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1. bazep - Member

   Howdy
   I want to get back in to riding again and want to replace my trusty mid 90s Saracen with a newish HT. I have a budget of 450 and had thought about just going for a full bike on the bay with a decent spec with a couple of years on it ( with the option of upgrading it over time). However I've started entertaining the thought of picking up a frame and gradually building up a DIY job. I have a bit of a technical background (engineering based degree and used to fix up my own bike back in the day) so hoping I can figure out which end the handlebars go but wondering if it would be cheaper either way. So which do you reckon would be the best idea?

   I will only be riding now and again hence the budget, but want to enjoy it when I do.

   Cheers

   Posted 9 months ago #
2. josh1982 - Member

   I love a good engineer me!

   Posted 9 months ago #
3. guitarmanjon - Member

   I reckon you could easily build up a fairly decent XC bike for that price. Some careful buying on eBay and on the classifieds on here will see you right. Worth keeping an eye out for a bargain second hand full-build as well though. They often crop up on the classifieds.

   If you struggle with the build at all there will always be advice (and pi$$taking) on the forum too.

   Posted 9 months ago #
4. RealMan - Member

   What sort of riding? Lots of hills?

   Posted 9 months ago #
5. cynic-al - Member

   Buying parts usually more costly, though if you have time you can pick up real bargains that way. I hot shimano cable disc calipers and discs for £20 on ebay and BB5s with levers and cables for £45.

   Tough to say!

   Posted 9 months ago #
6. Lionheart - Member

   I have built my last 3 for under £350 each, one an SS for £180, all out of decent bits off here.

   Posted 9 months ago #
7. andy7t2 - Member

   i'd say buy a complete bike so you can get out riding now then look at upgrading bits in the future

   Posted 9 months ago #
8. midlifecrashes - Member

   Easy, but at £450 you'll get a very decent old stock new, or a fine s/h full build. But if you want to do it for the feeling of riding what you've built, then why not.

   Posted 9 months ago #
9. jfletch - Member

   I built my bike up like this. Well worth doing but you do get carried away if you're not careful.

   Oh that frame is only £50 over budget...
   For only £20 I could have elixirs instead of juicys...

   A very nice bike for £350 is definitely doable if you shop carefully and you get a great sense of achievement having done the build. Don't forget to budget for tools though.

   Posted 9 months ago #
10. toys19 - Member

    I have a large framed giant nrs for sale (ok its not a ht but its quite lite and very good) for 300 posted ono.
    clickage

    Posted 9 months ago #
11. bazep - Member

    Thanks folks
    I'll still keep riding my old Tufftrax if I do go down the self build route so that's not a problem (although it'll prob need a few bits done to it too).
    As for tools and parts - anyone know where I could get a list of tool and/or BoM required to start seeing what I can pick up?

    Riding will be XC mostly, + trail centres and the like. Not planning on DH or the like.

    Think you've all helped me decide. I don't mind picking up some extra tools along the way too as then I can use them for maintaining etc.

    Next problem is deciding on a suitable frame. There seems to be such a choice these days (it was a choice of about 5 manufacturers when I was involved last time).

    Posted 9 months ago #
12. dukeduvet - Member

    In terms of building a bike have you checked locally to see if there is a bike charity? Here in Edinburgh you can hire a workstand at the Bike Station and use their tools plus the staff can help with advice. Worth checking out where you live.

    If you need a frame I have an ideal xc frame - a newish GT Zaskar. If you are interested, could haggle a bit on price.

    http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/gt-zaskar-pro-2007-frame-only-20

    Posted 9 months ago #
13. cruzheckler - Member

    I can offer you some hope wheels for £140 to kick of, Rear mech for £20, Grips for a fiver, cassette for £25

    Posted 9 months ago #
14. bazep - Member

    I'll check out my local bike places but I very much doubt it (wish I lived in Edi though) unless anyone knows of anything around chelmsford or colchester?

    Thanks but was looking for an 18" frame as I like it a little more compact.

    Posted 9 months ago #
15. bazep - Member

    might be in touch Cruz but need to work out my BoM and budgets first.
    Ta

    Posted 9 months ago #
16. PeterPoddy - Member

    £350?
    No problem!

    You might even sneak a decent fork like a Recaon or Reba in for that money.

    I build this for £208

    
    Untitled by PeterPoddy, on Flickr

    That includes £50 for the Project Twos (Roadrat forks shown were too short) and a brand new saddle, and the mudguards and rack
    It's 9sp Deore with Deore hydraulic discs and is a really good MTB with slicks on it really. I could have easily made it an MTB with knobblies and suspension for waaaaay under £300

    Posted 9 months ago #
17. jfletch - Member

    BoMs, budgets,

    What do you think this is? Get spending lad!

    (but if you a really serious about doing it properly then a product breakdown structure would help as there are some parts that need to be procured first, e.g. you need a frame before forks to ensure the steerer tube is long enough, the correct front mech for the cable routing and mounting, disc rotors for the hub type etc etc.)

    Posted 9 months ago #
18. whatnobeer - Member

    I'm in the process of doing something similar. Forks, frame, cranks, chainset, chainguide and seatpost sorted so far. Need everything else. 2nd hand deore the best way to go for rear shifting?

    Posted 9 months ago #
19. toys19 - Member

    whatnobeer, I have a 2nd hand deore front mech for sale.

    Posted 9 months ago #
20. whatnobeer - Member

    Thanks Toys19, I should of said I'm going single ring on the front.

    Posted 9 months ago #
21. bazep - Member

    Think I have a rough BoM sorted now. now on the hunt for a frame (maybe frame+fork if I can get a bargain). I'm already getting greedy though!

    Listy:
    Frame, Fork, Wheels, Brake assy (rotors, levers, caliper, pads), shifters, Rear mech, front mech, tyres, bars, grips, headset, stem, saddle qr, seat post, peddles, crank set, cassette, BB, Chain.

    Posted 9 months ago #
22. andy7t2 - Member

    

    I build this for £208
    

    you was robbed

    Posted 9 months ago #
23. bazep - Member

    Update
    Fail!
    Managed to pick up a bargain XC hardtail on this 'ere forum so change of plan - going to get to riding it and then probably upgrade bits an bobs. I had bought the bike thinking I would just use a good number of the components but since getting it realised it's actually a really decent ride. So hey ho. Might be mech and shifter shopping in the near future but it's all good now.
    cheers for the help

    Posted 9 months ago #
24. partyboy - Member

    I build this for £208

    you was robbed
    

    Bet they left his fugly bike though

    Posted 9 months ago #

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