Building An Affordable Bike Park Bike | GMBN Tech's Perfect Projects

Picking the components to build an affordable enduro mountain bike can be a tough task in this day and age. Thanks to Shimano MTB, we've been able to spec a dream bike park bike using quality and reasonably priced parts. Join Doddy as he builds up this ultimate resort rig for Rich Payne, who gives it a good thrashing in Finale Ligure.
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[@Saavvvv]

Love the build doddy. £3.5k wouldn't be classed as budget for most people though to be fair.

[@chrissahagun4803]

I think for any serious mountain biker that classifies as a budget build though. And I feel like that’s what this is aimed towards. Going down knarly bike park enduro trails and similar trails aren’t trails the average person will ride down.

[@danytheunicorn95]

He did say this wasnt a budget build, but a conscientious one, meaning that you save money on some components but you have to spend some on others because of the demands of the trails and rider. A clear example of this is the Deore transmission and suspension, cheap but reliable and functional, contrasted by wheels and levers that arent the cheapest but will probably last longer and hold their own under prolongued abuse. Usually channels like these go for carbon everything and kashima coating for 8k plus builds. So having something burly and reliable for half the price is more than reasonable

[@keatmany2k5]

I agree and disagree, 3.5k is expensive. But it's still a superbike, at a fraction of the price compared to running all the top end gear. Its expensive by default. Much like a cheap ferrari.

[@wtfdoicare]

All activities have a minimum cost to entry. If you cannot afford the minimum cost, save up, or try something else. Is this cheap? nope, but if you want to seriously ride gnarly stuff, this is a reasonable cost of entry. I'm sure you could do it marginally cheaper, but it wont be new, so you better have mechanic skills. Cheaper yet and your probably sacrificing your personal safety.

[@KillingTimewithStyle]

Dream builds are fun, but this content is a lot more relatable. Excellent work!

[@gmbntech]

Glad you like them! It's always important for people to understand they don't need to spend a ridiculous amount of money on a capable bike. 👍

[@davidstanford8614]

It’s not often I agree with everything Doddy says - but I totally agree with almost everything on this frame! Should have been a shout out for that oneup dropper too.

[@Jayneflakes]

I was aghast at how much that bike cost, then I looked across at the bike I spent £2K in 2004... yeah, that's a bargain! Well done Doddy, lovely film. Let's see you do something like this for GCN Plus. They need more quality MTB films.

[@hannes6114]

And you can defo get a bit better value

[@murkysubstance3929]

We have differing definitions of 'affordable'.

[@thephoenixcycle8854]

Deore brakes have a really nice feel to them

[@Seppster58]

Loved this build video. Thanks Doody for taking us through the steps. And for Rich giving it the seal of approval. Well done guys.

[@gmbntech]

Glad you enjoyed it Steve :)

[@user-yv2cz8oj1k]

Is this one of those 'affordable' levels so only a few thousand. 🤣

[@jozefemperor]

That is so useful comment, thank you

[@danbuckman5691]

When I started mountain biking high end bikes were £1000. What happened to mtb where that’s seen as affordable or entry level? 🤦‍♂️

[@docmccoy9813]

Buy and old 26" frame. Save money, save weight and have more fun.

[@rodolfoo3015]

@@docmccoy9813 I did that and for the money you can't have more fun than that.

[@user-yv2cz8oj1k]

@@docmccoy9813 well I did that that to replace my old 26er that was stolen and built one out of second hand parts for £300, but then I wanted a full suspension and picked up an old ibis, then I realised that 29ers are getting quite old too, so built a hardtail 29er for £300 which is currently my favourite bike, I built my own wheels and was able to source an as new Rockshox fork locally because some people buy new bikes and upgrade everything instantly. I am looking at buying a new 29er though in the next few months.

[@j1mt]

I wish I had a bike like this it looks incredible. Love the matched suspension and silver frame 😮‍💨

[@chimps4gimps]

Great vid. I’d have gone for a Transition Patrol due to the PF bottom bracket on the Commencal. I’d also have concerns over the bearings Hunt use as they’re not known for their longevity. Aside from that, awesome build! 😋👊🏼

[@IainB]

I'm so glad Marzocchi still makes the Z1 Bomber. I had the original Z1 over 20 years ago on a Cannondale Super V.

