Should You Build Or Buy Your Mountain Bike? | $2000 Hardtail Build Challenge MTB

Hi all, in this weeks video we answer the age-old question: Is it Better to Build or Buy your new MTB. Join me as I attempt to price up a $2000 hardtail to see if this is the case
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[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I can't buy stock anymore. Im very particular with my components. Building a bike really makes it uniquely yours

[@janetcharlish6483]

Cliff J it also makes it uniquely expensive

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

@@janetcharlish6483 if you love what you do, it's worth it

[@janetcharlish6483]

Cliff J I couldn’t agree more, my bike has very few stock parts on it (it’s a 2017 Giant Reign SX)

[@grahams5146]

Janet Charlish I built up an old specialized camber frame with new parts to do enduro. It works great

[@tyrannokoenigsegg8868]

It makes it so personal that it's more than just your bike

[@stephenlee2894]

Spoiler: custom builds are always going to be more expensive than pre-built bikes.

[@leo-yf9rw]

Spoiler: Most people change the parts that come on their stock bike

[@ashpoweredbypen1606]

@@leo-yf9rw Spoiler: Most people dont change it right away straight from the box as that would be stupid, they ride it until its time to change it. A difference.

[@leo-yf9rw]

@@ashpoweredbypen1606 A difference but still the same, I bought a new Trek few weeks ago and the Sram Guide R failed so im gonna change them

[@MrHT-ii2ie]

Depends. If you're willing to buy used and be patient it can be done. I built a better (in my opinion) hardtail for ~$500 less than new, but did buy some used components.

[@zackskinner2666]

But the are usually much better

[@judechandler5102]

I'm building a hardtail at the moment, got about a grands worth of parts so far, of which I payed maybe £300 by choosing my next part to buy based on what's on sale and being flexible in the build order to accommodate this saving method.

[@andygilbert1877]

If you’ve got the self control and patience that’s the way to go. My last build started well with a half price frame and a well priced drive train, but got a bit out of hand after that!

[@oskarstaudte]

This will be the way I will build my new trail hardtail.

[@murrijuana2842]

No, you got £300 worth of parts.

[@guillermoq7884]

The Build approach worked great for me, it takes a lot more time, research and patience but in the end its a more satisfying experience by learning from and pursuing each individual part to create a truly unique and personal bike

[@sootrattlerolloff-road1415]

Custom bikes ARE NOT more expensive than built bikes...you just have to gain knowledge, be patient and go at it as opportunity provides, and you will build a far more feature equipped/quality bike than big bike name will sell you, for even DOUBLE your money. Something the industry doesn't want you to know is that many of these big ticket bikes are built on generic frame sets, meaning the frame is manufactured buy another manufacturer altogether, and can be found with different brands attached to them. A perfect example of this is the budget Schwinn Boundary hard tail found not long ago in Walmart. That 29er's aluminum frame, stripped weighed less than 4.8 pounds. I sent my neighbor up to buy the bike, for 195.00 on sale (pre-covid). For an additional $1400 dollars, I completely trashed all the Tourney garbage on it, and it now is XT front to rear...EVERYTHING, with a microspline 12 speed cassette X 1 with an XT Hollowtech crank swap...(it of course came with a crappy taper lower). RockShox solo air fork. Anything comparable by Trek, Diamondback, will run you well over $3,000, but hey...that brand on there will probably make you much faster, right? That dude is 6'3" 280 pounds of American badass, and has pounded on that bike for over a year. I forgot to mention, within that $1,400 I also had to replace the hubs to make the 36 hole OEM wheels work to accommodate the microspline 12 speed. There were obviously ways around it but, he wanted red anodized hubs anyway, and using the existing rims were a part of the budget fix. Anyway, bigboy is likely back over here off of Mann Hill right now shortening his spine on that damned thing....he don't like getting his ass off the saddle! That frame can be found on other much BIGGER brand bikes, if you look. Just try to find yourself a packaged bike that is Shimano XT, and I mean literally every component, anywhere near that money. I'm looking at some of these big ticket bikes for 3 grand and up and the damned things have SLX groups on them. No-name hydraulic brakes, and other elcheepo bits. Find yourself a cheap bike with a decent aluminum frame, strip it, and if it makes you feel better...paint over the brand. Build that sucker with the best components, and pull up to the that Specialized RockHopper 29, (Not that the Rockhopper is an especially nice bike) and go-on and look down on him from atop of your superior Walmart Special! Because you sure got him faded. Yes, some frames are complete garbage...not sure I'd build anything on a 'Hyper' frame, but there are good cheap bikes assembled on worthy frames, on the floor of big-box, that will build an awesome bike for much less, even when you toss all the hardware in the garbage. Another awesome build I did was on a 26" Mongoose BlackComb FS bike. Bought it used from Goodwill, for 27 dollars...it was like brand new! I think retail was somewhere around $350.00, with Shimano Altus and Tourney bits. Complete Shimano XT overhaul and took it from an 8 speed to a 10 speed cassette...sold that bike for $2,000 off my front yard. Made $1,000.00 for two days tinkering. Now, I don't recommend building full suspension bikes off big-box models, because even though that Mongoose was like new, you still are not getting around the fact that it had plastic bushings vs sealed bearings on the rear triangle. I wouldn't be able to digest that, not in a world where bearings are commonplace on a better frame set. But as far as building an XC hardtail...

