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Building a Bike

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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Looking to build a mtb bike this summer and wondering if anyone here has done it. I have someone who will help me build/build it for me. I just want to know if it's worth it.
I think it would be really cool, and my bike would have everything I want on it.

Any insight would be appreciated

And I searchbarred, but we all know the search bar suck

Thanks
Apr 21 2014 5:59PM
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CaptainObvious.
Posts: 5712 - Karma: 20,638
Build me one of these bad boys.

Apr 21 2014 6:03PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
Totally worth it in my opinion. Only the parts you want and no dealing with removing/swapping/selling the shit you don't want. Just a warning, but it can get expensive quickly. Do your research on finding good deals!

I built my current mountain bike just about 5 years ago now and wouldn't have done things any differently. It took me 3 months from start to finish.

I just started building (2) more mountain bikes last week. These will take a bit longer to build as parts are more expensive and multiplied by (2), but I'm hoping to have them built by July or so.

What are you thinking of building up?
Apr 21 2014 6:39PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
division.bellTotally worth it in my opinion. Only the parts you want and no dealing with removing/swapping/selling the shit you don't want. Just a warning, but it can get expensive quickly. Do your research on finding good deals!

I built my current mountain bike just about 5 years ago now and wouldn't have done things any differently. It took me 3 months from start to finish.

I just started building (2) more mountain bikes last week. These will take a bit longer to build as parts are more expensive and multiplied by (2), but I'm hoping to have them built by July or so.

What are you thinking of building up?


What do you think I'm looking at spending? I don't want a massive downhill bike. Something great for downhill, but can ride in the street if I need to. A free ride bike I guess
Apr 21 2014 6:40PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
-MK-What do you think I'm looking at spending? I don't want a massive downhill bike. Something great for downhill, but can ride in the street if I need to. A free ride bike I guess


It honestly comes down to what parts you want on your bike. My hardtail cost me just over $3800 all said and done. I have since upgraded the brakes/rotors but everything else is the same part I started with.

Santa Cruz Chameleon frame
Fox Talas RLC 140
Chris King headset
XT disc brakes
SRAM X9 drivetrain
Race Face Atlas AM cranks
Thomson seat post/stem
Syncros bar/grips
XTR Trail pedals

...shit adds up

Don't pay retail for anything, shop around, and buy used parts if you want to save cash. I didn't pay retail on anything but my frame and it still cost more than anticipated.

I just saved $140 by buying (4) XT disc brakes for my current builds. Stoked when good deals come around.

Good luck!
Apr 21 2014 6:47PM
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captainslack
Posts: 303 - Karma: 449
I personally don't think it's worth it building a bike from scratch unless you a) know exactly what parts you want and b) have loads of cash to burn.

It's far better to look for a second hand decent bike already built up. Ideally you want one with a decent frame and shit components that won't set you back much that you can then upgrade as you wish/when you get funds together.


remember that you'll need the tools to put it together as well which can add up, especially if you want to buy a bike stand (which is well worth it if you plan on doing this for a while, plus they never really lose value if it's a park tools stand)
Apr 21 2014 7:47PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
So what do you guys think would be best? I need a full suspension bike, to last a long time, and not super fat downhill, but not cross country.
Looking to spend around 2500
Apr 21 2014 7:54PM
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theabortionator
Posts: 51618 - Karma: 162,037
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


Honestly probably better off buying something and changing out parts here and there.

If it's physically building the bike you can order bikes that aren't assembled and build it yourself.

If you're legit going to build one from scratch make sure you have $$$ and know exactly what you want. Would be a waste to spend a shit ton of money and come out with something that isn't right for you.
Apr 21 2014 7:55PM
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special-J
Posts: 1572 - Karma: 4,477
don't build a bike unless you are extremely picky about your components. It costs a ton more unless you get everything used, and even then it'll take a long ass time to get it all together and you'll be over the whole thing by the time you actually get to ride it.

If you do buy a complete bike, based on what you say you want to ride, get a specialized enduro. do it.
Apr 21 2014 7:59PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
theabortionator$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$


Honestly probably better off buying something and changing out parts here and there.

If it's physically building the bike you can order bikes that aren't assembled and build it yourself.

If you're legit going to build one from scratch make sure you have $$$ and know exactly what you want. Would be a waste to spend a shit ton of money and come out with something that isn't right for you.


$$$ is what I'm wondering now. Wether it's worth it or not. I'll have like 2500 to spend. I work as a tour guide for a bike shop and get discounts on bikes and components, and would have the repair shop workers there to help me make decisions on what to get, and help me assemble the bike
Apr 21 2014 7:59PM
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stupendous-man
Posts: 8637 - Karma: 13,293
-MK-$$$ is what I'm wondering now. Wether it's worth it or not. I'll have like 2500 to spend. I work as a tour guide for a bike shop and get discounts on bikes and components, and would have the repair shop workers there to help me make decisions on what to get, and help me assemble the bike


sounds like you need an all mountain rig, with about 6" of travel. 2500 will get you a quality frame, fork, and wheels even with a discount. imo just look for someone selling their used custom bike, or get a complete bike and upgrade parts over time.
Apr 21 2014 9:25PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
stupendous-mansounds like you need an all mountain rig, with about 6" of travel. 2500 will get you a quality frame, fork, and wheels even with a discount. imo just look for someone selling their used custom bike, or get a complete bike and upgrade parts over time.


