How much to build up a frame and fork set?

FoldingJoe

I'm going to put up my Airnimal for sale, as I don't need it for the folding capabilities I thought I would.

To replace it I'm looking at steel framed road bikes.

Been taking a look at Kona Honky Tonk, or a Condor Italia that is in the FS section (although this is not steel it is a lovely bike).

My other option is to by an old steel frame and build it up.

Considering I could pick up a second hand Kona or the Condor for around £500, how much do you think I would have to spend on parts to build a bike from the frame and forks up?

I don't think it's going to be worthwhile, which is a shame as there are some lovely steel frames up for sale.

Cheers,
FJ

Rich158

It depends upon the spec you want and whether you'll be buying from new. groupsets aren't cheap, neither are wheels, add in finishing components such as seat post, bars, stem etc and you'll very quickly be knocking on the door of £6-700 or more. It's not until you look into building up you own frameset that you realise what good value a complete bike represents

veronese68

I agree. The only way to build up a frame cheaply is to go single speed. I got a mountain bike frame for a tenner but am struggling to get the bits cheaply enough to make it worthwhile. If you're buying a used complete bike this is the most economical. I would just urge you to do what you can to ensure it's not a stolen bike.

pbt150

I did this a couple of years ago (see bike in sig). You can probably do it for ~£400 unless you have a large spares box, in which case it'll be cheaper.

Fork + frame: ~£100
Wheels ~£100 (eg Shimano RS10/PlanetX model
Bars, stem, saddle, seatpost, bar tape (some second hand bits) ~£100
Second hand groupset eg. Shimano Sora ~£100
+ Tyres, tubes etc.

But the cost does add up very quickly.

ex-pat scot

MErlin have 105 groupset for £280 at the moment (5600).
I'd budget £100 for a decent pair of wheels (PX model and another £100 for finishing kit (bars, stem, saddle, seatpost, tape). Another £30-£40 for tyres & tubes

chadders81

Always loads of nice steel framed bikes for sale on LFGSS. Not just SS or FG either.

FoldingJoe

Bike is going to be a commuter, so dont want to spec it too high.

Tiagra probably a minimum for groupset.

Seen a nice Viner frame on eBay. Anyone had any experiece of those?

Decent frames?

dhope

LiT has a Viner, but probably a little overspecced for your needs.