Should you build a MTB from scratch?

[@SquaredCircle777]

It's fun, it's a learning experience, you get to spec every single component, create a sick color scheme, and end up with something 100% unique.

[@kipcc3918]

Honestly, People who are inclined to tinker with their bikes, you wouldn't be thinking of the general amount money your spending, but on what money you have available and what you can afford that time. And Now its just a nail in the coffin that I am 100% financially irresponsible, yet satisfied and happy with my decisions.

[@thecircuitbox]

I tinker with everything. I absolutely think about every dime.

[@pierrelabbe9621]

I agree with a lot of folks here, you kinda have to know what you want, how much you want to spend ahead of time, and what you'd be willing to settle for - and then start looking for parts sources (marketplace, kijiji, craigslist, bike co-ops etc...). At least if you care about coming ahead on cost. If you don't? It makes sense to be okay with spending the cash.

[@joebikes]

The best thing about custom built bikes is exactly that. Custom built gives you all the parts you want, on the exact frame you want… which I think adds a tremendous amount to joy of ownership 🤠 it can be more expensive but it is so worth it! And just like you mentioned, you can find deals on components if you are patient 👍

[@Choltec]

the problem here is when you start with a frame that was already a compromise because it was a "deal" lol

[@Thealcani]

ONE BOAT, same boat! Dont feel bad about it. Building is fun!

[@stuartpotter4923]

All makes perfect sense... and yet I'm totally with you on all counts. I do exactly the same thing, ALL the time.

[@timleborgne]

Your slow, piece-by-pice builds are an important part of what makes your channel so cool and exciting (and relatable) to follow:)! I'd say all the vlog content that comes out of that easily makes up for the extra cost. And yeah, it also makes your bikes look so damn good! I understand making this entry would be kinda depressing, but I would be very sad to see you switch to (probably quite rare) new-bike-unboxing vids;)... Tinker away, dear:)!

[@DanMcGowan66]

Best reason for you to build your own bikes, it give you content to make videos for us to watch.

[@gregschramm8180]

All the money at one time is usually harder and building something is fun

[@thecircuitbox]

Yep. Also holiday sales, and guess what, second hand / used.

[@papastorm5494]

@@thecircuitboxI’m just getting into mountain bike climbing and I want to start building one what would you recommend would be one of the best frames to build off of to have a bike that competes with bikes that are selling for $2k+

[@HUKIT.]

Build from scratch is always cheaper when done right. Between Pinkbike and market place I can get take offs or near new for half off.

[@dvs620]

You can get a steel NS Metropolis 3 for $1050US. Rise Bicycle Company has a steel DJ or 26" BMX frame for $859 CAD. And since you have the parts, you can build it up for "cheap".

[@IbexCustomBikes]

You’re making that KZbin money though and having fun living life. Keep on keeping on brother!

[@clint2627]

I just sold my 2023 rift zone 2 for $700 less than I paid for it new. And with $1000 worth of upgrades. So yeah. $1700 down the tubes. Mountain biking is great!!

[@br5380]

My oldest full-sus has now done over 5,000 miles & a million feet of descending/climbing with the only original parts being the frame, fork & stem. The majority of changes were because I broke and/or wore out the originals (and often their replacements). But, when wanting a new bike it makes better sense IME to buy the one nearest to the spec and then just swap out odds/sods rather than building from scratch.

[@JustJake77]

I stopped building bikes in this way years ago. Once, it dawned on me how much I was actually spending.... Now, I get full builds that are as future proof as possible. With only having to change parts as needed or for personalization. Costs more off the top... Costs less in the long run.. Check out Canadian brand RSD Bikes, outta Ontario. Some of the best bikes for the price... Plus Canadian...

[@Souzaphotos]

Your builds are cool as hell!! I don't think the complete bikes would reflect your personality as well either.

[@YoungDoug13]

100%

[@Grrg]

I never had a complete new bike till I got the Norton, always got second hand and upgraded it as parts broke or as I needed more capabilities. For jumping you kind of want something that just works, and you know is solid. Square taper bb was the part that I was expecting to switch but it has been problem free. Once you have all the bits from another bike after you break your frame though you can totally get whatever you want!

[@EwanSupple]

Compare Mr Relatable to any full sus steel on the market, thats a good price...sans warranty, support, etc

[@dan_lazaro]

Buying 2nd hand build from scratch bikes is cheaper but sometimes buying brand-new is pretty satisfying. My bike still ended up costing cheaper than what a usual 105 groupset equipped bike but if I went brand new there's definitely gonna be some financial issues lol

[@dvs620]

I have a GT Avalanche Sport that I bought second hand for $400 2 years ago. I'm about $1000 into it, but if you bought a $1000 hardtail, you wouldn't have the components I have on mine. Nothing fancy, lots of budget, but better than a comparably priced hard tail.

