[Closed] Self build for 350 - how feasible?

I love a good engineer me!

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.

What sort of riding? Lots of hills?

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!

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

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

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.

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.

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.
[url= http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/giant-nrs-xtc-1999-new-bits-size-large ]clickage[/url]

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).

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.

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

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

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.

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

£350?
No problem!

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

I build this for £208

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[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter_atkin/5765837160/ ]Untitled[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/peter_atkin/ ]PeterPoddy[/url], 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 🙂

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.)

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?

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

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

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.

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I build this for £208

you was robbed

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

I build this for £208

you was robbed

Bet they left his fugly bike though 😯