[@icantthinkofaname5549]

money saving tip: shop from places like r2 bike or bike24, I don't have personal experience with r2 bike but from bike24 I got a pair of Magura MT7s for $105 a brake and they came a week later. they also have like a bunch of other stuff for cheaper. IDK how but its totally legit, they take PayPal too.

[@MrMaxx._.]

With Saint Brakes and Drivetrain, rigid seatpost and Barspin Setup, it would be my dreamlike… 😅

[@hunt.wheels]

Wow!! We're loving this build 😍🥰

[@sirhunter7623]

Can you do a bike build with a fixed budget of 2k£ ?

[@carrotman2871]

If you buy part used you can build a really nice bike for that

[@jsrocker248]

@@carrotman2871 Agree, got a used Fox 36 kashima for $300 USD before shipping

[@gaffneymcdonough3426]

Downhill bike next!

[@gmbntech]

Maybe... 👀

[@madjh8]

I have donne the same with a Meta HT. With XT and a second hand Km0 (near brando new) Yary, 1300 euros. Transmission 10 speed XT by one in a fron race face Aeffect cranks, cheap chains and casettes as spares (sun race 42x11 casette are about 45 euros, chains 12 euros or so). The only drowback is the weight. But with a bit money will be this Meta Susp. So, it is possible. The dropper post of Brand X was a crap, now they are a bit better. That was the only change I would do. It is quite fun to ride the Meta, but in narrow paths ... not the best. 65.5º head angle is a bit too much to take tight corners.

[@bikefilth]

Doddy makes me miss working as a mechanic

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

As a rider who has built my own bikes frame up for the last 20yrs I really like the spec choice - although I would've gone with Deore 6120 brakes if it were me. I find Deore to be much more consistent in lever feel than any of the brakes above them..... Hey Shimano, fix your wondering bite point issues once and for all.

[@jimbo4203]

Deore came on my bike and its all been great

[@peterblades]

Would built something similar for a beater build. Good job!

[@mabunixda]

Just ordered an Meta SX frame back in July - hopefully gets delivered as planned by November .. I just gonna reuse most parts from my Mondraker Foxy 🙂

[@jonathanlangston9687]

I ride the coil Z1’s on my Nomad and they’re beautifully plush forks! Could never afford the OG Z1’s back in the day, so couldn’t say no to owning a pair now!

[@blackmetalgoat9060]

That frame better have really good warranty, cuz if there are frame that like to snap are commencals ...

[@NM4500]

I would love to see a comparison with the same frame but maintream high end parts like Fox Factory and XTR.

[@nikolainikolov7398]

Great video, I have Scott FR 30 2014 ,I 'm still happy with that cheap bastard ...))

[@renzlawmtb8305]

Great frame choice! Couldn't get better value other than Commencal

[@davidcanavan5830]

What a cracking build

[@onyong123]

Great video but might try a finer grind setting 😉

[@LeecMTB]

@doddy I’m thinking of putting slx brakes on my heavy ebike .. will they be up to the job ?

[@kimoarmstrong3519]

Wish this would have included the tire beads popping into their flanges. Would have been that little bit better for me.

[@sr_34]

Build to hammer Trails, Rich wearing Crosscountry shoes ... alright 😀

[@PaulHughes-s3h]

Affordable? Your off your head, a big pipe of something comes to my mind

[@nvasilev]

Wait. Was the problem with the Coil Shock that it was the wrong measurements, or even if the eye-to-eye and stroke were correct, it still wouldn't fit in that frame? Wasn't clear from the video...

[@firstlast-gf7ib]

Did he mention the weight at all?

[@nilz6432]

man, in 2012 i bought a full sus 26" trek with fox suspension ans SLX brakes ans shifting for 1400€. The Prices are nuts these days.

[@nigelrandtoul8646]

Hi Doddy, great vid as usual, one question about the Hunt wheels and I'm sorry if it's a stupid one, but I've only ever used the standard fitted wheels that came on my bikes. The Hunt wheels have 17mm axles but the Meta has 12 & 15mm axles. They obviously fit but could you explain how they fit ?

