To Build or Buy

[Jmetz]

Ive got an n+1 itch. I am going to scratch it.

The question to be asked is how.

I want an SS. My questions is would people opt to build one from say an old racer frame reynolds etc, or go ahead and buy a complete bike?

Which route do people think will get the better value for money?

Cheers

 

[Alex11]

Build!

 

[Jmetz]

My fear with a build is my own obsessive nature. I worry that a dated frame will obviously have signs of wear, and so i will HAVE to give it a full paint job which will surely cost a reasonable amount for a good finish?

 

[derrick]

Build on a new frame, i would.

 

[Jmetz]

Well, the idea is that it will be my commuting bike. For that reason im looking to spend less than £400 in total.

From what ive looked at, buying a new fame will make that a little difficult. Although i may be way off the mark and completely wrong.

 

[Boris Bajic]

Build on a shitty, old frame.

Convince yourself that the scruffy commuter is designed to look that way to deter thieves.

Even using a shitty, used frame with horizontal drop-outs, you will be doing well to go hugely under £250 after buying all the necessaries and replacing the inners, outers, tape, tyres, BB and other gubbins that's usually knacked on an old 'barn find' frame.

But for £400 you could end up with an absolute beaut, with cleverly 'distressed' paintwork as an urba-crime deterrant.

WHichever you do, you'll love doing it and love the bike.

 

[Alex11]

Well, the idea is that it will be my commuting bike. For that reason im looking to spend less than £400 in total.

From what ive looked at, buying a new fame will make that a little difficult. Although i may be way off the mark and completely wrong.

If you've got £400 tops to spend, you could easily get an old frame, a nice one that you like, take it to a powder coater and let them strip it and coat it professionally for you, buy all pretty mid to top end parts and you'd be well under £400!

 

[Hacienda71]

Second hand Langster and then personalize as you see fit.

 

[biggs682]

build and only n+1??

should collect frame and wheels for 2nd fixed build this week end cant wait

 

[Steve-W]

I'm building a Cannondale M1000 mtb into a lightweight singlespeed, costs can soon build up depending on how much you want to replace, but at least you end up with something you really want, and it seems to me that prebuilt or off the shelf singlespeeds are going for good money lately so you could probably build cheaper, that way you can always upgrade kit later on if you wish.
Good luck!

Cheers
Steve