[@marenb3413]

How is his face not tired from smiling the whole time.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Trust me it's hard work

[@davidt8546]

Building yourself is a worthwhile excercise but I would be cautious. It is far far more expensive as you buy individual components and dont have a bulk deal like the manufacturer. Plus...you will need to buy lots of various adaptors and spec tools that you may need and dont have. Priceless excercise for learning though...and you will have the tools for next time

[@jimnyfuchs]

Better value in parts is certainly bought, but if you decide to be seriously committed, I'd always recommend building! For me, it feels valueble to know, what I have on my bike and how to replace it.

[@alexray882]

One of my friends does something in the middle and if you can afford to float the money it's definitely worth it, he buys a full bike, and anything on there that he doesn't want immediately sells, as new and buys the components he wants, works out that you can get an incredibly good bike for an overall incredibly low price

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Yeah I've seen a few people do that, it's a good idea

[@midlifebiker7424]

A good frame will last a lifetime unless you outgrow it. Buy built and upgrade when things break or are discount/runout. The cost of tools, bleed kits, spacers, chains etc etc is for the deep pocket and ppl wanting a project. You wont get you $$ back at sale either...

[@IndianaHannah]

Spreadsheet! Yes! This has been my life for the past few lockdown months sourcing parts to try and decide if i should build or buy. I went a bit mad and started making individual spreadsheets for almost every individual part too much. Awesome vid keep em coming!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Spreadsheets are life! I had a few for this video. If I choose parts that were on sale it would have been better but it was mostly retail prices. Thanks for the support! Hope you find a good bike or build!

[@desertviews]

Great video. Quick, clean, logical along with some excellent advice for living life in general. Thanks

[@toooldfortwowheels2048]

For real it's very easy for things to spiral, I do it EVERY time. BUT you do end up with all the exact things you want on the bike without compromising elsewhere. My last build is rideable but I'm still planning on upgrading more parts and I'm thousands in but on a budget this allows you to compromise in the areas that matter least to you, be that drivetrain, cockpit or whatever.

[@DenisZ2023]

Nukeproof scout. Great value for money. And the slx build has all the good stuff on it that you really don't have to upgrade. Been doing my research for a while and that is the one I ended up with at the end.

[@brandonhughes882]

That was the bike I originally wanted. My criteria was hardtail, 29er, 1x, “trail geo.” Ended up getting a 2019 Marin Nail Trail 6 because at the time performance bike was having a bankruptcy sale and the Marin was similarly spec’d for iirc 400 less. Overall I’m happy with the bike.

[@davidvilla8090]

Really informative video. Iam building two new hardtails . Bianchi methanol for racing and radon ZR race as my training bike. Really excited for the build. I have been collecting parts for almost a year now. But iam happy that i will be using the components I love.

