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My first proper MTB was bought as a frame & forks for me Xmas '90.
I then built it up with bits bought & borrowed. Saturday bike shop job helped!
My dad even helped me build my first set of wheels for it.
Very satisfying, but a slippery slope to N+1ism and upgraditis.
It's only 2 years ago that I bought my first ever complete bike!
If you shop about then it isn't necessarily more expensive than buying from standard but the major benefit is you can choose your compromises. Manufacturers tend to add increase the level of all kit in line so costs ramp up. In the builds I've done I've prioritised the suspension, wheels and brakes and down tuned the drivetrain, finishing kit. So for what I consider important the cost compared to an equivalent main manufacturers model is lower.
I’m probably 75/25 on built vs bought. As for the cost, more and more I’m noticing that there seems to be a lot less ‘economies of scale’ discounts from the big manufactures, and full builds aren’t really that good value compared to buying the same things separately (even at RRP), especially at the blingier end.
That said, If I do buy a full build, it tends to stay the same spec over its life, replacing what’s broken, but if I build bikes they’re never finished...
Well I’ve fallen at the first hurdle. A weapons grade cockwomble drove their car in to the house last night. Leaving a nice big hole in the living room wall! I’d found a nice frame too 😕 will need to hold on to the cash until insurance is sorted.
Tempted to get a 0% on purchases credit card to cheer myself up 😕
It’s bloody cold in my living room tonight. Piece of wood and expanding foam over the hole whilst I wait for insurers to get in touch. Looking at bikes and frames on eBay to cheer myself up
@funkmasterrap ... That's crap, sorry to hear about your house. Hope it gets sorted soon.
I started this thread a bit ago. If you're going to self build, worth going into it with your eyes open.
https://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/when-bike-building-doesnt-go-smoothly-%f0%9f%99%84/
I've semi-built a few bikes now. Some have gone easier than others, and I usually get my bike-mechanic-mate or the LBS to help for some bits that I can do, but not confidently or efficiently. Overall, satisfying and frustrating in equal measure for me.
Thanks for that. I’ve been reading your thread. If things get sorted quickly with the insurance I’m hoping I’ll still have the cash on hand to give this a go. Claim is underway and I’m just waiting for initial contact and to hear back from the police. Not expecting to hear anything until Monday now.
Luckily my neighbour is a well respected builder and renovator and also a good friend. He helped me tidy up and secure the hole from the elements. Just wood and expanding foam to start with. I dread to think what would’ve happened had the car not hit a parked car first. In that respect we were quite lucky.
Just have a lot going on right now and building a bike was going to be an attempt to distract me. These things happen though.
Christ, that's an unexpected left turn for a bike build thread.
Hope you get it sorted sharpish, what a PITA.
Thanks chakaping. It was literally a left turn too! I was pretty chilled about it to start with. Now I’m feeling pretty down and pissed off though to be honest. Not how I expected this thread to pan out.