[@lux-3001]

Hi Nigel, you are confusing the frame's thru axles and the hub axles. The hub's axle is basically a sleeve with 17 mm outer diameter that seats in between the bearings of the hub and then a frame's thru axle goes through it to mount the wheel to the fork/frame. If you want to visualize it just head to hopetech web page for example and find an exploded diagram of their hub :)

[@chrisridesbicycles]

Are the Deore brakes really different from SLX? I thought the only difference from Deore up to XTR was that the more expensive ones have a bit more material machined away and are a bit lighter and come with the cooling fin pads.

[@laurynasjagelo5075]

reach Adjustment is external on SLX. A bit better/different materials internally (piston guide ramps are thicker etc. and the piston itself is different shape, leading to a touch more powah)

[@brandoncheung728]

Hi Doddy, I'm currently waiting on my Meta SX 2022 frame and was planning on using my current Marzocchi bomber shock on it. You didn't explain too much why you couldn't use that shock so I was wondering if you could help clarify that for me please? Thank you and keep up the great vids!

[@carterunger]

Eye to eye length is not right for that frame

[@brandoncheung728]

@@carterunger If he's doing a bike build do you really think the reason he isn't installing that shock is because he bought the wrong one hahaha

[@juandiegoquezada705]

I wouldnt mind the SLX brakes... they are not top notch as XT, and not that better as the Deore ones. If you bleed them correctly no need for the freestroke adjustment. If you really want that free stroke adjustment its much better to invest on the XTs. Besides... all of the build was with gray color components...

[@NortheasternOutdoors755]

@gmbntech #askgmbntech if the frame has different variants spec’d with coil would it be ok? I’m building up a commercal meta tr and the bike came spec with a coil but has the same yoke on the sx built here

[@akairborne]

I volunteer as tribute!!

[@jklmnop943]

I see Doddy I watch and click like 🎉

[@gmbntech]

Thanks, John! 👍

[@islandaerial3414]

Your definition of budget is a little different than mine. Using $1000 Cdn fork isn't budget here in Canazuela 🤣

[@kikarias79]

3500 quid…budget????? 😳😳😳

[@adamharkin26]

do microspline ha e steel bodies or aluminuim only

[@srstrand01]

Affordable?? $3500 . . . I don't think so.

[@mozzie-nerf750]

I also Have A MTB

[@georgebaker6819]

That's not a affordable bike build the only thing affordable on this is the bars 😂

[@coadymacmillan2759]

prob cheaper to just get a full stock bike lol, the whole point is to be on a budget yet builds an entire bike piece by piece

[@rickphil8026]

commencal is not affordable. if affordability its either poligon siskiu, marin rift zone or vitus mythique

[@chrisanderson8578]

Surely they are more trail orientated than enduro / bike park?

[@Liv3rman]

£3.5k is now ‘budget’ eh? Bonkers.

[@Akouros1]

Great vid until you said £3400!!!

[@carl-davidekblom4263]

Love this! There are too many build videos with super expensive bikes. This feels more like how someone actually would choose components. Thanks Doddy!

That is the most beautiful bike build video I've seen so far. The views, segments, quality is amazing. Great job on it. I'm feeling that GMBN is upping their game.

[@gmbntech]

Glad you liked it!

[@YoMateo.]

Whoever's reading this, i pray that whatever you're going through gets better and whatever you're struggling with or worrying about is going to be fine and that everyone has a fantastic day! Amen

[@TheBrokenMountainBiker]

Or....you could do what I did and buy a Kellys Swag 50. £3000 for full SLX, rockshox super deluxe ultimate coil shock and lyric select forks. Hell of a spec for the money and it's done a years hard graft with zero issues.

[@deividas_kimontas]

Awesome build! But not sure how many people can afford a bike over 3k! 🤔

[@wtfdoicare]

if you can't afford a sport, you can always try another! :D

[@GrmlMaster]

Looking at the Bike-Parks, seemingly everyone. But joke aside, mountainbiking will always be quite costly. If you cannot afford your dream bike setup, buying a cheap version of a bike with a good frame and replace the parts when they fail or there is money over is always a good option. In the end you will also pay 3k+. But there is no way around it, if you want a bike that can take rough riding for long times.