[@michiganstate149]

Love the brakes. Completely agree with them being the best value by far.

[@smithfamily710]

I do enjoy building up my bikes and yes the always come in over budget (don't tell my wife 😉)

[@theo2fly]

😂🤣😅

[@bencooper2865]

My girlfriend think my 2020 trek remedy 8 cost $1000

[@andygilbert1877]

Don’t tell the wife, yeah! I’d never get away with buying a £2500 bike new, but build it gradually from parts....

[@ryanbravo5343]

#Bundy SS rider. Your wife is reading your comment.🤣

[@GLOBc]

Great vid. We built up a 27.5 Prone for my son last year. Great experience to do together, and if you look out for good deals (new and 2nd hand) it can be a lot cheaper - but takes more effort. One of those Big Al's is on my N+1 list ;)

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Always N+1 hahaha

[@camerondavis7291]

For the things you don't want to compromise on I would add tires in the mix

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

100%

[@drsamjohn]

Buy a low end build based on the frame you want, matching as much of the core items as possible, then upgrade rest. Fork and frame are key on a hard tail, so that’s what I would focus on in selecting the initial build.

[@MTBFreeks]

I think I'm the first to watch stoked love your channel 😎 cheers from a fellow KZbinr your channel is gonna be big

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks mate!

[@johnathanespinal3619]

Great and helpful video! Looking to build my first mountain bike. This gave me a lot of great pointers and where to start! Please make the enduro/downhill video. Would love to see a budget full suspension build or frame video of the same style. Keep up the great work! MTB White mountains

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Yep I will definitely do an enduro build. This idea has had some awesome support!

[@alessandrorossi2164]

amazing video thank you for your effort!!!

[@ShaneXCS]

I have a $550 Scott Aspect 740 and put in $1300 and I still have to upgrade the Fork and better/wider wheel that will come up to at least $500. A Specialized Fuse Expert is $2300 and has all the same stuff but would just need a wider wheel. In the end, if you know what you are doing and know what you want, then build it. If you are just getting into it, buy something decent and then sell to do an upgrade. The Fork, wheel, and good brake, are the most expensive, so I have seen, so get a base kit with quality parts there. Building from scratch at MSRP is always more expensive. In some cases you could just get a Motobecane top spec bike and move all the parts over to the frame you like and sell the Moto frame. That was also a thought.

[@njm3211]

I've built up 4 road bikes over the years and had lots of fun doing so. Now that I want to get into MTBs I've decided to buy something stock and maybe over time upgrade components once I have some experience.

[@wonderwatch2239]

Been building my last two bikes for 3-5 months, and newer added the cost 😷, now I have both a hard tail and a fully, with great spec, MY SPEC... love them both ❤️🤘

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

I definitely love having a bike with perfect spec! Do miss it a little!

[@davidparada2562]

I'm building a scott scale 760, with a new fox performance 150mm, its ok, love it

[@tyrannokoenigsegg8868]

I'm building my hardtail right now. A 2018 specialized Pitch. Trying to ugrade with mid range stuff so its not expensive as hell but also not super cheap

[@ReindeerBork]

$1155CAD Into my bike complete and riding. I find the best way to do things is buying on sale or buying take off parts. Everything on my bike is new or near new take off parts (that look brand new minus a lack of packaging) Running a M Vitus Sentier Frame Shimano SLX M7000 group Sram 11-42T cassette BX dropper Deity stem Chromag bars MT500 brakes WTB rims with Deore hubs (Saved money by building my own wheels) Maxxis Forekaster 3C EXO tires Finally the main show and thing I didn’t want to compromise on, the fork which is a 150mm Rockshox Pike.

[@Katykat7777777]

Great product!!! Would buy again.

[@SoloMan3310]

Nice video and just want to add that when you build a bike, you can spec it out to your own measurements. I rode a store bought Cannondale hardtail for years and when I switched to full suspension, was having shoulder pains, knee pains and back pains. Bumped into a rider on the trail and he said to me, always listen to your body before it creates more problems. I now know my handlebars at 800 mm was too wide which created shoulder problems, cranks at 175 created knee problems, saddle at 12 cm created back problems. I changed to 740mm handlebars and 60mm stem. 170mm cranks and a wider ergon saddle so that my sitbone sits properly. The only thing that fit me properly was the medium frame.

