Building a bike
Craig321
Posts: 169
Hi
I've been looking at the Carrera Fury 2009 hard tail which is going for ~£550 at the moment, however I've decided I'd rather build my own bike from scratch. Something along the lines of the Carrera Fury, but obviously custom.
Any suggestions? What would be a good frame to start out with? Can you buy the Fury frame on it's own?
I won't be buying the whole lot together, it'll probably be a fair few months before I actually have a working bike as I'm new to this and have only really done basic maintenance on a bike so a lot of research and time will be needed.
I'll be buying parts when I have the money and when I find something I like.
I'm going to be going to a few bicycle shops tomorrow. Any suggestions on makes I should look out for? Any popular frames I should be looking at?
I'll be doing a mix of off road and on road, mostly off though. I had a really nice hard tail when I was younger (not full size unfortunately, else I'd just modify and use that!) and loved it.
Thanks
Craig.
I've been looking at the Carrera Fury 2009 hard tail which is going for ~£550 at the moment, however I've decided I'd rather build my own bike from scratch. Something along the lines of the Carrera Fury, but obviously custom.
Any suggestions? What would be a good frame to start out with? Can you buy the Fury frame on it's own?
I won't be buying the whole lot together, it'll probably be a fair few months before I actually have a working bike as I'm new to this and have only really done basic maintenance on a bike so a lot of research and time will be needed.
I'll be buying parts when I have the money and when I find something I like.
I'm going to be going to a few bicycle shops tomorrow. Any suggestions on makes I should look out for? Any popular frames I should be looking at?
I'll be doing a mix of off road and on road, mostly off though. I had a really nice hard tail when I was younger (not full size unfortunately, else I'd just modify and use that!) and loved it.
Thanks
Craig.
0
Comments
-
Don't think you can buy a fury frame on its own unless you get a 2nd hand one. Maybe have a look at something like the On-one Inbred.
Only costs 150 quid for a great frame. You could also get a 456 frame for the same price if you wanted more travel0 -
It is almost assured that whatever you build for the money will be quite a lot more lowly specced than what you can buy of the shelf.
Occasionally you may find some bargain parts: I did some sample builds a while back -
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... bike+build
Plus some others if you search. But if course the stock will have changed now.
You also have to add postage and tools costs.0 -
supersonic wrote:It is almost assured that whatever you build for the money will be quite a lot more lowly specced than what you can buy of the shelf.
Occasionally you may find some bargain parts: I did some sample builds a while back -
http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopi ... bike+build
Plus some others if you search. But if course the stock will have changed now.
You also have to add postage and tools costs.
I'll take a look through those links in the thread above, thank you.
I'm not really expecting the best bike in the world considering it's my first build and I really don't know that much about it. However, I'm in it for the project as well, I'd really like to have something that I know back to front and can gradually upgrade to how I like it, even if it does cost more than an off-the-shelf bike.
I will gradually be buying parts for the bike, so will be researching and buying the best for whatever budget I set myself for that particular part, so I may well end up spending more than expected. Also, I'll upgrade as I get the money/find better parts.
Craig.0 -
This is what I did..
Buy yourself a lower end bike. Kona, specialized, carrera, all do decent hard tails for around 350 quid.
Upgrade and replace bits as they wear and then upgrade the frame. I'm talking over 18 months or so but you do get an appreciation of whats involved and it is great for teaching yourself so long as you do the work yourself.0 -
Best place to start, IMHO, is the three main bits: frame, fork and wheels. The drivetrain doesn't have to be that good to start, as does not make as much difference overall aas a good fork does.
Take a look at Exotic:
http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=0&
They have some nice lightweight parts on the cheap. I use them on my Zaskar.
Always consider compatibilty as well.
Keep us updated!0 -
-Liam- wrote:This is what I did..
Buy yourself a lower end bike. Kona, specialized, carrera, all do decent hard tails for around 350 quid.
Upgrade and replace bits as they wear and then upgrade the frame. I'm talking over 18 months or so but you do get an appreciation of whats involved and it is great for teaching yourself so long as you do the work yourself.
I'd do that without a doubt if my old hard tail was full size. Might still do that on my old hard tail, just for the fun of it! No point in letting it rot away in the garage.supersonic wrote:Best place to start, IMHO, is the three main bits: frame, fork and wheels. The drivetrain doesn't have to be that good to start, as does not make as much difference overall aas a good fork does.
Take a look at Exotic:
http://www.carboncycles.cc/?s=0&t=0&
They have some nice lightweight parts on the cheap. I use them on my Zaskar.
Always consider compatibilty as well.
Keep us updated!
Will check it out, thank you
I'm thinking it might be best, and maybe even more enjoyable to buy what I think is good, and what's recommended from my local bicycle shop(s) to get the main thing built, then gradually upgrade after further research and some bargain bin hunting?