[@YoungDoug13]

I have a YT jeffsy. $2300ish in 2020 when I bought it. At this point the only stock parts are the wheels. Now I did upgrade over time but. Had I bought the $500-$700 frame and all my current parts I'd have saved money overall. To be fair, pedals and a non-SX sram derailleur were probably the only actual necessities for upgrading...but what's the fun in that?

[@jonamcc]

aside from a few pretty solid budget stock mtbs, most steel hardtails come as frame only! and the ones that don’t are pretty expensive somehow, around 4k for a decent build kit (like from niner) and buying used with mtb especially is tricky, as you go a few years back and 29er geo gets weird, and mtb parts get kinda trashed. if you’re lucky you’ll get a nice rolling frame and working suspension fork with wheels you’ll eventually upgrade and drivetrain components that will need refreshed within a year

[@davedelarosa319]

The N7 is a screaming deal at the moment, but I got my T7 for $2kUS around the same time as your Marino and they're probably a bit closer in purpose. That said, as nice as the Polygons are there a few places that can use some attention, namely wheelset and cockpit. But especially wheelset. Which in my blue sky thinking the wheelset and fork get moved over to a Norton frame and a new fork and NukeProof wheelset go to the T7, but I'm rambling now. Point being I guess it's all relative when building up a bike instead of buying one as more than likely things will be changed out to better suit tastes and that initial buying isn't the end of the spending.

[@JeromeBergquist]

The worst case of this for me was building my fatbike frame from tubes, then piece-mealing the parts. In the end I ended up with a bike that looks super cool, and I'm very proud of, but has geometry that let's call "experimental" (makes me feel better than saying bad); and I spent more cash than I would've on a very nice new fatbike made by, you know, professionals. I did learn a lot though, so it's worth it.

[@ryanmfitz]

custom builds do cost more for a complete build of course. but you are creating less waste by just ditching parts that are either not that great or just take up room. also i think building it up helps you learn how the bike works. last point, if you build frame up also you can learn how to get good deals for parts and not have to get sucked into brand new part cost, lots of used parts that are in good condition.. great deals out there.

[@vitoonto]

Don't feel too bad about the Colossus. It just came out. Plus with a Colossus, you will probably want to replace the stock wheels. They are really heavy.

[@joshuabuilds3051]

I dont feel too bad about spending damn near 1200 usd to put carbon wheels and tiagra 2x10 on a vintage steel frame anymore. You're right, good luck finding a recreation of my bike

[@ArnoldQMudskipper]

I was tempted earlier this year, by a couple bargain full-sus frame and rear shock deals. Looked at the cost of all the extra parts, you don't really think about. Thought about cannibalising my hard-tail. Decided against it. If I outgrow my HT, then I'll move up. I tend to get excited about stuff, then talk myself out of it. For the most part, sensible. Can be a bit of a downer.

[@matthewguenther6925]

Hahaha, 100%. After years (decades :S ) of rebuilding and "upgrading" bikes I got the opportunity to build a bike up from a new frame when Nashbar had a huge blowout on NOS frames, I got a nice frame in a color scheme I really liked for $75 US... (a similar frame would have run $900-$1100 retail at the time) After assembling with scrounged, used, Demo/NOS, and a bit of new....It ended up costing over $300 more than a mostly slightly better 2 year old "new" clearance bike... and that's when I started using Excel to price out bike builds! Though to be fair, a couple hundred dollars of upgrades/changes over the years it is now the road bike of my 21 year old self's dreams* (at least how I remember them at 55, lol) very fast and really comfortable over long distances (my long is 60-120 miles, YMMV). * Schwinn Fastback Comp frame in blue/black/pearl white, Lemond carbon forks (Lemond, Carbon, :D nuff said...), FSA SL-K carbon crankset 50/39 (oooh, aaah, carbon and external bearings :P ), the remaining drivertrain and brakeset is 10s Ultegra 6600/6700 in polished aluminum, Salsa Cowbell handlebars, WTB Speed V saddle (was my favorite saddle, even over Brooks, until Ergon got into the game), Mavic Aksium wheels with bladed spokes (oooo, bladed radially laced spokes :D ), Crank Brothers Candy pedals ( I ride everything in MTB shoes, I value being able to safely walk off the bike, say getting coffee or a snack in a market with slippery tiled floors). Continental GP4000II in 25c (not 28c because 25c barely fits) and an 11-36 10s cassette via a GS derailleur and Wolftooth Roadlink. Weighs in at ~17.5lbs/7.9 kg.

