Re: Build a bike?

Alex Rodriguez

In article <MPG.1ad6d0b3a6184d17989681@news1.news.adelphia.net>, rickn says...
>
>
>Someone, please, talk me down before I jump . . .
>
>I am tempted to buy a $500.00 frame (Specialized Allez Comp CR-MO, or
>equal?), or a used frame, and build a bike.
>I built my mountain bike from a bare frame and enjoyed the experience. I
>already own most of the tools necessary.
>
>BUT: The unanimous bike-shop opinion is that building your own bike is
>very expensive when compared to simply purchasing a complete "off-the-
>shelf" bike. I am not surprised at this, BUT:
>
>What about purchasing used components? (ebay being the most obvious
>source.)

Ebay takes more time and sometimes the prices are not so great.
I suggest the better place to shop is r.b.m or other web sites that
sell parts at great prices. I like checking out www.chucksbikes.com when I
need cheap parts.

>I do not want to own a $1500.00 bike that cost me $2000.00 to build BUT
>if I can buy a nice frame and assemble the bike with "105" level
>(slightly used) components isn't it possible that I might wind up with
>my own "custom" configured ride that would cost close to that of a
>complete new bike? And then NEXT YEAR I could start upgrading
>components! (please?)

Bets thing would have been to buy at a swap meet last fall/winter. That's
when $1500 bikes were selling for $1000, or less.

>And here is another problem: If I build a bike I will not be able to
>test ride. Is a lack of test ride enough reason to toss this idea? It
>would seem that plenty of people build their own bikes, do they know
>exactly what they want for frame geometry before they start? (Or are
>these the people selling frames and parts on ebay?)

It is best to know what size and geometry works best for you. Otherwise
you might end up having to get another frame.
---------------
Alex