donor bike or separate parts -cheapest option

tsenior
tsenior Posts: 664
edited January 2012 in MTB buying advice
general question really, but specifically i have 2 projects running in tandem and need:

For a Marin attack trail
140mm forks pref thru axle
Decent trail/AM wheelset: front to fit above, rear trad QR

For a light, short travel XC/HT build (not settled on a frame yet; but got TALAS forks and QR wheels for that)
9 speed disc groupset

i can sell the frame and most of the finishing kit on if i go for a full bike.

Comments

  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    Get the 'right' donor and you'll save a fortune...ebay will be your friend.

    When I built the wife a bike I made a profit roughly equal to the purchase price from the bits I didn't need and sold on, that profit went a long way towards paying for the forks/headset/frame and saddle I bought brand new.

    Simon
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • tsenior
    tsenior Posts: 664
    mmmm i have had success with evilbay in the past but its taken a lot of looking and biding my time to find the right bike.......

    Also drivetrain and BB have to be new anyway and would also have to factor in a fork service (prefer to get the first one done professionally) so some additional costs compared to a new bike.

    BTW budget would be around £500-750, i realise that i will not be able to get top end forks and wheels for this but as long as they are strong and functional out of the strong-cheap-light triangle i will be in the strong-cheap corner!

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