I need a new bike, and instead of going out and picking one of the shelf I thought it would be fun to while away the winter nights by building a new bike. I have an old Kona Cindercone frame which I plan to sand down and respray. I've not ridden tons of bikes but the Cindercone seemed to fit me well and I have many happy memories of thrashing around the Derbyshire dales on it. But am I being sentimental with an old frame, or does it not really matter that much?
Also just how big a difference in cost is it building your own from scratch to picking a simlar spec bike off the rack?
Thanks for any imput guys!
You will generally spend a bit more building a bike than you will do buying one off the shelf.
What you have to consider, though, is that you're not comparing like with like - the built-up bike will generally not be available for sale anywhere, so is difficult to put a price on.
What you can guarantee, however, is that the bike will be exactly to your personal spec - and pretty much unique.
Go for it.
I have many happy memories of thrashing around the Derbyshire dales on it
This is something that no new bike will come with...
Yes, yes you are.
It's a great thing to do. Carry on. I wouldn't put a lot of time into paintwork though. You'll get a more robust finish these days at a powdercoater at a very reasonable price. Then use the classifieds wisely for most of the bits, if you have the time, practically everything you need bar cables and chain will come up eventually.
I've yet to manage to hold myself to budget on a build.
There's always something 'better' for 'a couple of quid more' and it soon adds up.
Sod's law says that within days of finishing you will see a fantastic offer.
As commented above, you aren't comparing apples here though. Even something daft like tyres- (not daft!!) OEM parts will rarely compare to what you chose. Compounds etc count for a lot here and make the difference between the hard compound wired cheapies that are ok for road and fire road but not much else and quality £30 up tyres even with similar names.
Powder coat is definitely the way forward but there are threads about unsympathetic cheap places that blast a bit enthusiastically damaging frames - and replies that this is a myth and never happens.
My thought is if you already like the frame and have good memories with it, why not? 🙂
I haven't had a new bike for years always frames.
If you like that Kona have a look at a Cotic Soul, designed as a modern classic kona. currently on offer as well
I'm just about to start my third build. The plan was to swap everything over from my hardtail onto a FS frame I've just bought and spend very little. However, on taking everything off I've found/decided that a few parts need replacing. I'm on CRC as we speak.