Right, so as someone with a decent accumulation of spare parts, and, perhaps, even an unused frame and fork, or two, I'm thinking the end of summer might be a nice time to dip my toe into a little parts bin special, dirt drop build.
But I have a few questions I'm hoping some of you might be able to answer:
1. What are some general frame characteristics (compared to, say, a person's normal preferences) I should be looking out for as the ideal candidate to build one around? Do I want a shorter top tube); relaxed or more aggressive geometry; do I want a frame slightly smaller than usual, or slightly bigger? Or what I would usually go for?
Would a Bontrager OR a size too small for me be workable, is what I'm getting at?!
2. I know something like a Salsa P10 is ideal, but can I get away with something a little less steep, if I'm able to raise it up a little? I only ask because I recently acquired a nice, steep and cheap Salsa stem. And although it's not a P10, I have a feeling it might
just work well-enough to at least see what the vibe is like riding one of these.
3. Gearing/Braking. Do I try 2x9? Do I just stick a regular old XT group on there and run that with barcons? Do I dare try to find shifter mounts for all those $$$, that will allow me to run thumbies? Should I stick a bunch of old DuraAce on there? Lever recommendations that won't look out of place or break (brake!) the bank?
5. Do I just sack it all off and focus my time and money on a dedicated cross bike instead?
I don't, and never have, ridden drop bars or road bikes, so I'm really starting from scratch here. The only thing I know for sure is that I want to make sure the drops are positioned as close to level with the saddle as possible. But as I already struggle getting this to happen on my bikes with flat bars, I'm sure it's going to be more of a case of close-enough than nailed-it!