What are the main things I need to look out on the frame, fork and wheels?
Are Exotic parts popular? I.e. is it likely I'll find them in my local bicycle shop?0 -
Depends on your budget and type of riding really. If a bike like the Fury then you need to ensure the frame can handle a 100-120mm fork, and get a fork that matches (and ensure the hub and axle is compatible with the fork).
The fork must have some sort of hydraulic rebound damping to control it.
Wheels should be appropriate to use - have a look at manufacturers websites for ideas and weight limits, and tyre size limits.0 -
Budget for now would be about the same as the price of the Fury. However, as I'm going to gradually build this bike it's not really a problem if I spend more.
Are there any frames I should be avoiding completely? I.e. frames that are proprietary and will only take very specific parts?0 -
Most modern XC frames will have all the fitments you need. Ensure it is for gears (not single speed specific) and has disc mounts. And the headtube is for inch and eighth forks.
Something like this is a good start:
http://www.dirtyjobikes.co.uk/Frames/Di ... emi_Creme_
OK, doesn't list everything, but it will take a 100-120mm fork, gears and disc brakes.0 -
supersonic wrote:Most modern XC frames will have all the fitments you need. Ensure it is for gears (not single speed specific) and has disc mounts. And the headtube is for inch and eighth forks.
Something like this is a good start:
http://www.dirtyjobikes.co.uk/Frames/Di ... emi_Creme_
OK, doesn't list everything, but it will take a 100-120mm fork, gears and disc brakes.
Cool. Thank you
So if I do see something I like the look of in my local bicycle shop I basically just need to make sure it'll take a 100-120mm fork, gears and disc brakes?
Realistically, I'm a complete beginner at this so maybe it's best I go into a bicycle shop, pick up a few bits (taking some advice from you guys on makes etc. obviously) and start the build. I really can't expect to have the best bike in the world. But, the whole point in the project is to learn how to build one properly, maintain and upgrade it.
I remember building my first computer (computers have been my main hobby for most my life). It was decent, but really not the best or most reliable. Second/third/fourth builds were absolutely brilliant. Better every time. I expect building a bike will be a similar experience!
Are there any guides, or maybe even build logs anyone can recommend?
Thanks very much for all your help so far.
Craig.0 -
supersonic wrote:Most modern XC frames will have all the fitments you need. Ensure it is for gears (not single speed specific) and has disc mounts. And the headtube is for inch and eighth forks.
Something like this is a good start:
http://www.dirtyjobikes.co.uk/Frames/Di ... emi_Creme_
OK, doesn't list everything, but it will take a 100-120mm fork, gears and disc brakes.
They look nice.
If I said I had 100quid to spend on a HT frame, is that what you would recommend?0 -
Park Tools and Sheldon Brown are good websites.
You'll need tools! Some good kits out there.
Also look up a book called Zinn and the Art of MTB Maintenance.0 -
supersonic wrote:Park Tools and Sheldon Brown are good websites.
You'll need tools! Some good kits out there.
Also look up a book called Zinn and the Art of MTB Maintenance.
Oooh, tools. The best part! I'll definitely be looking at some nice kits tomorrow in my local bike shop.
Broadbribbs is the one I used to go to for general maintenance, IIRC they had some really nice frames and stuff in there. I'll check out Halfords as well, but I'm honestly not expecting much in there apart from the pre-built bikes they have.
Just found that book online. Will be very handy when doing the build.0 -
Halfords do some really good tools! Especially their budget toolkit:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_228852
You may need to add to it, but will keep you going for maintenance too.
Shops are expensive though, so keep an eye on budget - a frame and fork can easily take it all in one go!0 -
supersonic wrote:Halfords do some really good tools! Especially their budget toolkit:
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... yId_228852
You may need to add to it, but will keep you going for maintenance too.
Shops are expensive though, so keep an eye on budget - a frame and fork can easily take it all in one go!
True, I'll keep in mind the price/spec of the forks and frames you've shown me tonight. I'll definitely be ordering the more expensive parts online if they're cheaper.0 -
Cold also try What Mountain Bike - very beginner friendly magazine with workshop articles: I have a column devoted the starter rider.0
-
Just to get this all in one place, and that I have the right idea of everything:
When buying the frame I need to make sure it can take 100-120mm forks, is built for disc brakes and gears (not single speed) and the headtube is for 1" and 1/8" forks.
Also need to make sure the fork has some kind of hydraulic rebound damping to control it. And also that the hub/axle is compatible.
The guys at Broadbribbs are generally quite good, and I can always look at labels for compatibility! So that shouldn't be a problem really.
Anything extra I need to be looking out for?
I most likely won't buy anything tomorrow, but just want to get an idea.
