A bike debate - Build vs. Buy

You could actually end up with a bike more realiable and with better quality if you build it yourself... but (and there's always at least one, and in this case two...)... you will need the necessary tools to do it (bottom bracket tool, chain cutter, casette tool and chain whip, wire/casing cutter, in addition to the standard tools, such as screwdrivers, plyers, etc.), and you need to build if because you enjoy it... you will very likely not save any money doing it yourself compared to buying a pre-built bike (assuming that you need to buy all the components, wheel, etc.).

Reading you posting, I would probably suggest buying a complete bike... just make certain that you get a fitting BEFORE spending money on a bike, there's nothing worse than spending hard-earned cash on something that doesn't fit.

Edited by audiojan 2009-08-03 8:09 AM

Yes, build it.  LOL if you search for build I probably come up quite a few times, because I had such good luck and a great time building mine.

I bought a new Planet-X Carbon stealth from the UK, (good exchange rates and no solid US distributor when I bought)

Vision Bars from e-bay, came with brake levers, cables, Dura-Ace TT shifters, etc (switched out levers recently)
Powertap laced to Mavic-open pro  used on Slowtwitch
Wheelcover from wheelbuilder.com
used Ultegra Cranks from ST
used Dura Ace-RD from ST
used Ultegra Cassette from ST
Dura Ace-FD from probikekit (better prices than I could find them used for)
Dura Ace Chain from probikekit
Front wheel from neuvation (hoping to upgrade soon)

Built it up myself, took it to the LBS for a fit and tune-up, and bike works great.  Saved myself a ton of money and have a very nice bike out of it.

Bike parts seem to be something that you can always find used for much less than buying new, just make sure you start off with a frame that will fit you.  Slowtwitch has a good stack and reach database and instructions on how to figure that out so start there and find a frame that will work for you.

One thing with this is you have to be patient, makes a good winter project, that way you aren't over paying for something just because you have to have it right now.  Learn what good prices on e-bay or craigs list are and you can save even more money by getting something for a great price.

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

I just finished building my first bike. Or I should say, I helped my friend build my bike for me. I handed him tools while he taught me the ropes. I shopped around ST, eBay and online vendors for all the parts used and new. I think I did a pretty good job of finding everything cheaply, yet of good quality. Best part was that I learned how to build a bike. I have some of my own tools and now I can fix just about anything on the bike.

I ended up buying the parts, putting together most of it but having a bike mechanic do the BB/Crank and final adjustments.  Don't think I saved any money but I got most of the parts I wanted and a nice bike out of it.  I bought Dura ace and Ultegra parts where I would have had lesser components had I spent $800 on a bike.

I just built a bike. I wanted Campagnolo components and it's really hard to find a stock bike with them that's not astronomically priced. I think I spent about $2k on my bike (the wheels were a gift) and something comparable might've cost $4k. I ordered most of my parts from overseas. However, if I hadn't had someone who used to be a bike mechanic willing to put it together for me, I would NEVER have done it. Problem - a bike shop will usually charge you a lot to assemble it, especially if you didn't buy the parts from them. And, buying the parts from the LBS is not the best deal out there. Kind of a catch-22.

I certainly wouldn't have attempted to learn how to put a bike together from a book or the internet or went out and bought all the tools necessary. There are a lot of fine details that go into setting up the derailleurs, etc. Not saying some mechanical genius couldn't figure it out, just that I wouldn't have.

I absolutely adore my bike... but I'm sure I would've been pleased spending my money on a stock bike, too, if I had to go that route.