[@GlorifyGodInEverything]

It seems with builds everyone goes to a high end spectrum. The point of building your own bike is you can be 600$-800$ in with budget parts for a complete build that gives you a capable bike to take on the trails and you'll have a better fork, better brakes, more comfortable feeling bike than what you can buy as a pre built in that same price catagory. I've done 2 cheap builds, one is a gt aggressor pro with about 1k in parts, and an al comp from Walmart that has about 500 dollars (US) in parts. So the comp that now has a 1x drive train, suntour fork, new headset, stem, bars, grips, pedals, and seat is around 750$ including the price of the bike. The Gt with everything is about 1400$ all together with the price of the bike and it has a new high range casset, 1x drive train, rockshox Judy silver tk fork, stem, handle bar, new headset, mt200 hydraulic brakes and new rotors, new pedals, dropper post and seat, grips, and new 2.8 maxxis tires. The point is, finding something with these low mid level parts is still going to cost 1500-2000$ if bought new, and in a lot of cases even more, plus the sad thing is a lot of them will cut corners with grips, pedals, bottom bracket, headset etc... and with a build you can do it over time and still ride. If you're trying to match high end packages from bike companies in a build you will pay more period, we don't get the parts at the same prices these companies do. If you want to do a build to "save" money, you need to do a "low end, high performance" build on a cheap bike. That will get you out there on the trails with a much more reliable bike that feels really good.

[@krypt1c337]

your vids are super good, keep it up!!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks, will do!

[@GeoAnaGR]

Great video! I would suggest that building your own bike is worth if you have a lot of knowledge, tools, time and money to spare. For someone new into biking doesn't make sense, that person would be better with a brand new bike to have as hassle free experience as possible, or to get a cheap used bike to start cycling for less money and then learn to upgrade/maintain

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Great point!

[@stuartarmstrong4650]

nice vid bud, i built my hardtail, it was supposed to be a budget build, that never happened for me either lol, full xt groupset hope hoops carbon bars and the excellent cotic soul steel frame it was nearly 3k uk but i absolutely love it and the build is bomb proof. I also learnt so much and its an experience i would recommend

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks! Sounds like an awesome build. It's a great idea for most riders to do it once, the experience and skills you gain are worth any extra cash

[@stuartarmstrong4650]

@@trailtalkmtb6603 i have to admit i had a sweat on when i cut my steerer tube and i cheated with the dropper and bought a reverb axs no annoying cables to cut or feed through the frame lol

[@CanonFirefly]

Those frames from the UK are 200AUD shipping to Aus so take that into account. Makes the Marin seem way better value as it ships locally. Also, with most options for parts there is no stock these days. Good luck building a budget bike at the moment 😂

[@caduviterbo]

It depends. If you find exactly what you need in term of components, buy it. Building is more expensive, more complicated, and bad for resale. You need to find your priorities.

[@xuananator]

I'd like to see this with a dirt jumper tbh. I just got my first full sus a bit ago (and recently returned to biking haha) and was thinking about Getting a dirt jump frame and building it up for the winter. Would be nice to have something to ride at indoor skateparks or even at a couple of the skills parks we have in the area But full builds are either expensive and spec'd out or cheap and likely gonna break in a year of skatepark / skills park use from what I can tell. It'd be cool to See if there's a middle ground to be struck with a decent fork but "get the job done" for everything else (one brake, no gyro kinda, etc). My research didn't turn up anything but I'm still pretty new to the world of Mtb haha.