I'm guessing I should I be looking at 20" frames?
Just been looking through -Liam-'s Kona Kula build. I'll definitely have to get into the eBay/bargain bin/internet shopping once I know a bit more
Thanks
Craig.0 -
Just got back from the bicycle shop, and was shown the following:
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/79 ... frame.html
Are they any good?
The guy in the shop says it'll take 100mm - 120mm forks etc. and it looks really nice.
Any comments on it?
Which one should I be looking at? 42cm, 46cm, 50cm, 54cm. I'm assuming that's the general size of the frame. I'm about 6'1" if that helps.0 -
This was one I was going to mention last night - I think they are fantastic frames for the money, great weight but tough.
Big chunk of the budget though - once you add a fork to do it justice then not much left lol.0 -
It's £220 at the moment which I thought was quite reasonable. Any recommendations on a fork I should be looking at with it?
It is a big chunk out the budget, leaving me with £280 for everything else if I was to strictly stick with a £500 budget.
But, realistically I'll probably end up paying more. I like to have good stuff
I'm guessing it's the 50cm I should be looking at? (~20")0 -
Ideally something like a RockShox Reba, but are looking at least £250.
This is a good fork with travel adjust:
http://www.bikeoutlet.co.uk/products/Ro ... 38-50.html
But quite weighty.
Cheaper still is the Tora SL, but the damper is not as good, and less travel:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=409100 -
Have come up with this so far:
Frame Dirty Jo 80 Forks Rock Shox Tora SL Coil Forks - Turnkey 2010 120 Brakes Shimano M495 Deore Mechanical Disc Brake 34.98 Shifter Shimano Revoshift 12.98 Chainset Shimano M410 Alivio Chainset Square Taper 27.98 Cassette Sram PG950 9 Speed Cassette 27.99 Chain Sram PC951 9 Speed Chain Grey 114 Link 14.99 Rear Derailleur Shimano M580 LX Rear Rerailleur 28.98 Front Dereailleur Shimano M412 Alivio front derailleur 15.99 Seatpost RaceFace Ride XC Seatpost 21.99 Stem RaceFace Ride XC Stem 21.99 Bar RaceFace Ride XC Low Riser Bar 21.99 Saddle Bioflex Tempo Saddle With Gel 16.99 Pedals Wellgo 9/16" LU313 Pedal (V8 Copy) 11.98
The above comes out at £459
A lot of it is actually stuff you put together on this build: http://www.bikeradar.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12621054
What do you think? Will it be any good? Suggestions? Changes? What would it be like say, in comparison to a Carrera Fury?0 -
That is looking good! But the raceFace kit is expensive for what it is - better deals to be had there (and lighter stuff).
The chainset is not 9 speed compatible, and I am not sure the Revoshift will be. Need brake levers too and the bottom bracket. ;-)
I'd consider this:
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/shimano-g ... heels.html
Great value, get the wheels thrown in plus all compatible (and even hydro brakes!)0 -
If your dead set on the race face ride seatpost, stem and bar here's it as a set....
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=550 -
scottbowlby wrote:If your dead set on the race face ride seatpost, stem and bar here's it as a set....
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=55
Thanks. Saves me a few £.
I'm not dead set on anything at the moment, am open to suggestions and changes.
I currently have this:(Frame) 80 - Dirty Jo (Forks) 120 - Rock Shox Tora SL Coil Forks - Turnkey 2010 (Brakes) 34.98 - Shimano M495 Deore Mechanical Disc Brake (Shifter) 31.99 - Sram X9 Grip Shifter (3, 9 Speed) (Chainset) 34.98 - Shimano M442 Square Taper Chainset 44/32/22 (Cassette) 27.99 - Sram PG950 9 Speed Cassette (Chain) 14.99 - Sram PC951 9 Speed Chain Grey 114 Link (Rear mech) 28.98 - Shimano M580 LX Rear Rerailleur (Front mech) 15.99 - Shimano M412 Alivio front derailleur - top-swing multi-fit (Bar, stem, seatpost) 46.95 - Race Face Ride XC Bar,Stem & Seatpost - Mountain Bike Seatposts (Saddle) 16.99 - Bioflex Tempo Saddle With Gel (Pedal) 11.98 - Wellgo 9/16" LU313 Pedal (V8 Copy) (Bottom bracket) 9.98 - Shimano UN26 Square Tapered (Brake lever) 13.98 - Shimano M486 Disc Brake Levers (Wheels) 44.99 - 26" Alloy Mountain Bike Q/R FRONT & REAR Disc or Rim Brake (Tyres) 10.98 - Continental Vertical Wire Bead 26 x 2.3" (Grips) 5.98 - Push Impac Shorty Mega Grip Shift grips (Headset) 16.99 - FSA No.11N Headset (Seat Clamp) 4.49 - M:Parts Threadsaver seat clamp Black (Inner Tubes) 5.49 - Continental MTB 26 Tube
The Deore set you recommended adds quite a lot onto the price tag :S
Obviously the above is a budget bike, not the best by far. But, I'll be upgrading it when I can and when I find better stuff. Will definitely get hydraulic breaks etc eventually.0 -
You mentioned the Race Face stuff being quite heavy and expensive for what it is. I've been told Easton stuff is very light and very good. What are the following 3 like?:
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/4/ ... r-bar.html
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/37 ... -2010.html
http://www.ukbikestore.co.uk/product/60 ... -2010.html
Comes out more expensive than the Race Face stuff, but is it considerably lighter?
