Build up a bike?

[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