This.

I'm in the process of looking for an all mountain fs bike. It's tough to get into that 6" fs ballpark without less than $2500-$3000. I'm scouring Pinkbike and Kijiji to used stuff (even if it's a few years old) with the plan of upgrading parts over time.

For example, the one bike I've got my eye on is an older Santa Cruz Bullit built up for dh selling for $900. The Bullit can be built for light dh or all mountain. Sell the dual crown fork currently on it and pick up a 160mm single crown fork, maybe do the same with the rear suspension and eventually update the drivetrain and I've got an awesome bike for not a huge amount.

I don't have the same budget as you, but you can find a lot of amazing bikes for decent prices on Pinkbike and even new you should be able to find something you're happy with.
Apr 21 2014 9:54PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
So would you guys say just fuck buying a new bike, and going straight for a used custom setup?

I can get discount on full bikes(not sure how much yet)
Apr 21 2014 10:07PM
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saskskier
Posts: 4774 - Karma: 10,005
-MK-So would you guys say just fuck buying a new bike, and going straight for a used custom setup?

I can get discount on full bikes(not sure how much yet)



I would see how much of a discount you can get and go from there. If you don't mind something used, you can get a $5000-$6000 build thats a couple of years old for around your price range.
Apr 21 2014 10:19PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
saskskierI would see how much of a discount you can get and go from there. If you don't mind something used, you can get a $5000-$6000 build thats a couple of years old for around your price range.


What would you recommend though? A bike that is 3kish new? Or spending 3k on a used set up? I plan on using this bike for like 4-6 years, replacing and upgrading as wanted/needed
Apr 21 2014 10:24PM
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ModMommy
Posts: 10815 - Karma: 57,158
stupendous-man is really onto something when he said look for someone selling theirs. If your intention is to have it for some time, learn as you go, and pick/pull parts to it, find a good bike out there and then modify it. When you build a bike you really need to know exactly what you want, and it can get expensive fast.
Apr 21 2014 10:30PM
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division.bell
Posts: 2762 - Karma: 1,905
-MK-What would you recommend though? A bike that is 3kish new? Or spending 3k on a used set up? I plan on using this bike for like 4-6 years, replacing and upgrading as wanted/needed


With your budget, I would take a look at what kind of discounts you can get with your tour guide gig first. Bike shop employees/associates can typically get pretty solid deals from most manufacturers. It's the only way some of those employees could actually afford bikes (myself included a long long time ago).

If you can't get a good deal on a decent starting platform that will keep you content for several years while you slowly upgrade to your desired taste, then take a look at the used market. There are lots of good deals on quality bikes on Pinkbike.

I personally prefer new gear, and the slower, more methodical approach of building the bike part by part, but that's just me.
Apr 21 2014 10:31PM
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Merrrick
Posts: 529 - Karma: 717
It's really expensive but once it's done you'll be way too stoked to care.
Apr 21 2014 10:34PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
Alright guys, I guess I am officially steering away from building...
Since it seems some of you know a lot about this topic, I hope it is alright I ask for some insight

What do you guys think about this? Seems like a great bike, and very solid price. I would have around 1k to upgrade it a little.

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1554749/

Sorry, the new sight is all wacky, and I have no clue how to embed links now...
Apr 21 2014 10:36PM
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Merrrick
Posts: 529 - Karma: 717
-MK-Alright guys, I guess I am officially steering away from building...
Since it seems some of you know a lot about this topic, I hope it is alright I ask for some insight

What do you guys think about this? Seems like a great bike, and very solid price. I would have around 1k to upgrade it a little.

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1554749/

Sorry, the new sight is all wacky, and I have no clue how to embed links now...


If you're willing to spend 2300 right off the bat you should either get a build started/almost finished, or find a better used bike for 2000. Or save another 300 and get one of these

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/status/status-i
Apr 21 2014 10:46PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
MerrrickIf you're willing to spend 2300 right off the bat you should either get a build started/almost finished, or find a better used bike for 2000. Or save another 300 and get one of these

http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/status/status-i


I don't really have a set price right now. Just a rough estimate. I actually have no money right now... I'm deciding what to do this summer.
And that bike is nice, but would it be wort getting that and no upgrades instead of the bike I was looking at with a $1000 upgrade?
Apr 21 2014 10:51PM
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no_steeze
Posts: 23992 - Karma: 4,272
Building your own bike is only worth it if you are going all out for an expensive high end bike. Or if you work in a shop and can build a beater commuter bike for under $100

Also looks like you've decided against it, but if you do build it you shouldn't do it yourself unless you know exactly how to do it. I can't tell you how many bikes we would get in that had totally ruined components from people trying to put them on themselves
Apr 21 2014 10:54PM
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Merrrick
Posts: 529 - Karma: 717
-MK-I don't really have a set price right now. Just a rough estimate. I actually have no money right now... I'm deciding what to do this summer.
And that bike is nice, but would it be wort getting that and no upgrades instead of the bike I was looking at with a $1000 upgrade?


