Re: Build a bike?

eric h

In article <MPG.1ad6d0b3a6184d17989681@news1.news.adelphia.net>,
rickn <rickn> wrote:

>What about purchasing used components? (ebay being the most obvious
>source.)

There's a lot available on ebay, but it usually goes for what it's
worth--simply because exposure is wide and anybody who wants something is
watching for it.

When I built up my bike (new frame, mix of new and used parts) I found
that I tended to try one part and then change my mind, or buy parts as I
saw them cheap, thinking I'd eventually need them for the bike. The
result was that I ended up with 2 or 3 duplicates for every part that
actually went on the bike.

So I don't think I saved a whole lot of money by doing it this way. But I
had a lot of fun, and I try to deal some of my leftover parts to help fund
further adventures. If it's something you want to do, go for it.

>I do not want to own a $1500.00 bike that cost me $2000.00 to build

This is unlikely to happen. You're far more likely to end up with a $1000
bike that costs you $2000 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?)

The best approach is to buy not just the frame you want, but the whole
bike. Then swap out parts as whimsy dictates and funds allow. Whole
bikes tend to be bargains on ebay, relatively speaking, especially in the
winter, and nice Japanese or Taiwanese lugged steel bikes usually go for
reasonable prices.

>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?)

Sometimes there's no substitute for trial and error. I sell bikes because
they don't fit me, or because I'm done with it and want something
different.

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"I never had to pretend I felt the lyrics. I could always relate to the words."
--Teddy Pendergrass