Build me my dream bike!

Rhodent · Sunday at 09:24 AM

Right... here's one where I could use a whole lot of input, and it may be an opportunity for some of those looking for make a sale...

I have the opportunity to pick up a very nice Ibis Ripley frame (pictured) for almost nada... which gives me the chance to put my limited budget to build everything else from scratch.. frame is immaculate so really want to make this work...

Please give me your best suggestions, advise, adverts etc to build this bike for about R20k?

I have a few ideas, but putting this out to see what else is available

betaboy · Sunday at 09:31 AM

First stop is a decent frame protection system, to keep it looking good. See what Wrap Ride have available for your frame.

RobynE 🚵‍♀️ · Sunday at 09:37 AM

What are your goals? Where does your dream see you riding?

Rhodent · Sunday at 09:44 AM

3 minutes ago, RobynE 🚵‍♀️ said:

What are your goals? Where does your dream see you riding?

I'm up in Zambia, so largely farm trails, some gnarly technical bits... not so much on the racing scene up here... mostly XC

I'm just in it for the fun and the fitness... been out of the game for a few years and this is a very cool opportunity to jump back in

thebob · Sunday at 10:18 AM

Marzocchi Z2 fork, Shimano Deore 12s groupset and brakes and Lyne Components wheels finishing kit would be a solid bike

RobynE 🚵‍♀️ · Sunday at 11:39 AM

I imagine you don’t have ready access to a mechanic, so tried n tested, reliable is the way.

I agree with thebob but:

I would do a complete Rapide wheelset with Vittoria tyres. Should come in at under 7k for the full wheelset with rim tape and valves already installed. That’s rims, hubs, spokes, etc. You will just need tyres and sealant.

Shimano Deore is very reasonably priced and pretty bulletproof. You’d need a Microspline freehub body with your wheelset. You could choose to run an aftermarket cassette using a HG or XD freehub body. I’d stick with a full Shimano setup myself.

I have a Marzocchi Z2 and it’s awesome. It’s essentially a Fox 34 and is maintained in the same way with the same service kit.

Brakes I would do Magura. That’s my personal preference in brakes, I just love their feel and have absolute faith in them. But brakes are very much a case of personal opinion and you won’t find anyone agreeing on any brake topics lol.

RobynE 🚵‍♀️ · Sunday at 12:01 PM

18 minutes ago, RobynE 🚵‍♀️ said:

I would do a complete Rapide wheelset

Link to the wheelset. @Kiwi is Rapide.

Oh and Rapide can sort your cockpit and dropper as well. Also your BB. Basically everything.

Robbie Stewart · 2026-05-05T06:01:15Z

Between Rapidé and Lyne, Lyne wins. I have both. Lyne is the clear winner by a long margin.

RobynE 🚵‍♀️ · 2026-05-05T08:34:30Z

2 hours ago, Robbie Stewart said:

Between Rapidé and Lyne, Lyne wins. I have both. Lyne is the clear winner by a long margin.

In terms of the rider’s budget, Rapide will be good bang for buck.

Chrisjanopsyfiets · 2026-05-05T10:02:40Z

If you are on a budget Shimano Deore 12 speed all the way. My one bike has XTR other one SLX/ Deore combo. Apart from cosmetics and weight I cannot tell the difference functionally. I maintain my own bikes and I can assure you that the moving/ internal parts on the whole Shimano range is basically the same.

Shebeen · 2026-05-05T15:25:29Z

On 5/3/2026 at 11:24 AM, Rhodent said:

Right... here's one where I could use a whole lot of input, and it may be an opportunity for some of those looking for make a sale...

I have the opportunity to pick up a very nice Ibis Ripley frame (pictured) for almost nada... which gives me the chance to put my limited budget to build everything else from scratch.. frame is immaculate so really want to make this work...

Please give me your best suggestions, advise, adverts etc to build this bike for about R20k?

I have a few ideas, but putting this out to see what else is available

for R20k all in to match that frame you're going to have to go 2nd hand...which might be difficult from Zambia.

The problem with a piecemeal build on a budget is that getting the right stuff is tricky, something always just isn;t compatible - and I'm guessing cross border courier is a mission.

so, a more boring suggestion. buy a bargain hardtail like this.

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/bicycles/products/titan-cerberus-dash-2024?_pos=16&_fid=5de975f19&_ss=c

build the parts over.

flog the frame in zambia.

obviously check compatibility first.

Rhodent · 2026-05-05T16:42:25Z

1 hour ago, Shebeen said:

for R20k all in to match that frame you're going to have to go 2nd hand...which might be difficult from Zambia.

The problem with a piecemeal build on a budget is that getting the right stuff is tricky, something always just isn;t compatible - and I'm guessing cross border courier is a mission.

so, a more boring suggestion. buy a bargain hardtail like this.

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/bicycles/products/titan-cerberus-dash-2024?_pos=16&_fid=5de975f19&_ss=c

build the parts over.

flog the frame in zambia.

obviously check compatibility first.

Yea we can get F-All in zambia, but you'd be surprised the variety of ways we have found to get things up here 'duty free'

I like that suggestion though... definitely better than trying to scour for second hand parts and having to rely on people not to rip me off

Rhodent · 2026-05-05T17:39:36Z

Thanks @Shebeen @RobynE 🚵‍♀️ @thebob Just as an aside.... if putting all the components etc together is going to push my budget too far - How are these as back up options and I put the build on ice for a while?

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/dual-suspensions/products/titan-skyrim-st-sport-2024

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1018980-bike-mtb-ds-alu-slvback-downcountry-3

RobynE 🚵‍♀️ · 2026-05-05T18:48:37Z

I would avoid anything Microsoft or SRAM SX. SX I’d avoid in general and Microshift I’d avoid based on your access to bike stuff. If you can find something you like with Deore, or GX, then yes!

RobynE 🚵‍♀️ · 2026-05-05T18:58:38Z

I reckon this would give you great joy, and if you still have the itch for the Ibis, it would be pretty much a straight build-over.

Merida One Twenty 600

(Mellow is my LBS and if you were keen Wes would sort you out - also a great point of contact for you down the line)

Jono · 2026-05-06T04:54:16Z

You've got a great frame. Your build is possible around your budget with a mix of new and used parts.

I put together a quick list, if you shop around and take your time on the hub, you'll be able to improve pricing or choose the parts you prefer over these options. I left out grips, headset spacers and pedals - probably missed some other bits, but the list should get you close.

Fork	Marzocchi Z2	5500
Wheels	DT Swiss X1900	5750
Groupset	Shimano M6100	3900
Crank	Shimano MT510	1590
Dropper	Lyne	1500
Bars/stem	Specialized	300
Tyres	Hutchinson	700
Saddle		400
Brakes	Shimano	1200
bb	Shimano MT501	290
		21130