Some advice needed about building bikes.

mrhenderson

I've got a full suspension bike currently, and dont use it much. Its only about 3.5 miles to work so I'm going to start biking it. I Dont really like my bike any more, but untill i do start using it, I cant justify buying a new one. So, I would like to build one, as cheap as possible. Or I could just do up the one i have. Im sorry if its a bit vague, but you guys know what your talking about so any advice and suggestions would be gratefully recieved. Cheers.

nicklouse

well for commuting you would be better not using the full sus, as it will be too heavy and hard work.

get a cheap ridged bike for the commute. (complete bike or frame and fork and swap the parts over.

The Big Cheese

check out the Swobo range of single speed rigids - good price and just what you are after - don't be put of by the single speed - great way to ride.

www.stif.co.uk

mrhenderson

Thanks both. If I do get a new frame and move the parts across, can all parts be moved froma a full susp bike to a hardtail one? like the front suspension??

BlackSpur

The fork should be fine, prividing they are both 1 1/8 inch. Some parts, such as the Front mech, seat clamp, headset, may not be transferrable, it depends on the two frames.

mrhenderson

cheers.

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=13215

i was thinking of that frame...has anyone got any other ones, as im not really sure what i want.

Will Snow

in fairness, if you want to commute on your susser, theres nothing to stop ya... ok its going to be heavy, but that just means youll get fitter, quicker!!! in my experience, theres no point spending money till your sure you definetly need to.

but that frame, its as good as any at that price, consider a full build for about a hundred though??? just something cheap for the commute.

mrhenderson

for about a ton???? it sounds like a proper challenge. Im guessing it gonna have to be done by using as much as i can from my other bike and second hand parts though??

Could anyone point me in the direction of any books/websites aboult building bikes. so i can account for all the parts i need without missing anything!!

Will Snow

for nothing but commuting????

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yrn_60956#

ok so its not fantastic, but itll be fast n they can last if you look after them. now wait for the rain of insults because i reccomended an apollo...

forcutty

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh help me, help us all to that
Apollo recomendation nah
I fix more than halfrauds manage to build properly

Avada Kedavra (uh-VAH-duh kuh-DAH-vruh) Apollo

whelieking27

ok, apollo's are'nt the greatest in the world. but for a cheap and cheerful commuter the cx 10 is a good buy. although for a bit extra the cx10s is a better buy. and they do last provided they are assembled properly, it's the bikes that are assembled / pdi'd without the use of grease that fall to peices and rust away in days. if you want a good one go to a store with a good reputation in your part of the country.

the CX10s
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... ryrn_60956

or for £10 more a much better commuter bike

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... d__varient

ride_whenever

I'd save up and buy a singlespeed road bike

stickman

In oct 07 I got myself a Hawk Royale singlespeed £79.99 made by Hawk Factory Cycles and I love it, been on several 30 mile rides, no problem.

stickman

In oct 07 I got myself a Hawk Royale singlespeed £79.99 made by Hawk Factory Cycles and I love it, been on several 30 mile rides, no problem.

stickman

Just had a look, the bike is now 69.99
http://www.hawkcycles.co.uk/product_det ... d=1121&k=6
(They also sell a 3 speed hub gear bike)

supersonic

If swapping parts, really does depend on what you have - if its got a 1 inch threaded headset and forks, would be easier to buy a new bike. Not sure about singlespeed - if you have hills, gears much better! What is your budget?

Shadowduck

Over that distance I'd just use the full-sus for now until you decide if you're going to stick at it. If you really want something else to use, spend your £100 on a second hand road bike off e-bay and keep the MTB for muddy fun on the weekends. That way you've got a spare bike and can always get to work - it's always the mornings you're running late that you get the bike out and find out you picked up a p***ture on your way home the day before...

3.5 miles isn't really all that far once you get into the swing of riding - you'll soon be taking the long way round!

ride_whenever

3.5 miles is indeed not very far, and gears are for girls...

supersonic

Ha, try riding round sheffield on the 1 in 4 hills!