It's at around £550 now (still need to add handle bar grips and probably a few other bits).
What will it be like compared to the Carrera Fury (as I know that's a pretty popular bike).0 -
"The Deore set you recommended adds quite a lot onto the price tag :S"
It looks that way, but if we see what you have, drivetrain and brake wise, it adds up to £214. Also a few problems - you have only added one shifter on, so need to add another 32 quid (and SRAM X shifters are not compatible with Shimano mechs - also the brake levers are not compatible with t brakes as are hydraulic levers).
So 214 + 32 + the wheels (45) = £291. Just a tenner short of the full deore kit, most of which is better stuff ;-)0 -
Thanks very much for your help so far supersonic, much appreciated!
How's this looking, anything missed/incompatible?FRAME - Frame Dirty Jo £80.00 FORKS - Forks Rock Shox Tora SL Coil Forks - Turnkey 2010 £120.00 SEATPOST - Seatpost Easton EA30 Seatpost 2010 £23.99 STEM - Stem Easton EA30 Stem 2010 £25.99 BAR - Bar Easton EA30 Riser Bar £18.99 SADDLE - Saddle Bioflex Tempo Saddle With Gel £16.99 PEDALS - Pedals Wellgo 9/16" LU313 Pedal (V8 Copy) £11.98 TYRES - Tyres Continental Vertical Wire Bead 26 x 2.3" £10.98 GRIPS - Grips Push Impac Shorty Mega Grip Shift grips £5.98 HEADSET - Headset FSA No.11N Headset £16.99 SEAT CLAMP - Seat Clamp M:Parts Threadsaver seat clamp Black £4.49 INNER TUBES - Inner Tubes Continental MTB 26 Tube £5.49 Deore 590 Disc Groupset & MT15 Factory Wheels - Shimano Groupsets £299.95
The above comes out to £642 (I haven't done any price/bargain searching yet).
Have I duplicated anything there, or missed anything? Price has gone up a fair bit :P
Will the parts in the Deore set be easily upgradabale. I.e. will it be easy enough to e.g. replace the mechs, brakes, cassette one by one as I find better parts?0 -
Right (sorry for the double post), I've decided not to go for the Deore 590 set as it'll make it too easy for me. I'd like to buy each part separately and research each part so I truly know this bike back to front.
I currently have the following. Can anyone confirm compatibility please? Anything I've missed?Frame Dirty Jo £80.00 Forks Rock Shox Tora SL Coil Forks - Turnkey 2010 £120.00 Brakes Shimano M495 Deore Mechanical Disc Brake £34.98 Shifter Shimano M590 Deore 9-speed Trigger Shifters (Pair) £43.99 Chainset Shimano M442 Square Taper Chainset 44/32/22 £34.98 Cassette Sram PG950 9 Speed Cassette £27.99 Chain Sram PC951 9 Speed Chain Grey 114 Link £14.99 Rear Derailleur Shimano M580 LX Rear Rerailleur £28.98 Front Dereailleur Shimano M412 Alivio front derailleur - top-swing multi-fit £15.99 Seatpost, stem, bar Race Face Ride XC Bar,Stem & Seatpost - Mountain Bike Seatposts £49.95 Saddle Bioflex Tempo Saddle With Gel £16.99 Pedals Wellgo 9/16" LU313 Pedal (V8 Copy) £11.98 Bottom Bracket Shimano UN26 Square Tapered £9.98 Brake Lever Avid Speed Dial 7 Brake Lever Set Graphite £18.99 Wheels 26" Alloy Mountain Bike Q/R FRONT & REAR Disc or Rim Brake £44.99 Tyres Continental Vertical Wire Bead 26 x 2.3" £10.98 Grips Push Impac Shorty Mega Grip Shift grips £5.98 Headset FSA No.11N Headset £16.99 Seat Clamp M:Parts Threadsaver seat clamp Black £4.49 Inner Tubes Continental MTB 26 Tube £5.49
I'm assuming the Shimano M495 comes with both back & front discs? 0
