Custom Built Hardtail/Jump/Trail or Brand New/Second Hand?

Question

Hii im new to the world of the whole downhill/jump/xc/hardtail (mountain biking lol) and im jus wonderin wether it wud be cheaper and more efficient to build a hardtail/etc. etc. from scratch with father experience or to buy a new one or second hand. Thanks. It would be a real help :) all info welcome :)

Answer 1

It's almost NEVER cheaper to build from scratch!   But...that depends on your sources and how smart you can shop.   If you don't mind waiting and shopping around online, you can get some real steals on parts.....if you combine that with a great deal on a frame, sometimes you can end up with what you want for about the same as a new bike.   If you go for used parts and frames, you can get it put together cheaper, but you have to be a bit savvy in the market and with bike parts for all of that not to be a giant pain in the butt or a waste of time and money.  

Most of the time, the cheapest and smartest route to take is to buy a new bike that has most of what you want, and then change a few items on it if you like.   You can offset some of your cost by selling the stock parts you swapped.   If you do it this way, you get the added benefit of a *new* frame as well as a warranty and service from the shop where you bought it.  Personally, I'm all about buying used stuff because I enjoy it and do everything on my bikes myself....but for most people, buying new is the best bet.

Honestly, shopping around for a good used bike is a great idea as long as you know what you're getting and don't get something that's been "too" used.   This is an iffy thing with jump bikes, because most of them get pretty used, and pretty quickly.  Lots of people get them, get hurt or realize they don't enjoy it, or buy another bike.....so there are tons of good deals out there.  Check out the classifieds at http://www.ridemonkey.com , http://www.mtbr.com , and http://www.pinkbike.com , as well as craigslist in your area.

If you piece one together, plan carefully so that you have all the parts you need.  Seatposts, seatpost clamps, front derailleurs, chainguides/bashguards, and cable ends/guides are usually the things that cause most headaches and delays when you build up a bike.  Try to get all of that sorted out before you start.....but plan on a trip or two to a local bike shop because it always happens.   :o)   You'll probably need to go to a shop to have them install the headset cups and fork crown race anyway, so try to make it a one-stop shopping trip and pick up everything you'll need the first time.  Also, pay attention to the size of your saddle rails and seatpost clamp...most normal bikes use 7mm rails/clamps, but in the jump bike arena there are lots of stronger 8mm and even a few 9mm out there.   Make sure those parts will be compatible with each other.

Hope this helps...good luck, and if you need any more help with parts or advice post up again!

Answer 2

if would be cheaper to build from scratch but if you've got no idea, Dont try