Re: A listing of recommended components for Silvio
Daniel,
If you don't already have a road bike to cannabalize, I believe it makes sense to buy a bike and strip it. There are tons of "off-brand" bikes that use decent component groups on ebay. Watch Craigslist for deals on used bikes, too. Just remember that you're shopping for components, so the frame size or material are completely unimportant. You might get a real deal on a 49 cm bike painted turdmurkley orchid because nobody else wants it! Generally speaking, your pecking order from best to worst in Shimano components goes Dura Ace, Ultegra, 105, Tiagra and Sora. Try and avoid Sora, if you can. If you get a bike with mixed parts, the only Sora I would consider would be front derailleurs and brake calipers. John says the shifters are not real compatible, but I'm not sure if he's checked that with the use of the Origin 8 and WTB bars. That being said, I think shifters and rear derailleurs are the places where you don't want to skimp, so avoid Sora. Also, avoid bikes with the super low spoke count wheels. At your size, you really want more spokes. I would look for something in a 32 spoke wheel. Do not fear Tektro brake calipers. Tektro makes real good brakes and you'll hear people refer to them as "off-brand", but they really are a good caliper.
Parts off of a road bike you will probably not use: Seat/seatpost, handlebar, stem, frame/fork/headset. These parts can be sold to offset the cost.
Parts you will need to buy: handlebar; many prefer the WTB cyclocross or Origin 8 Gary bar. They're wider and the drops are flared outward to give you more knee room in the cockpit. Highly recommended. You will also need to buy 2 shifter cables, 1 standard road bike brake cable and 1 tandem brake cable. You will probably need some odds and ends of cable housings, as well, but can reuse some of the housings off the cannabalized bike. Pedals. If your road bike had pedals you like, then there you go. Otherwise, that's something you will need to get.
That's all I can think of off the top of my head. Good luck and have fun. Post pictures, we like bike porn!
Mark
