|   How much $$ to build a bike?? | Helmy
May 19, 2002 5:50 PM | | I am thinking about buying an access frame from supergo for $99. They claim it is comparable to more expensive frame designs and it has good reviews and for the price what more do you want?
Anyhow I want to get myself a new bike and I have about $500 to play around with becuase I just bought a house and money is tight right now. I was wondering how much it would cost me at bare minimum to build up from this frame. I dont want anything spectacular most likely a deore setup witha closeout judy shock or something along those lines?
Or would I be better off buying a new or used bike for teh price range I am in??
Thanks a lot |
| re: How much $$ to build a bike?? | adamb
May 20, 2002 4:56 AM | | You could probably build it up with Deore and a Judy for around $500. But, then you are left with no kind of warranty and you should be able to get a better spec'ed complete bike for the same $$. But, building it yourself is really fun, and makes you learn how everything works on your bike. It makes for a great free time project and the bike will feel more like it's yours, if that makes any sense. Good luck with whatever you choose. |
| re: How much $$ to build a bike?? | Bob
May 20, 2002 5:10 AM | | Just built up a frame with some parts form an old bike and some new parts. I can tell that it's almost always cheaper to buy a whole bike than build. Those small parts start to add up quickly. My "cheap" build still added up to about $700 and that was with using my old wheelset, shifters, and brakeset. Granted, I went with a few higher end components. But not that high end. Then there's shop time, unless you can install your own headset, chase and face your own BB shell, and cut your own steer tube straight.
I would consider looking into something like a Giant Rainier, Kona Nunu, or similarly priced model. Full warranty, comes set up, and usally with some free tune-ups. With the new house projects you'll be neck deep in, you'll probably appreciate the free tune-ups.
Best of luck.
Bob |
| better off buying, unless you can get used / wholesale | Seb
May 20, 2002 11:54 AM | | Retail, your looking at at least $150 for the fork and wheels (hopefully w/ skewers included). Cogs, cranks, rings, chain, and derailuers could be another $100-$150, even for Deore. Shifters and brake levers might be $30-$50. Brakes and cables maybe $20-$30. Tires maybe $20-$30. Stem, handlebar, grips maybe $50. Seat and seatpost maybe $50. Bottom Bracket, $10. Thats a minimum of $430, and speding more would be easy (I may have forgotten something crucual).
I'd guess it can be done, but its not easy, and any little unexpected expense would push you over, or stop you from finshing for a long time. You pay extra if you buy something that doesn't work you pay to return it. You pay shipping from every company yopu order from, and no one company will have all those deals. You wait for items on back order, and you wait for shipping, and you need special tools (more $) or you need to pay somebody to put it togehter (more $). If you have good sources, like a bike shop employee might, or maybe you go to a lot of swapmeets, its not nearly so bad, but for a somebody just sitting at home wanting a biuke, its can be painful.
I think its better to buy stock, and fix it up with a few upgrades later. The part that usually most needs upgrading is the wheels, and just re-tensioning and stress relieving them is usually a big improvement. Even if you want something unusual (SS, cyclocross, etc), there's usually somebody selling it chaper than you can build from scratch. |
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