Used parts custom build or used complete bike?

[ReverendCounter]

I’m interested in finding out the average cost for a non-29" custom build, from used or b-stock parts where available (at least where it’s wise to incorporate used).

The sort of bike I’d like to end up with would be a cyclocross/hybrid, without suspension but with the option for sus forks in the future (if possible).

If anyone would like to suggest the component costs for a basic build as per the following, I'd be really interested to hear how you'd spec it:

Carbon frame with cyclocross type clearances (I’d like to be able to switch to wider, off road tyres for late autumn/spring)
Built for disc brakes
Deep section rims (alloy OK)
Flat bars
No front mech
Alfine 8/11spd
No clip in pedals

What are your thoughts on buying used:

Fork?
Crank?
Stem?

What have I missed - spacers, drop outs, bearings, cables etc - front hub, shifter, levers, seat & post?

I’m only looking for parts which are decent quality rather than making a very good quality custom build; alternatively would it be better to look for a used off the shelf carbon framed bike which would suit the requirements at a similar price? If so what would you recommend?

[leyorkie]

Just go to Planet X and buy the complete up to date package for the same money.

[jontykint]

I,be always bought a new frame and built up custom
With nearly new eBay finds or heavily discounted parts from the big online shops in UK and DE

For my builds it takes some time to do, usually a couple of months to source everything I need, so bear that in mind
On every bike I have done over the last 10years or so (4 x mtb and 3 x road), I’ve come out with a better spec than the full build offered and about 20-30% cheaper

For the bike you are looking at there, you could get a top spec with Carbon frame/fork for £1500 with year old/ex demo

Edited by jontykint on Tuesday 22 May 18:45

Edited by jontykint on Tuesday 22 May 18:46

[The_Jackal]

Would a nice lightweight XC MTB suit your needs?
You mention adding suspension at some point which doesnt really sit with a cyclocross bike or hybrid.
Or is the goal to just build a unique combination of parts. You seem to be quite specific in what you want.

[ReverendCounter]

leyorkie said:

Just go to Planet X and buy the complete up to date package for the same money.

I think using the right choice and price point of parts, the cost would come in at a lot less than buying your complete package suggestion.

[The_Jackal]

Well then you just need to scan all the online sites like CRC etc and buy bits you like as and when they come up in sales?
Only you know what level of parts and price you want to pay.

[BenGismo]

For simplicity's sake, buying a 2nd hand bike already built up makes alot of sense and you will get more bang for your buck generally by buying the full bike. You can ride it straight away. Theres much less postage costs and the cost of parts almost always adds up to more then the equivalent bike when buying used parts or new parts. Its why most people split a bike into parts if they want the most money for it. You dont get to choose the parts though if you buy a bike already built up.

I personally prefer to build from parts. Ive done it more than 10 times.

You can get some absolute bargains on parts if you take your time. Prices are really low if your willing to use 3+yr old technology. (ie 26" and older frames) and some very high end stuff is cheap if you keep watching pinkbike/ebay/gumtree etc... I typically spend a week building a bike but 4+ months slowly buying the bits for the build at low (steal) prices.....every single item gets weighed and cleaned. lol (Yes...im weird)
Ive excel sheets of every part on every bike I have down to valves used, grease and sealant in the tyres....lol (yes...you can weigh grease)

Last year I built a scale 900 SL 29er...a £3500+ bike for <£700. Buying one second hand would still be £1500+

This year is another lightweight scale 26er


This ^^was a £3k bike when new.... im using better parts (XTR gears, Formula brakes,lighter wheels, carbon bar) but total parts cost is circa £600. Yes...its old (2013) but its still a <9kg hardtail bike, very well specced out, fully carbon(xcept forks which are sids), that will ride better/lighter than most new ones at 3x cost. truth is that will be my 4th scott scale and i'll probably end up giving it away to my dad (after ive riden it at least 10 times ). I just enjoy the collecting and building as well as the riding.

I would stay clear of worn drivetrain parts unless the pictures are really good and show little/no wear.

The question I would ask is do you like building bikes? I love it - so I do it. Ive got a new bike but I still like riding the 'old' ones.

[ReverendCounter]

jontykint said:

For my builds it takes some time to do, usually a couple of months to source everything I need, so bear that in mind

That would work out OK, got it planned as a late autumn completion.

jontykint said:

On every bike I have done over the last 10years or so (4 x mtb and 3 x road), I’ve come out with a better spec than the full build offered and about 20-30% cheaper

For the bike you are looking at there, you could get a top spec with Carbon frame/fork for £1500 with year old/ex demo

If I take the risk on a Chinese unbranded carbon frame I think I could do better given it's just going to be some sort of gravelly hybrid thing - hopefully it'll be up to the job.

[ReverendCounter]

The_Jackal said:

Well then you just need to scan all the online sites like CRC etc and buy bits you like as and when they come up in sales?
Only you know what level of parts and price you want to pay.

Thanks for the pointers you raised about a lightweight MTB - I'd like to give a rear mech a miss and go for the simplicity of hub gears, so that seems to narrow the choice right down, as well as bump the price up.

CRC - Chain Reaction Cycles? What other sellers do you recommend for parts?

[ReverendCounter]

BenGismo said:

You can get some absolute bargains on parts if you take your time. Prices are really low if your willing to use 3+yr old technology. (ie 26" and older frames) and some very high end stuff is cheap if you keep watching pinkbike/ebay/gumtree etc... I typically spend a week building a bike but 4+ months slowly buying the bits for the build at low (steal) prices.....

That's exactly the sort of spec/build approach I want to take.

BenGismo said:

This ^^was a £3k bike when new.... im using better parts (XTR gears, Formula brakes,lighter wheels, carbon bar) but total parts cost is circa £600. Yes...its old (2013) but its still a <9kg hardtail bike, very well specced out, fully carbon(xcept forks which are sids), that will ride better/lighter than most new ones at 3x cost. truth is that will be my 4th scott scale

Very good to know what can be done with the right combo of parts/spec - that pic you've posted has given me some inspiration, I'd be more than happy with a good spec older frame.

BenGismo said:

I would stay clear of worn drivetrain parts unless the pictures are really good and show little/no wear.

OK, thanks for the advice - was wondering about incorporating used cranks, stem and bars for instance.

BenGismo said:

The question I would ask is do you like building bikes? I love it - so I do it. Ive got a new bike but I still like riding the 'old' ones.

Never built one up - plenty of upgrades on a number of bikes over the years - was possibly thinking of getting someone else to do the build, seeing as the rear wheel is based around an alfine; might as well leave the rest of it to the expert.