[@CPWaite83]

Twice now I’ve gotten complements on my rebuilt ‘95 Rockhopper and I’d be lying if that didn’t make me feel damn good. Like “justifies the entire cost which was more than just getting an objectively better bike like a Topstone” levels of good. Also I look at the bike and it just looks awesome and it’s all mine and nobody else on the planet has one exactly like it. Absolutely worth it. And then, of course, there’s my “boring” Litespeed with boring 105 5800 parts which I still love. The heart is fickle I suppose.

[@IbexCustomBikes]

I just love to tinker and custom paint the frames (no professional), but learning so much as I go. Eventually wanna weld. #deathblow lol

[@johnnydoe66]

Justification for building it yourself, a complete bike may be cheaper, but it won't be the only one in existence. It's nice to have your very own bike, and eventually, you'll spend more on the complete bike making changes to personalize it to your liking.

[@teddgram]

Specialized Rock Hopper Pro (brand new) $1400 Crank Brothers Egg Beater 3's $100 DT Swiss 350's w/ 54t ratchet upgrade kit $450 Velocity Blunt 35's (built just for me, they are local so I brought them the hubs) $550 Phil Wood bottom bracket $150 Continental tires $80 Brooks C19 $120 Wolftooth Seatpost clamp $25 Wolftooth Goatlink $20 Parts to upgrade to 160mm rotors $90 New Crank $150 Parts to upgrade to 11-46 11 speed $170 Parts to upgrade to quad piston brakes $700 I'm sure if I add all the "bling" nuts, bolts, and other accessories it would easily be over $300 $4200. For an Aluminum Hardtail that I use for bikepacking and occasionally go mountain biking with. I need to call my therapist now.

[@Mattebodra]

With used complete bikes it's definitely cheaper. For complete new bikes it depends. I assembled a Nordest Sardinha for around the same price of a Kona Unit X, but with better wheels, carbon seatpost and 11spd instead of 12.

[@Galactico42]

I bought a super shitty hardtail at my local Co-op in '21 when everything was overpriced and then put another 300 or 400 into it replacing most of the parts. For the money I spent I totally could have gotten a better Polygon. BUUUTTTT: spending that money over two years was affordable to me and easier to justify to my partner, and I had a ride-able bike the whole time. Most importantly, Eric, I LEARNED IT BY WATCHING YOU!

[@andyamos8594]

Haha, yep, I learnt the same on doing the Trasher Bash competition. My free 2000 something frame ended up costing €400 and that was on a second hand budget! But heh, I still do it. Maybe there's a medical condition we rebuilders suffer from? Tinkeritus??

[@McGowJobs]

I feel like reason #4 is... CONTENT!

[@simonguard5087]

I’m like you, my argument is that when ever I’ve bought a stock bike it usually comes with some inferior parts to hit the rrp so I end up upgrading those parts so I’d rather build from scratch and get the bike I want……oh and it’s fun doing it this way!

[@parisrose8173]

This episode seems to of been replaced by a talking mirror. 😆 I've found as I start upgrading and building up bikes, they all start to look the same. Do you get the same problem?

[@flexxx222]

I built up my Nukeproof Scout myself, because I wanted that Nukeproof Factory Yellow frame - oooh that color is so nice - but wasn't ready to spend like 2500 € for the Elite Spec. I got the frame on discount for 480 € and a used Rock Shox Pike from 2019 or so for 150 €. Some things I got from my old bike but a new Wheelset was neccessary. The finished build cost me less than 1500 € all in INCLUDING the parts that I had laying around. Good deal huh?

[@dimimtb]

Or you could be like me and drop a load on an Optic C3 and slowly upgrade parts that aren't broken with "better" parts and then think to yourself, hmm, I have all of these other parts lying around, maybe I should build a hardtail. Completely unreasonable but fun.

[@Likelybiking]

I’ve bought a complete only to take off all the parts and put new stuff on it

[@thevapingpolisher9717]

And I’m about to build up a ns eccentric piece by piece over the winter

[@tomatostakefabrik9429]

I built my bike on a 2013 frame, i am sure i spent more thsn its worth. However, its fun to build stuff, i like tinkering, also i am cheap and i ferl like i am " saving: money

[@BikeandSkiGeoff]

Everything in Canada adds up to 2112. And love all the builds. Most of my bikes are heavily customized - for not much more you can add higher quality pieces that are more durable and longer lasting.... cheaper in the long run.

