my other bike, but would a 1x12 (10x50 cassette for ex) be sufficient (not a lot of steep climbs here, flat or rolling hilly). This would bring the center of gravity of the front part also down compared to a 2x set. Is there anyone who is happy with a 1x12 on a v20, are the steps not too large?

3) cranks: from the simulator, I should be using 155 (or 160) mm cranks. I don't want to go on a large budget (yet) with rotor cranks etc, shimano 105 has a 2x 105 set at 160 mm. Any pointers on 155 mm or 160 mm cranks?

Thanks in advance,
Frederik

 

[cpml123]

Short cranks...
https://speedandcomfort.com/products/alloy-short-cranks

 

[3bs]

i cant see you getting 32's on a 700 c wheelset. maybe 650b

 

[LarryOz]

For short cranks you can also buy a used set of Apex cranks for maybe $50-100, then take them to a machine shop and have them tap them for you wherever you want.

 

[chicorider]

I vacillated between 155mm and 160mm cranks, trying each and settling for 160mm. I have a lightly used set of professionally machined 155mm Apex cranks. Let me know if you're interested and I can post pics and we can talk price.

Also, for a speed machine like the V20, you will probably appreciate the closer gear jumps that a 2x11 setup offers. Otherwise you might often find yourself in between gears, spinning either slightly too fast or too slow.

Have fun with the build. It's a blast!

 

[Frederik]

Thanks for the responses! Indeed, the 155 or 160, will have to test it out: Larry, good idea for machining them. I will probably machine with my neighbour some test things before going for the real deal.

The 32c tyres: I thought I read a thread where someone fitted them on the rear, but probably a 650b indeed.

For the magura part: found out that in the past (like 20years ago), they did drop bar brakes, but not any longer. Will continue my research a bit more! Probably will settle with calipers in the end (sadly enough all shimano is flat mount now and there is no IS mount-flat mount conversion). SRAM offers post mounting however.

1x vs 2x: Perhaps I will try a sensah cheapset to experiment. As Craig says, the 1X could have too large jumps.

@Craig: thanks for the offer, I'll come back to you (however, in Europe...)