Noob, but I know what I want - Buy vs. Build?
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,772
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
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Good job!
And what you lost with the basket on one, you gained with the trailer on the other.
John
And what you lost with the basket on one, you gained with the trailer on the other.
John
#35
Junior Member
Several years ago I had similar ambitions. This was before 29ers were common. I wanted to build a 1x9 26" hardtail for trail riding. Here in Iowa, I don't need a ton of gear range. At the time, 3x9 was the most common drivetrain. I started pricing everything and by the time I added everything up, I was well past the retail price point of a brand new bike that didn't require piecing together and building. I ended up buying an entry level hardtail at my local bike shop and it was a great purchase. I rode that bike year round for 12 years until it was stolen.
The advice I would give is just find a new or used bike that com and s close to the configuration that you desire and buy it. Then save up your money and modify it to suit your needs.
The advice I would give is just find a new or used bike that com and s close to the configuration that you desire and buy it. Then save up your money and modify it to suit your needs.
#36
Senior Member
czar97 Do you have a local bike shop to peruse and start a relationship with? Your experience and ambitions would warrant this and once you establish a relationship they might let you know about used bikes, frames or take off parts etc. My LBS has been invaluable for me in this regard.
Also, I don't know where you are located, but some of the bikes on your list are from mainly European brands and will be hard to find in the States. Good luck in your researching and saving.
Also, I don't know where you are located, but some of the bikes on your list are from mainly European brands and will be hard to find in the States. Good luck in your researching and saving.