[@ro63rto]

My dictionary has a different meaning to the word "affordable" 😂

[@Rab_Cee]

You cant build a bike cheaper than buyin a full built bike. Iv tried many times, its always hundreds more to build yourself. You mite as well buy a good full bike n just upgrade components

[@joebidenshearingaid1618]

If that’s a affordable bike , I need to find a new hobby .

[@docmccoy9813]

7:44: "It's all down to the installation" Nope. It's all down to the quality of the frame and the tolerances

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

actually it's both.

[@docmccoy9813]

@@RicardoPetrazzi Well, as installation is key in all components, you can take it out of the equation, but you are right.

[@45graham45]

And most companies supply crappy BBs on their bikes. Get a decent BB & press fit works ok - but I still prefer a threaded BB.

[@joppek77]

IMO the real reason to go for an XT shifter is improved functionality vs SLX: you get to upshift two gears at once and it's instant. Shimano calls it Multi Release and Instant Release. Well worth it.

[@stephenvick2385]

Wait $3800 is affordable????

[@mkhitarkhodaverdian7159]

To be honest, this build and the frame are my favorite ones! What a dream machine

[@theparkrat2260]

so tired of all the shilling against dh bikes. Its like the companies want them gone. "Building an affordable BIKE PARK bike", goes for an enduro frame. If its a bikepark bike why not going for a commencal furious or supreme ?(Assuming you have to stick to commencal). Nothing against Doddy himself, he probably was told to spec that particular frame....

[@fatpinarellorider]

I like your choices but the only way this is truly "affordable" is if you buy it bit by bit over the course of several months, spreading the cost out like. That's one reason why I like to buy components separately rather than a full bike. Because that's all I can afford!

[@zstormextra]

why in the tags is it tagged as shorts lol

[@Jeseryhesery88]

sick, do u have any cheaper dually frame recommendations (all mountain/enduro)?

[@Danil-Crypto]

the construction of the bike is very similar to mine, only I have a hardtail and all spare parts from aliexpress

[@domkroczek1427]

My dudes frame is legit worth more than the money I paid for my 2017 Santa Cruz Bronson x Hope set up (second hand)

[@johntimpson9213]

Dissapointed its not a £1500 budget, something more affordable with second hand buys.

[@GillesMahout]

I thought I was watching a James Hoffmann video. I had to check twice.

[@Dwhere]

Got the same espresso machine. Thought I was watching an ad.

[@cra_55]

Intro so fancy, it got me searching for a 'skip ad' button

[@Gabo112310]

I just loooove that bike. I have the Meta AM, it climbs like a goat. And man, in the rough and steep downhills it's a monster! Love it.

[@fractalofgod6324]

In what world is 3.5 grand and affordable bike?

[@TheSocialProfile]

Great build and love all the little touches. No getting out of it, it’s a big day even when you have all the gear when it looks that good.

[@ProGaming-tc9jp]

I did what you said not to do. I put a marzocchi bomber cr on my new meta SX. Same eye to eye but slightly longer stroke. Tech support said it would probably be okay and I’ve rode 800 miles no shock issues. so I’m curious about how risky it actually is, I don’t know much

[@danytheunicorn95]

Its safe to ride so relax, it just changes the caracteristics of the suspension, like everything it has benefits and downsides but nothing to worry too much about. Cons: changes suspension characteristics that were carefully though through by engineers and pro riders, might make the bike wollowy on the climbs and less responsive on jumps and berms because it would sink more through its travel. It might also bump against the frame on heavy bottomouts and imbalance the frame slightly. Pros: it might actually increase the rear wheel travel making even more like a downhill bike, having more air volume allows you to run smaller pressures and small bump compliance will be insanely good, making you more comfortable and faster on the downs. With tokens and a good tune-up you will be fine. But if you want peace of mind, get the right shock

[@alexrtsimpson]

looks awesome but i would love to know how heavy it is. bet its almost ebike territory

[@DanuelNuel]

presfit bb is for me instant pass. Why should I worry about "proper installation" when I can have easy one with threaded bb?

[@agent7574]

Dude that's like over $4k usd bro

[@lopon12]

Wow sweet build. But still alot of money.