[@Trail_sniffer75]

Built up a few bikes now and even the shop bought whyte g 160s has had upgraded parts to make it feel more like a project to me

[@jonnysnakes5417]

Pretty interesting Ive got to a stage with my bikes tgat i would probably just change frames since ive upgraded everything on my bike over time so when its time fir a new bike ile probably never find one with all the parts i want. Did tgat fir my gfs bike, she had a liv hail with loads of upgrades then found a really good deal on a aanta cruz carbon frame n swapped all the parts with not too much hassle.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Yeah once you build up a good range of parts and can service them a frame swap is the way to go

[@gpearce11]

If you know EXACTLY what components you want, you'll probably be better off building instead of replacing one or two components on a stock bike. However, if close enough is good enough, it will always be cheaper to buy a stock package. There's simply no way you can buy components individually at a cost that competes with the prices a bike brand can buy them.

[@marjuspelivani1443]

Also fitting tools needed if doing it yourself

[@theo2fly]

If you are a beginner then buy.. but for those advance guru's build.. have a motobecane hardtail is my beloved..

[@eriksdodges853]

Build ! Just finished my san quentin 3, running a pike fork, code R brakes, box one 11spd group, SDG dropper and my wheels of choice. Love this bike !

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Sounds like an awesome build!

[@lorcanjones3243]

I recommend for you to do a video about the glenworth valley bike park that is coming soon

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

There's not too much to talk about, the bushfires, covid, funding and other logistics/politics with the development etc have slowed the project down it seems. If there is an update Synergy Trails and Glenworth Bike Park would be the best to follow. Ourimbah is booming so there's an upside !

[@midlifebiker7424]

The build work isnt even visable, way off from the main hub.

[@CasperRc81]

I broke my 2018 Marin b-17 2 and the lower gusset near seat post clamp and now last week the warranty frame was the orange and black riftzone 3 same crack. Now I’m getting warranty new frame. Glad they are honoring their warranty but I only have two years left on it and I will sell the bike I think. Sucks I really like it but feel it’s and issue.

[@jtran1976]

For someone that is really picky on what components are on the bike I feel custom building from the frame up is the way to go or if you have an older bike frame you want to bring back to life. For someone new to biking that doesn't have the knowledge or tools to work on his or her own bike then buying a new or used complete bike shop grade bike is the way to go.

[@mojojojo3766]

I've found deals at 70-90% off at almost all parts. You can build a bike with components that even top price bike haven't. Sadly i don't have trails near me otherwise i would definately build a bike

[@davidm9448]

Any good website recommendations?!

[@bizod]

You also have to figure in the cost of the tools needed to install all these parts if you don't have them. While most of them may be in a persons "normal" tool chest, there still are some dedicated bike tools one would need.

[@SourPatchPuss]

PinkBike Buy/Sell has me addicted to upgrading everything. If you keep your eyes peeled you can find great deals while also getting good money for parts you dont want!

[@DK-wr9nd]

I semi-customized my hardtail bike and spend almost 2000 bucks(maybe slightly more). Built around Chromag frame, SRAM x01(11spd), and FOX 34 Elite. It was a bit expensive for a hardtail, but every component is nearly top-notch except the wheelset, crankset, and brakes(Deore M-615). Even those lower grade components are already good enough for me though. I don't regret it hehe.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Sounds like a great value build. Love Chromag bikes!

[@jtsimaras]

Great video only thing frame is sure not the best I've owned it and out of the 8 hardtails I've built definitely one of the least compliant frames. Would not pay more than 100 for the frame. Happy riding.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks for the info! Yeah I would have gone the Ragley tbh

[@connerwallbank183]

I'm running guide ts on my enduro bike and I think they are a great break, with quite a bit of stopping power 👍🏼

[@BrianRPaterson]

I'd recommendShimano Deore 4-pot brakes. They are powerful and relatively inexpensive. The dearer SLX and XT models cost a little more but aren't that much better.

[@H_Oscarsson]

It's generally cheaper to buy a stock bike and upgrade some of the components. Either immediately or as they wear out... With that said, it's a fun project to put a whole bike together from scratch.

[@lukerisser9163]

I was debating wether building up a Dartmoor Hornet or buying a complete commencal meta ht. I went with the complete build because it was a better value

[@wigzzborz6759]

I'll say build out a decent walmart bike, one of the ones that have a bit of a following. With that build you will learn a lot about bikes and also know if MTB is for you. That method will make you knowledgeable for when you decide to buy a decent bike. Also you spend as you go and not all at once.