[@petererbse6253]

I actually saved money by building my bike from the frame up. I couldn't buy the frameset of the bike or had a close enough speced bike as I wanted it so I would've bought the lowest spec and changed literally almost every part on it. But I was patient and saw a frame sold second hand. I probably saved 1000 bucks compared to the other tactic.

[@dylangrantz8124]

Polygon bikes are not a good example. They are priced exceptionally well. Was looking for new gravel bikes the bend r9x axs rival build with wireless dropper and carbon wheels 2900. So what did I do? Ordered a rodeo labs frame for half the price of that whole bike. Why? That rodeo is cool as fuck.

[@noahfranks984]

Get a solid 90s mtb up and running for $300 then over time save up 5k and get the top shelf model of whatever bike you want

[@aw71290]

I've been looking at alot of bikes. And I have decided that I either buy a high end model to get all the quality I want. Or I buy a low end model and spend alot more money upgrading. So I'm riding my 2016 Fuel Ex8 till I can't stand it anymore, while saving for a new bike.

[@jodyconrad3855]

I could have put a kid through college on what I spent on my last two hardtail builds. …I don’t have kids 😅

[@IbexCustomBikes]

Oops… (thank goodness for free and close to free marketplace finds)

[@larkinkelly3754]

Just because it’s cheaper from a 100% cost basis doesn’t mean you can’t save by building from scratch for instance I only change certain parts of a build at once usually when something wears out. New frame or new wheels maybe a new fork every few years vs a full new bike every few years in the long term does make financial sense. I have had a set of 50% off on sale hope brakes that lasted 7 years with 1 rebuild and many sets of pads, replacing pads is unavoidable. As long as you get full use and rebuild when you can, learning to work on bikes yourself verse paying a shop makes the best satisfaction and financial case

[@T_track]

I have the same feeling lol I custom built a hope component mash all road I put in about 3k USD and still not done when I could have bought 2 gravel bikes for that lol

[@boatbikemike8571]

Hey, that red bike is sweet! Hope you feel better….

[@petedog9581]

Or buy a lightly used older bike and use it until the parts fail and keep upgrading. Pretty much the same as a frame build-up, except you can ride it immediately w/o sinking a boat load into components at one time. The key is getting a bike that hasn't been beat to hell as a starter. You have done this many times on the channel, so this isn't news to you. Lol. My 2013 Stumpy F/S 29er has a 2023 RS Pike Select 150 and 2023 Deluxe Ultimate, Renthal carbon bars, Sram carbon cranks (stock), converted to 1X, PNW Dropper, and the bike is great. Light, nimble, jibs, and is plenty stable. I have had it for 4 years and I am in at just over $4K ... pretty much a complete rebuild except for the bearings and wheels. I live in OH. I don't need a LLS geo; my 67 HTA and shorter wheel base is fine for the punchy, hilly terrain. Good vid as usual. The con is it took me 4 years to get the bike how I wanted it.

[@DmitryKoupriyanov]

Stepped foot into a bike store yesterday.... holy crap for me its crazy that some can drop 14-16k. Guess we can all dream.

[@lastpme]

I think if you know how to work on bikes or willing to learn how to fix and build bikes, it is probably more rewarding to build a bike to fit your needs vs buying a new bike. Plus the more you know how to build bikes, you probably learn where to source your parts at a reasonable price.

[@RowdyHonzo]

I gotta say on the marino v collosus - AL vs Carbon wheels isn't really a fair comparison, and the Polygon AL frames aren't exactly light or well-refined and your Marino probably rides a whole lot better given both material and material quality.

[@underbikedoverconfident1142]

Ouch! This video cut deep. Now I'm going to pick up my new damper to make my fork marginally better so I can jerry-rig in better damper from another fork at a later that will end in me probably being financial better off by buying a better fork to begin with. BUT when the bike park mechanic looks at my bike with that WTF expression. Totally worth it! Also, I'm thinking of getting a new bigger calliper for my front brake turning my MT Sport into an MT5 for a 150% of the price of a new MT5 from a shop. Oh, and I have new obsession with shiny aluminium so I'll probably swap out my bar stem soon.

[@cucumber1389]

And it's just borderline fun to build a bike from scratch

[@dongilatorlv]

nah i cant find my sutable full sus mtb so i decide to built from sctrach but for now i need frame and i gona send to serviss to put toghetr including other acceriese

[@Smoothrp]

Thats also me allright 😂. Got the same 3 reasons. Done this about 18 times and on going. Build 7 mtb’s and 11 bmx bikes.

[@martimcfly6207]

I have done it twice. And twice i realised how expensive it was compared to complete bikes

[@johndef5075]

A light set of wheels and tires can transform a bike. Keep that in mind.