[@drewstreet4178]

My modern bike is a 2017/2018 bergamont roxter 3.0 marathon, very budget hardtail XC bike, cost me £380ish cause the shop couldn't sell it and were going to send it back to the company so they dropped price a good bit and I bought it (at the time It's what I could afford and thought it was spot on) I've since then put suntour raidon forks, nukeproof horizon bars, nukeproof neutron front wheel (blew the stock one to bits on a techy downhill), rear wheel to some generic one can't remember name, and nobby nic (R) magic Mary (F) with some deity grips, I don't use it as much as I should but this has been bang on as I don't go to parks and much prefer natural trails and it seems the stock tektro auriga brakes and 3x8 drivetrain are bulletproof because other than wear and tear items I've had no issues even with being both knocked off by a car whilst going to trails and also some fairly big crashes on trail, and the frame has been mint too

[@metalofthedeath]

I would cry if my deore broke

[@45graham45]

All the alloy frames I've had have cracked or snapped. I've never managed to break a carbon frame.

[@A2d2d56]

Genial 👍🏻

[@neiv9574]

Doddy I love your bike setups but unless there's something I don't know you should check in with James Hoffmann for your espresso setup

[@LastAphelion]

Lmao but then you gotta choose between putting several K into your bike or your coffee gear

[@RicardoPetrazzi]

A very nice build. 👍 Seems like a great all-rounder of a bike.

[@gmbntech]

It sure is! Thanks for the support, Ricardo! 👍

[@masterpieceofart245]

This is amazing! Excellent build, quality parts, excellent suspension. This is really what you need! Silver paint, own coffee machine! Wow! You have created ordinary work of art! 80 points out of 10! I want one!

[@masterpieceofart245]

Even more than! I am the boss of the stellar era 2013-2016! And as you can see, alive and well! Make a wish, and maybe it will come true!

[@E.T_rode_bikes_As_well]

If shimano asks me to build a bike with bang for the buck components i would go full SRAM.

[@jsrocker248]

Aside from their Level brakes, would fully agree, don't have a high end drive train (NX) but from what Ive done with them, there isn't a complain about them, love it. For brakes would probably go maybe shigura combo.

[@Silkl4sh]

I'd pick SLX crankset rather than deore. Other than that the build is perfectly fine.

[@daviddjerassi]

I have said it before Doddy your a one off what a great choice so many will copy this bike and at a price most top level riders will afford Thank you DD.

[@gmbntech]

It was such great build for the overall price! Doddy did a brilliant job explaining everything! Thanks for the support!

[@PeterCPRail8748]

Been saying it for years 60 to 70 % of factory speced bikes are over priced and uselss to the average rider. But as long as people are stupid with there money here we are.

[@DamianNocun]

Great content as always ! regarding the build itself, today is so difficult to start building new bike from scratch, frames are almost not available in any shops.

[@timfreeman2603]

I’ve got a Deore equipped hardtail and was keen to upgrade brakes to SLX 4pot and shifter to XT. You’ve validated both those.

[@ToothlessJustin]

This bike is for me in other words!

[@gmbntech]

Haha! Most of us could make great use of this bike! 😂

[@davegravitt210]

2,700$ Canadian just for the frame. Holy sheet! I paid 3,000$ total for my XT/Deore drive trane and the bike with Manitou forks and DMN coil over on a GT Verb Sport.

[@chrisko6439]

Did Shimano solve the issue with Deore cassettes? The 11speed (M5100) cassette used to fall apart after a few hundred kilometres! The rivets holding the largest cogs together came loose.

[@TryboBike]

It annoys me to hear "transmission" whenever drivetrain is mentioned.

[@jmswilliams70]

i can't figure out why he has a nice shop with a bunch of tools and still hasn't invested in at least a cheap air compressor.

[@aaronshrpe]

Just unnecessary I imagine, an experienced mechanic can seat any tires with a floor pump so the only advantage would be efficiency

[@smokefentanyl]

Off topic but make sure you drain your air compressor after every single use . I recommend putting 200 ML of thick oil and swishing it around or rolling the compressor around on a carpet being careful not to leave the drain valve open. This will coat the tank with oil to an extent and help prevent rust. It does have to be done often to make a difference tho. I do mine once every month lol

[@smokefentanyl]

Another thing , having a cheap filter / drier on the output will make all the difference for running air tools, plasma cutters, and even eliminating moisture in your tires and shocks. They are really affordable on Amazon