[@midlifebiker7424]

Damn, I wanted to see you build and see if your swear box is over $1k like mine lol...

[@lee.j7077]

That was a good watch,would like to build up a banshee one day,when’s the Marin rift zone review coming?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Still waiting on a bike unfortunately

[@chiefsosa7809]

I just built up a octane prone one

[@bobmajew53]

Getting a good cheap bike like a Trek Marlin or Roscoe and upgrading it is definitely worthwhile.

[@SourPatchPuss]

Ive been planning on buying a new Stumpjumper EVO frame and building it up but they cost $3,200. But a lower spec fully built EVO is only $5,000! I know I’d spend way more than $1,800 building up my own so I think its probably better to buy it built, sell off the stuff I dont want, and put the money towards the better components.

[@andygilbert1877]

I’ve bought a few standard bikes but then spent money upgrading them so probably building my own is cheaper, though certainly not cheap! My last build started with a drunken Friday night ebay session...oh look, I’ve just bought a new frame! Lol.

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

hahahaha sounds like a perfect friday!

[@1911Zoey]

Id settle with a prebuilt or second hand for a beginner hardtail. Id go drop the big money for a full sus once I get emotionally invested in the hobby. Then likely sell the hardtail to get some of the money back to fund the next bike.

[@Mi6AgentSavileMBE.]

About 20 years ago, I bought a cheap second-hand mtb for work, started to upgrade. By time I finished, I ended up spending about £3000 with a very different bike. I totally missed the point. Lol. £200 to £3000. I ended up leaving the bike behind in a flat when I use to rent. Great find for someone for sure. Lol. I should have just bought a new bike, that was my conclusion and obviously I shouldn't have left it behind either.

[@woutervanteerling]

you might should consider adding euro value to the chart as well.. and keep in mind that things here are more expensive.

[@moron_with_a_voron]

If you live in Europe the Radon Cragger is the absolut bang-for-buck Winner The Vitus is great but rarely available so buy it instantly If you can get it

[@HDLogiX]

I've got the Vitus Sentier 27VR 2020! 1250€, Awesome bike.

[@Bobbleoff]

Regarding needing to get a shop to help you out. As long as you get a frame with a headset bundled and a threaded bottom bracket there's not real a reason anyone couldn't do it. As you should already have the tools already

[@josep.peruga]

Heyooo great vid! What do u think about the Scott Genius 940? I think it is a good bike but I’d like to have a pro’s opinion on it. Thanks!

[@camerondavis7291]

Definitely a good bike, but not as capable as other bikes with the same travel on gnarlier terrain, is more of a xc/trail bike rather than an Enduro bike

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Great choice for a do it all bike. Im not a huge fan of the twin lock but some people love it. I just dont like the idea of a proprietary shock

[@DrewJ79]

The Canyon Stoic 4 looks pretty good for $1999. It comes with the Rockshox Pike Front sus.

[@alldecentnamestaken]

I would say if you know what you're doing and buy used *smart* it's better to build. Otherwise, it's pretty hard to beat the value you get from buying new and complete.

[@ziggy_rampage]

hey mate, whats are your thoughts on 2021 hardtails?

[@lukasbormann4830]

Can you take a look at radons line up, their extremely good value

[@davenorman8251]

I would have gone with a San Quentin 2 and upgraded the fork...pretty good effort though

[@MartinTeerly]

Now sit with calculator and do the math

[@_Napoletano_]

build is more fun and you can customize it the way you like but buying is always cheaper.

[@Viper105MD]

Got Giant carbon xtc advanced 29 2 2021, for 1600eur in europe, need some upgrade like dropper, but its carbon.

