Buy or build - which is usually cheapest?

JGTR

Had a play pricing up a bike build, worked out £200 cheaper than buying a built bike and I got the spec I want, plus I get to build it
I was under the opinion that building your own bike was a lot more expensive....what's the general consensus?

cougie

You've probably missed bits off.
It's usually cheaper to buy the whole Bike unless you're getting a lot of the components at sale prices ?

Triple check it's all compatible though.

JGTR

Nope got everything....well except a seat post clamp.

It's a Banshee Spitfire, frame and shock is £1650, parts are £2350 which comes in £200 cheaper than the XT factory build. I also get:

GX 12 speed instead of XT groupset
Pike RCT3 instead of RC
Guide R brakes instead of XT

I know the likes of Canyon and YT will always be cheaper as a factory build as they bulk buy their parts....but who wants the same bike as everyone else??

fat daddy

don't forget the price of tools that you suddenly need

Long_Time_Lurker

And time. The economist in me keeps screaming 'opportunity cost' - what is that extra time and effort worth to you ?
I would rather get straight out on my bike than wait for bits to come through and build it myself (and it would take an age with me looking through youtube videos etc). I'll readily admit that I hate fettling.
That time is worth more than £200 to me.

JGTR

what is that extra time and effort worth to you ?

Time away from the screaming kids, peace and quiet in the garage?

Priceless

Got most of the tools, was a mechanic for years, full roll cab of tools already. Personally I'd love to build my own bike, source all the parts etc. Very rewarding and I'll learn a lot about bike building.

veronese68

JGTR wrote:

Got most of the tools, was a mechanic for years, full roll cab of tools already. Personally I'd love to build my own bike, source all the parts etc. Very rewarding and I'll learn a lot about bike building.

Do it. I've built up my last couple of bikes. Careful shopping for parts and the seemingly continuous sales means you can get everything as cheaply as a complete build if you are careful. As you say it means you can get exactly the spec you want as well. Plus, I enjoy putting them together so it's no hardship at all.
Regarding tools, you'll have most of what you need. It's fairly easy to make up a headset press if you don't have one. Same thing if you have press fit BB. Cutting the steerer is not hard at all but makes some people nervous. Measure twice and cut once, I use an old stem with a spacer against it as a guide.

JGTR

Forgot about discounts, get a 10% discount with local club membership and British Cycling membership

swod1

I've been looking at bike builds also, after a new bike along aside my apparently now ancient 26er mega tr and some of the build specs for bikes are ridiculous for the price you'd pay for a new bike out of a shop.

I've looked at a transition patrol and scout shop builds and they are rubbish for the money deore brakes and other low end stuff unless I've been too spoilt with xtr gears and other fancy bits on my mega but I did put that bike together myself.

I'm sure you can do it to the budget you have but it will take looking around for deals on parts and special offers.

JGTR

Had another thought on this....if I buy parts from different places then any problems it might be a hassle, whereas complete bike just goes back to shop/retailer? Guy I know had issues with frame and forks, both time a full strip down to send parts off for warranty

cooldad

I've owned dozens of bikes, and built most of them. Never had any problems with any of them. I think you're worrying over not much.

The Rookie

I've built all my own bikes (currently 4) plus another 7 for the family, never have an issue.

If you have a warranty issue with a part, its an issue with that part.

Selected buying of pre-loved but nearly new parts will also save a fortune and a great way of getting value.

Have a look at the links in my sig at some example.

poah

JGTR wrote:

Had a play pricing up a bike build, worked out £200 cheaper than buying a built bike and I got the spec I want, plus I get to build it
I was under the opinion that building your own bike was a lot more expensive....what's the general consensus?

built my suppressor but already had most of the parts but never added up the cost of what a patrol would have cost if I was buying a full bike. I not buy a full bike now given all the parts I have unless it was a stocking deal. I have my preferred grips, brake, short crank, suspension saddle etc. Didn't even have to get a shop to fit headset as it came with one and the BB was faced. I already have the tools as well

eric_draven

swod1 wrote:

I've looked at a transition patrol and scout shop builds and they are rubbish for the money deore brakes and other low end stuff unless I've been too spoilt with xtr gears and other fancy bits on my mega but I did put that bike together myself

Tranny's really aren't good value any more as good as the frames are,pretty much always build my own bikes up as I get the build that I want/afford,have bought second-hand bikes and parts with not a lot of trouble,and always trawl the net for for deals online,I've had some cracking bikes going down this route,building a bike is not rocket science

swod1

eric draven wrote:

swod1 wrote:

I've looked at a transition patrol and scout shop builds and they are rubbish for the money deore brakes and other low end stuff unless I've been too spoilt with xtr gears and other fancy bits on my mega but I did put that bike together myself

Tranny's really aren't good value any more as good as the frames are,pretty much always build my own bikes up as I get the build that I want/afford,have bought second-hand bikes and parts with not a lot of trouble,and always trawl the net for for deals online,I've had some cracking bikes going down this route,building a bike is not rocket science

Yeah, my mega tr I built up myself. I'll look around for a deal on a frame and forks and go from there.