Build up a bike?

[jessmarimba]

Hi...again...

So the bike I wanted to buy before I got hurt isn't being produced any more. I'm watching ebay and CL but don't have high hopes of finding one in my size.

I keep running across frames for my second choice, but no full bikes - and it seems like a pretty good deal on the frame. If I know next to nothing about bike mechanics, is it worth it to buy the frame and try to build it up? I have a year to learn and do research :)

(The frame I'm looking at is actually being sold locally and I'm trying to find out if it's a bike shop that might help...otherwise, I'm stuck!)

Thanks!!

[Biciclista]

some people do what you are describing. on the other hand, what i did was collect the parts I wanted and then I paid a bike shop to put it together. I think it costs about $150.00..

[Cataboo]

It can sometimes end up being surprisingly pricey building up a bike - the good thing is that at the end, you have a bike that's made with all comoponents you want, as opposed to a bike you buy and have to swap the stem, handlebars, seat, seatpost, cranks or whatever to something that fits you better... So you usually end up with a bike that has better parts on it than what would come stock. If you go ahead and pay full price for all the parts at a bike shop, they will probably do the labor for free - but that usually is more expensive than just buying a complete bike. If you search around on discount bike websites, ebay, craigslist, etc... you can usually get great deals on new or lightly used parts and will end up paying less to build up a bike with comparable parts...

Just make sure all the parts you get are compatible with the frame you get, so it does take a little bit of knowledge if you're individually collecting the parts - front derailleur clamp sizes have to be specific for the frame, triples require different front & rear derailleurs than doubles, and such like that.

[tzvia]

There are books out there on bike mechanics, how to wrench, repair and adjust. I would suggest reading one if you think you might want to 'roll your own'. At least, it would come in handy to have for minor adjustments and part swaps (replaing worn cassette, for example). I find that I like to wrench my own bikes, it's (usually) relaxing and actually fun. So if you read a bit you can get an idea of what it's about and can use the information to put together a toolkit if you decide to at least do basic maintenance. Trust me, having the right tools makes things so much easier, and it's great to be able to replace cables and adjust the derailleur and brakes.

[jessmarimba]

Thanks for the faith, guys :) My SO was a lot more positive about that suggestion than I was expecting, too. I'm still going to think about it...I'm mostly afraid I'll end up with a bike that doesn't fit right. Nothing could be much more uncomfortable than my old one, but I need something awesome to convince me to try this again :)

[uforgot]

Okay, I'm curious. What does your user name mean? I'm asking because I was a music major (percussion) in college. Do you play marimba by chance?

[jessmarimba]

You guessed it :) I teach percussion for fun, now.

Very cool - I've only run into one other person in the cycling world who knew!

[jessmarimba]

Originally wanted a Kona King Kahuna but was considering a Spot Longboard 9. Kona's got a similar bike I could get once I'm cleared for trails...but I'm kind of enchanted with the Spot right now.

Oh & my friend down your way says there's a weekend group called kickin asphalt, if you were still interested...seems like they're very friendly and open with a wide range of riders. She didn't know anything about classes or instruction though.

[Cataboo]

Oh - you're talking about building up a mountain bike... all I can say is that forks can be very expensive.

[Bike Chick]

It's fun picking out each and every new part for your bike. You learn a lot about bicycles in the process too.

[Becky]

Do it! I'm building up my Salsa El Mariachi right now, and having lots of (impatient) fun with it.

Yep, it's more expensive than buying a stock bike, but when it's all done, I will have a bike that's exactly what I want. I've picked some stuff up that's lightly used, and I'm always watching cycling sites and Ebay for good deals. Make sure that you know exactly what you need in terms of compatibility and jump on the good deals.

It's not that hard to put together either. You might need shop help for frame prep or headset installation- stuff that can sometimes require expensive tools. Hanging the other parts on the frame is pretty straightforward. The worst case is that you need your shop's help to fine-tune the last little bits.

Good luck and have fun!

[Cataboo]

It is possible to jury rig a headset installation... I did it for my surly. Pain in the neck, is all I can say.

I know my kinetic trainer was taken apart to try to do it - and a jack from one of the cars as well. I can't remember what worked in the end, but it went in no problem. I have another headset to install in the frame I'm building up now, so I wish I did remember!

And I'm always collecting parts for theoretical bikes...

[jessmarimba]

Well here's an update on this one - I spoke to one of the Spot reps at a bike show on Saturday and he said they have a few frames left and he could hook me up with a great discount. He also suggested a guy at one of the shops around here who could help me choose components/build the bike for less than it would've cost me new last year...woohoo!

Now I'm just going to wait until next week when I can sit (not really ride) on the belt-driven one they have in the store to do a final size check for the frame :)