Cost of Building up a mountain bike

[Bub Marley]

So Chris Willemse has a Fondriest F80 650b mountain bike frame for about R 7000. Firstly, is this good value? Secondly what can I expect to pay on top of that to finish the bike off? Components, wheels etc and is worth it to buy this way?

 

I've been cycling for quite while but always road biking. Been wanting to try my hand out at mountain biking but just never got to it.

 

Obviously I'm looking at basic entry level parts to start off with. I could obviously buy second hand but I'm a bit hesitant to do this with a mountain bike due to the dirt and mud which could be stuck in between components etc.

 

I would say my budget is around 15k in total so my question is if I buy that frame for around 7k will I be able to complete the bike for around 15k?

[kosmonooit]

Generally cheaper to buy built, unless you use 2nd hand or el-cheapo components. And you will have to get kitted up with some special tools. But you do get what want, and get an insight as to how it all works, which is useful for maintenance.

 

Best keep an eye open for good used bike is you want budget.

[FatBoySlim1]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say in all case I've seen a lot of instances where this has become an expensive affair. A semi decent set of wheels will set you back R4k excluding tyres, xt derailler (not the best out there ) is around R2k. That's already R13k and you haven't included forks yet and a lot of other componentry.

[Spokey]

I believe XT to be amongst the best there is for cost V longevity! I know there is better/lighter stuff for racing.

FatBoySlim1 that is a ripoff price for an XT mech!

 

Bub Marley

It will cost you a lot to build up that frame if you buy components suitable for it.

 

I bought a Titan Pro alluminium for I believe a good price considering the components, the intention is to transfer to a different frame, but I am undecided whether I go steel or carbon.

There is no way I could buy the fork, wheels and brakes for the cost of the complete bike, let alone the rest of the bits needed.

[Ryanpmb]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say in all case I've seen a lot of instances where this has become an expensive affair. A semi decent set of wheels will set you back R4k excluding tyres, xt derailler (not the best out there ) is around R2k. That's already R13k and you haven't included forks yet and a lot of other componentry.

 

You buying your XT RD at the wrong place!!!

[Stretch]

Wheels 4k..fork 5k for a basic..groupset...7 to 10...tyres and peddles 3....30k to give something a try?..go online and buy a pre built bergamont for half that price and upgrade if the bug bites

[Fabian46]

Yeah, I built from the ground up. Got a frame from my lbs, and the problem then is you try and build atleast to the original spec or better, and can end up paying more. I got away with building for less with slightly better spec than standard, but someone else might not be so lucky. If U can afford a once off splash...buy complete, if U can't, building is definitely an option.

[porqui]

Only cheaper if you buy 2nd hand components.

 

You can buy components 2nd hand in really good condition at good prices but it's going to take time

[johanpre44]

Building from scratch is very expensive. I found that the cost of proper wheels and fork alone is almost the price of a fairly nice off-the-shelf bike.

[Bub Marley]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm gonna give CWC a call tomorrow and ask them to give me a complete quote to build the bike. Obviously if it's gonna be stupidly expensive I'll just get something else or buy second hand. I really love the Fondriest design though and that's what is tempting me here.

[Eugene]

You won't get a better value frame than that. They were retailing at R17 000 odd. If you look on the hub, most second hand 650b frames are going for R6k.

 

You are getting a brand new Fondreist, for the price of a second hand Titan

[Trawsaj]

I've recently completed a 29er build. Frame was approx 22% of the total costs of the bike. (This excludes tools I had to buy in order to complete the build). All parts purchased new.

[rock]

it can be done and you end up with a better bike that what you get off the floor, should you know what you really want and dont want. lots of deals here on the hub to finish off your dream build.

[Hairy]

If you want real value in a DIY build you have to exercise patience and have a good idea of what you are looking for .... there are always good deals popping up on the classifieds section or an EVObikes or CWC type of sale.

[DJ84]

If thats the frame you want and you go second hand it is possible.

I am building with good components mostly second hand and without the frame will get away with R 9k.

I have XT allround with Reba fork and good wheels.

 

Just have to be patient and buy when the price is right.

[Hairy]

I'm gonna go out on a limb here and say in all case I've seen a lot of instances where this has become an expensive affair. A semi decent set of wheels will set you back R4k excluding tyres, xt derailler (not the best out there ) is around R2k. That's already R13k and you haven't included forks yet and a lot of other componentry.

well it is second in the rankings at Shimano, so please explain you are not thinking the performance is going to be decent or "not the best" ...... xtr is really a waste of money for the everyday rider, unless they ride lots and lots and lots and get a real world "feel" difference from their xtr kit.

 

had X0 on my duallie and temporarily now run a SLX rear der on the HT and for all intensive purposes the SLX (Below XT) shifts crisply and cleanly every time .... can't ask for much more than that. The shifter's though have a more tactile feel for the rider with the higher end spec shifter levers being of metal vs plastic and they have a more positive direct feel to them.

 

Spend money wisely on parts that wear out, don't spend to impress the trail side chit chat group.