[@DangerAmbrose]

I live in northern Illinois, mountain bikes are kind of pointless here.

[@RubberDingBat]

Yeah I’m not thinking of the financial costs, I just wanna have fun and learn!

[@Tomas.Giudici]

It's NOT about the money. It's not about the destination, it's about the journey.

[@richardvankastle359]

I've had the opposite experience, building up two great mtbs for much cheaper than a retail bike would cost. But I'm cheap as chips and willing to wait for the right price for parts. Also I build up my own wheels which can cut the price by 50%. Polygon sure is tempting though - they're the medicine for an overpriced bike industry.

[@xara7152]

Fun fact : the N7 was priced at 1799 at a moment

[@tinycmo]

Polygon bikes have the dave Scott centurion paint jobs of the 80s , without being looking cool like a dave Scott. Whoever picks their paint jobs..hates color. Your merino looks much more interesting . But yeah..my cost savings bikes always cost more than a decent polygon...

[@johnbaca8692]

I have bought a couple of brand new complete bikes. That was boring! It's way more fun to get a frame and some parts to make my dream build. Building bikes keeps me off the streets and out of trouble until I ride my built-by-me bikes.

[@timmzey]

All true. Almost always a stock bike will have better parts for less $ than to build. Buy a stock bike unless you can get big discounts on everything or have an extra special frame. If you want to learn how to build bikes, buy one that’s been beat and fix it up.

[@timfreeman2603]

I worked out a variant: buy a new bike, upgrade it and then sell it at a loss.

[@meteormedia7021]

I mean it sort of does make sense to build a bike piece by piece if you're a poor university student like me who can only afford one component at a time...

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

The thing is parts manufacturers put on low to mid tier bikes aren't cured and finely selected like they want you to think, also since the pandemic it was crazy high prices on everything but if you look at real market price today, not retail for parts you'll have way more value if you build it. I did the calculation and I truly regret buying a name brand already built bike. I'd have better components and more money's in my pocket

[@CharlieMetcalf]

I just like to build bikes and I dont care what the cost is.

[@athishmarutharaj6001]

reason 4: you got a whole bunch of spare parts and you want to use them

[@haroldochiquito]

You'd have to imagine how boring would be to buy a bike and ride it as it was specced, then sell it and buy a new one and do that again?

[@oheso]

4. (actually reason #0, as it's the foremost) I just enjoy building bikes.

[@dougtanis2755]

But building bikes is 1000% more fun than just buying one.

[@TheBassman396]

I have modified every bike I have owned except one which I sold but I like you can’t stop I alway say oh! That’s a shinny part I want it thus all my rides have cool shit on them I never look at the cost cuuzzzz I don’t smoke or do crack so I feel it’s justified lol that being said I have a new derailleur in my Amazon cart

[@seanoneil277]

Such an "enthusiast." Bikes as jewelry, shown off for wowzas to impress the other "enthusiasts" who compete on whose jewelry is swankiest. There's a whole subculture affiliated with MTBs. The consumerist enthusiasts. They compete more with their 1UPs and Kuats and NorthShores than they ever will when actually pedaling. Don't forget the titanium flask and ti flask cage, filled with the most expensive small batch crapstillery fake uisce bhior. And the $250 "flannel." Cityfolk trying to tell the world they're "outdoorsy" really are a hoot. GOT ALL THE GEAR, BRO! WHY DON'T YOU ACCEPT ME?

[@KonradSpringer]

After I built my first bike 2 years ago I said to myself: never again mate Yeah, I've built 3 more bikes since then...

[@AndrewOudin]

oh you mean assemble a bike from scratch

[@johnsonjay60]

When u get dealer prices :)

[@Nameless_by_dna]

It's more fun to execute your own vision. Also I was the 420th like. What up

[@ChrisLoew]

Sub $500 build one, sub $2000 buy used or new, over that rent one for every time you want an extreme bike and ride first $500 bike rest of year

[@burningatthetrailhead]

I'm also financially irresponsible

[@adrianherrell661]

.....and you have to build another bike as you have parts hanging around taken off other bikes 😂

[@DIY-DaddyO]

Yes you could buy a cheaper bike just how you want it, but where's the fun in that? Tinker away young man, tinker away...

[@jonamcc]

that polygon probably weighs more than your marino and has shit wheels. any stock bike with carbon wheels is 4k+ USD

[@KoroWerks]

Thirst

[@archiechadderton8887]

"dirt cheap" bikes are better...

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

Why do you have so many mid bikes? Why not just have a couple great ones

[@BPF80MCar-vi1pg]

But that strel frame doesnt look sweet