If you get the older one and upgrade it it will basically be like you built up a bike, except your frame will be older and any parts you don't replace will be pretty beat. If you bought that new bike, everything will work great from the start, you can still replace bad parts as they break, and specialized bikes has a lifetime warranty on their frames. Lifetime as in a full life time. I've seen bikes from the 80's come into the shop I worked at with cracks in them, and specialized still warrentied them. My one buddy slammed his dirt jumper over and over until the frame cracked and they gave him the newest model frame for free. So I think getting that new one would be a pretty good idea.
Apr 21 2014 11:31PM
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KyleA
Posts: 865 - Karma: 510
-MK-Alright guys, I guess I am officially steering away from building...
Since it seems some of you know a lot about this topic, I hope it is alright I ask for some insight

What do you guys think about this? Seems like a great bike, and very solid price. I would have around 1k to upgrade it a little.

http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1554749/

Sorry, the new sight is all wacky, and I have no clue how to embed links now...


SX Trails are still my favorite bike and I wish Specialized continued to make them. That is a pretty meh build though and probably not quite worth $1300. It would be an awesome bike for somebody with a $1000 budget who wanted to get into riding. But if you have the money to upgrade, you might as well just start with a newer frame with components that you don't have to upgrade as much. You can definitely find a 2010 or 2011 SX Trail in the $2000 range that will come with a RC4 shock, Van 36 fork, and an X9 or better build. It doesn't make too much sense to upgrade components right away on a complete bike if you aren't quite sure what you want or like yet. Your best bet would be to just get a good, used, complete bike and replace and upgrade components as you break them. If you do decide to build a bike down the road, do it during the winter when you have a few months to get good deals on components from pinkbike.

I would be looking at something like this if I were in your position.
http://www.pinkbike.com/buysell/1544014/

Also, I would not suggest buying a new Status.
Apr 22 2014 12:20AM
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special-J
Posts: 1572 - Karma: 4,477
What terrain exactly are you trying to ride? Unless you plan on riding mainly lift accessed bike parks (or plan on hiking for DH runs), an SX trail/status/anything with >160mm of travel will be the wrong choice.

I think your best bet will be a medium-travel all mountain bike until you decide you want to strictly ride dh. Good "do it all" bikes are rare, but there are some that will allow you to pedal through regular XC trails while still shredding downhills. I will stand by the specialized enduro, even a Stumpjumper Evo is a great option, but I'll also suggest a trek remedy, transition covert, santa cruz nomad, yeti sb66, a few others that I can't think of.

And while buying used can get you a great build on a tight budget, be very careful. For example, a bike may have a super nice fork but you have no idea what the condition of the internals is. Just be sure to ask when everything was serviced/rebuilt, especially suspension and brakes.
Apr 22 2014 5:19PM
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-MK-
Posts: 3253 - Karma: 5,332
special-JWhat terrain exactly are you trying to ride? Unless you plan on riding mainly lift accessed bike parks (or plan on hiking for DH runs), an SX trail/status/anything with >160mm of travel will be the wrong choice.

I think your best bet will be a medium-travel all mountain bike until you decide you want to strictly ride dh. Good "do it all" bikes are rare, but there are some that will allow you to pedal through regular XC trails while still shredding downhills. I will stand by the specialized enduro, even a Stumpjumper Evo is a great option, but I'll also suggest a trek remedy, transition covert, santa cruz nomad, yeti sb66, a few others that I can't think of.

And while buying used can get you a great build on a tight budget, be very careful. For example, a bike may have a super nice fork but you have no idea what the condition of the internals is. Just be sure to ask when everything was serviced/rebuilt, especially suspension and brakes.


I'm strictly hiking DH runs, with some cross country trails everyonce in a while. Some trails I have to bike a max of like 5 miles to from my house. But I don't want a massive downhill bike
Apr 22 2014 5:32PM
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Anathema
Posts: 21048 - Karma: 5,061
first you buy a frame. you put the wheels on the frame. then some handles, gears and shit, maybe a few pedals. brakes too since you probably don't want to be cruising forever. forever is a long time.

boom, it's a bike.
Apr 22 2014 5:39PM
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mski
Posts: 4791 - Karma: 3,803
Motorcycle is far more worth it, and an enduro will do whatever you want. Prolly for alot less time and money too. I just couldnt justify spending just as much, or even more, on a bike with no motor as I would with one.

But to each his own, make sure you have the proper tools if your getting really into it. The dudes that work the bike shop where I work are like doctors with that shit. Good luck!
Apr 22 2014 5:47PM
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