Build up or buy complete?

[junek]

hey oh super-smart, knowers-of-all-mountain-bike-theory-people... i got a question...
im looking at getting a freeride / Dh bike and im just wondering, Does it work out cheaper to buy all the components seperately?
Since im a tight arse, i'd buy everything second hand and would be looking at a kona stinky or something similar. around 2003 or 2004 model.
I dont realy see how it could as frame 500 fork 400 brakes 300 pluss crank, running gear, wheels, grips, shifters, bars, seat........i think i just answered my question.
so is the only reason people build there bikes just so they can get all the components they want?
thanks
jamie

[chie]

I'm just about finished building up a bike, the main reason why I did this is because the frames I was interested in did not come as complete bikes.
I've taken my time, got a few things from farkin and other things on sale and I pretty happy about the amount I've spent, if I had paid retail for everything I'd hate to know how much it would of cost.

Since you looking at a stinky I would suggest watching complete bikes for sale, I'd reckon there would be one come up for sale sooner or later.

[RCOH]

If you are on a budget buy a complete bike 2nd hand. There are some great bargains to be had.

It is more expensive to build a bike, especially if you do it quickly. If it is done over a few months it doesn't seem as expensive because the costs are spread out.

There are also some good deals on new complete bikes. Norcos, Konas, Giants all have great value freeride/dh bikes that have awesome spec for a not too substantial amount of money ($2 - 4k).

[John U]

you might be able to do it cheaper if you are prepared to wait (probably for quite a while) for the right parts of the right quality at the right price. When you multiply that by the amount of parts you need to buy you can easily see how the time will add up.

peoples reason for building up a bike could vary. mostly i think people want the bike decked out in a particular way. budget issues could mean the bike gets specced with low end parts to start with and gradually gets upgraded.

[and1]

Personally I would buy complete and then change parts I didn't like with new or second hand parts depending on what was availble. Or if you really liked the specs of one bike and the frame of another you could buy the specced out bike complete, sell the frame and buy the frame you originally wanted. If you don't mind dropping heaps of cash though then build it up yourself straight off.

[Gonzo]

If you were to buy everything at retail prices, then building the bike up would cost a bit under twice as much as buying a complete bike.

The advantage is that you can buy non-essential parts second hand and get the exact parts that you want.

[junek]

cheers for all that.
I figured it would be more expensive.
I'm going to go for a complete 2nd hand
thanks again
jamie