Why oh why is it so damned hard to spec up a complete new build bike? I mean, a build with few limits and no requirement to recycle old parts - the last time I'll probably ever get the chance............
and it is so bliddy difficult! I've never had so many choices before and it is killing me! The internet isn't much help either - too many opinions and too much choice! ARRGGHHHHHHH!
go with your fist choice, gut feeling.
in black,
oh and make sure its hope brakes 
too much choice = too much money
Have never had a problem speccing my bikes although they kind of evolve over time, and only one was ever built from scratch, still have some of those parts on my current build.
What are you building, what are you undecided on? We'll soon set you straight 
If you can't decide, just go for form over function every time. Can't loose!
oh yeah and 26" wheels is the only place to start.
never have this trouble. although i've been known to buy 2 sets of tyres with a bike 
what you struggling with?
It is going to be 29er
Wheels - actually masses of choice now I have to go custom built
Brakes - been discussed - close to a decision - but what rotor size?
Bars - want widest and highest rise for my simian-like arms
Cranks - want 180mm for my slightly long legs so probably XT
Seat - probably WTB V
Forks - probably Fox
SRAM X9 shifting - long or med rear shifter?
Posh Cables too?
Tyres?
Oury grips?
White, raw or probably glimmer brown?
Red bits?
Cassette? 11-34?
*faints*
forks, probably white bros
brakes, if your heavy then 203 front 183 rear, if your not 183 front and 160 rear.
grips - black
bars - rf atlas
rear mech -
1 ring = short
2 ring - med
3 ring - long
ah! I see your problem, 29er, can't help you there
saddle - fizik gobi
forks - go for floats, you wont use talas and may struggle to get the right sag on vans
wheels: hope on bonty duster or stans flow. 
Posh cables?
Yes, Alligator i-links.
I went through it recently when i specced up my Salsa 29er. Ended up with full XT groupset (with 180mm cranks but i can't tell any difference with them) 203 front rotor, 185 rear. 11-34 cassette. Went with 760mm wide Nukeproof bars which are ace and a Maxle Lite Reba 120mm fork which is just superb. As for wheels i went for Sun Ringle charger (20mm version) which seem fine so far. i was going to go custom with Hope hubs but found the Chargers on here in the classifieds for half price (unused) so went with them.
Very happy with the whole bike so far and don't regret a single choice i made.
Is this for a Turner?
Oh, and Sunline Logo grips in the thick version Best and biggest grips i have found for larger hands.
This build might just be for a Turner
I want bolt-thru hubs (it makes sense for my size) so might be heading down King hubs, DS Swiss spokes on to Stans Flow rims.
Soobalias - there are limited options on Fox 20er forks - shoosh.
It's obviously down to personal choice, but if I ever get to spec a new build then the following would be non-negotiable:-
Pro2 Hubs.
XT Cassette.
Thomson Seatpost.
Hope Q/R.
Thomson X4 Stem.
King headset.
The rest is negotiable.
Jeez. Its not that hard. Just write down what you want and then order it.
Thanks coogan. I'd just like to get it right first time and not sell it to buy something very similar - that would just be a real dumbass thing to do.
keep the weight down
lookout for deals on wheels etc.
i think youll need a long rear mech if your running 3 rings
dont be afraid to go over budget- itll be worth it
TooTall
a bloke you had a conversation with on a bridge has some 29r forks to suit you, so i have been told.
MrTall, I believe it's about time you posted some pic's of that...
(unless of cource you have already)
Specing a new bike with little regard to cost?
rohloff would be a starting point then other stuff flows from that
Hope brakes and front hub
Marzocchi forks
Ordinary cables
Dunno about the rest of it tho. I know exactly where you are coming from with the two much choice without anything to differentiate the choices. I had to decide on a new bike as a insurance replacement and found that very hard - no bike had everything I wanted and it was a case of compromise "a" and get "b" or vice versa
TJ - I'm hoping I can sort the build quicker than your OCD would let you! I'll admit to researching but not like you would do - then again, I did test ride a bike in Arkansas so that was a bit extreme.
bomba - I can't remember riding on bridges - I can only just remember where I live! I'm buying all new this time.
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