building our own bikes

zoggz

i fancy a crack at this as a hobby if you like and maybe getting some satisfaction out of doing it my self.im on a budget and have been thinking of getting a second hand saracen frame from lbs to kick off with and then getting the rest of the parts--maybe 105 when ive got some money.any body got any tips.ive got the basic tools and collecting some cassette and bb tools 8) in bits and bats.anybody done one on a budget??

cheers

aracer

Never really on a budget, but of my current stable only 2 (out of 7) were bought as complete bikes. The nearest I get is my current winter trainer, but that's a hand-me-down bike, so not quite the same. If you really are on a budget, then ebay is your friend.

Tips? Take your time, measure twice, cut once (though I suppose the only bit you really cut is the steerer, but it's really easy to get that wrong - I'd suggest measuring at least 4 times, then checking again!) There's nothing really that difficult about building a bike, just be methodical, and follow the very detailed service instructions Shimano provide (if you don't get the leaflets with your bits, they're on the website).

gkerr4

zoggz wrote:

i fancy a crack at this as a hobby if you like and maybe getting some satisfaction out of doing it my self.im on a budget and have been thinking of getting a second hand saracen frame from lbs to kick off with and then getting the rest of the parts--maybe 105 when ive got some money.any body got any tips.ive got the basic tools and collecting some cassette and bb tools 8) in bits and bats.anybody done one on a budget??

cheers

it's not going to be particularly cheap - probably not as cheap as you are thinking at the moment - unless you are actually planning on assembling a proper old piece of tat. you wil be amazed by the price some parts go for on ebay.

That said, I guess people do get lucky and if you are patient and willing to spend time monitoring ebay then you will pick up bargains - might take a while though

John C.

If you are on a tight budget buy a complete second hand bike, Make sure you get a bike with a good frame, most common makes use the same frame for several bikes, look for one with the lowest speck kit. This will have some wear on it so you will be able to haggle on the price as it will need replacing, then when you have funds replace with better kit. Make sure it has the right number of gears as it could make upgrading more expensive if you have to change shifters.
Enjoy

zoggz

thanks for your opinions fellas.i was thinking about ebay for parts etc.buying a complete second hand one is an option maybe, then i could practice stripping it down then rebuilding and upgrading etc etc.a decent second hand frame is a starter though

CumbrianMan

I had a go myself in Sept, and built myself a Winter bike.
Bought a winter frame/fork off Ribble for £130 (carbon fork !!), set of Mavic Aksiums off Probikekit (PBK - great prices) £95, as well as chain and seatpost. Bought stem, handlebars and 105 STI shifters, brake calipers, saddle, off ebay. In the end, it cost about £460. Not bad considering I'dve had to pay nearer £700 for similar from LBS.
The best thing I can recommend is to have a bike workstand to hold the frame whilst your building. I found this a godsend. Got mine off Ribble for about £60.

As Aracer said though, if you need to cut anything, measure, measure and then measure again, and take care when you do cut it (especially the fork steerer).

If you buy a new frame, it may be worth choosing a bottom bracket at the same time and asking the seller to fit before sending out, as sometimes the BB area on the frame needs 'faced' (paint removed) with a special tool to get the fit of the BB spot on.

Give it a go, you'll enjoy it. Just don't rush it. And if you do fit Shimano, the tech docs on their website are really helpful.

Good luck.

peanut

I get the impression he wants to build a bike on a budget ie for about what you paid for your stand lol.

You don't have to spend £300+ to get a decent bike together.
I just sold a brand new race frame for £20.00 plenty of 501 and 531 frames on ebay for £30 or so there are also plenty of Aluminium frames if preferred for less than £50.00.
Contact your local cycle club and ask when they are holding the next bike bits sale. Lots of decent stuff for pennies . Brand new wheelsets 10speed Tiagra for £45.00 on ebay
I reckon I could build a decent trainer /hack bike for less than £175.00 easy

giant_man

Good strong cheap wheels from Quest bikes at 60 quid which got 10/10 from C+. I bought a pair the other week for my winter hack and they are excellent value.

zoggz

those quest wheels dont look too bad for the price .theyd certainly be a good training wheel.cycle promotions isnt that far from me in barnsley,i might go there for a browse.the last time i went they had some good workstands at 50 squid

allaction

Agree that ebay is very good for individual parts. They often go for quite high prices mind, so get a figure its worth and don't go over. There will always be plenty more. Also post on classified section of this site as many folks are happy to let individual bits go cheap to a good home!

cougie

most of my bikes i have built up from parts. if you go for new kit tho - you are better just to buy off the peg and save money.
most bits go on with allen keys so its pretty easy. if you just want to learn - disassemble the bike you have and start from there.

John C.

You won't get cheaper than cycle promotions and they are helpfull.