[@joeldsaint]

🙏🏻 thank you

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

No problem 😊

[@SuperAaronbennett]

Trek Roscoe 8 is 1850 US Dollars. Thats with a SRAM NX Eagle Deraliuer and other decent specs for the price

[@ishaankhann]

Im in love with marin san quintenn 3

[@suchasreallife]

I’m here now, I don’t want spend on a mid range bike but a low range needs everything upgraded

[@Willdrknght]

I’m doing a nukeproof scout at the moment. I’ve got a few second hand bits ( 2018 Lyrik rc for $450 and gx cranks) plus old stock new parts for cheaper . With new wheels/dropper and brakes I’m looking at 2500-2800.... hopefully !

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Sounds like a great build!

[@everywherelocal]

yeah! 🔥

[@chlangeee9409]

I´m planning on building up a hardtail for around 2200 EURO (Ragley MMMBOP - allready got GX Eagle (without cranks) and a Rockshox Yari). Do you think that would be overpriced for a hardtail (i don´t really want or need a Full Sus (i liked the idea of a aggressive and capable hardtail))? I wanted to buy: Bontrager line comp 30 with the hub upgrade (269€+90€(XD Freehub) +40€) Shimano slx 4pot brakes (~225 with rotors) Brand-X dropper (160€) Maxxis DHF and DHR II (~85€) raceface atlas bar (found a deal for 53€) Small parts like BB, Stem, Pedals,... (~340) --> ~2250€ And i would still need tools (i could borrow a some tools. would only need to buy a cassete and bb tool) Do you think that this is a good build?

[@DanielDeVynck]

The big Al is definitely worth the price, I wouldn't recommend the octane frame because the geometry is not that great

[@ADVtheMISSIONARY]

Just note the Octane one Prone is only 148 boost in the 29'er and 142 in the 27.5 ;) dont go off CRC go off the manufactures site. i like my Prone 27.5 but it needs longer reach

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Thanks! I only looked at the 29er :/

[@realkingtut420worldwide9]

What website you use to build your frame ect?

[@koolbrizzz]

I turned down the only available Salsa Timberjack in my size and budget to build my own bike....I'm now $4,600 in and still need tools🤦🏼‍♂️. My budget was destroyed. I'm super pumped about the custom build but feel like an idiot for not doing my due diligence before starting the build process!

[@mickhead77]

Think is I'm very "picky" when it comes to the overall look of my bike,on a pre-built one there will be always something I'd like to change (the color of the fork doesn't match up for instance).I'll choose a cross between a custom and a retail ,buy the retail and change the parts that don't suit me,and I bet I'm talking the majority here.Well,no headache but no savings either......

[@eliasdanieli5461]

Very nice analysis but remember that to build a bike yourself you'll need some specialty tools too! Often pricy!

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

That's true!

[@PulledPurk]

Why do I have to spend extra to get a 1x drivetrain? Shouldn’t bikes with those be cheaper?

[@richardburns5925]

In my 30 years of MTB experience, buy a complete bike off the peg, just add pedals, maybe change tyres, ride the thing to death and replace/upgrade components as they wear out, then after three to five years, buy a new bike. When I say upgrade, don't spend silly, you still have the same old frame, bike tech moves so fast now, its pointless spending on an old frame, life's too short.

[@poonda119]

do a review on the Marin San Quentin 3 please

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

Maybe when the 2021 bikes come out, just depends if a review needs to be done

[@Gyllbonus]

Next time did a fully rigid ss 29er....please. Thx

[@mateotarrago2280]

Yeah boyyyyyyy

[@eliasgraugaard6757]

This is how you make a build video. not like GMBN "SO I WENT TO A BIKESTORE, TURNS OUT THEY GAVE ME THIS FOR FREE.... "0$ added", Oh this i had laying around "0$ added"... INSANE Title: HARDTAIL FOR ONLY 1000$ . .Man that was just trolling from them on another level, managed to piss me off so much :D

[@Andresmtbenduroht]

Im building a kona Explosif 2015 650b and i wiil spend 2100 dollars with dropper, Rockshox Judy Silver Boost 120mm, deore 6100 12s, deore 4p m6120 brakes, Weinmann U40Tl 35mm internal with sapim and Shimano XT hubs

[@asianskywalker]

How about a cheap chinese full suspension carbon bike challenge?

[@trailtalkmtb6603]

I love that idea!

[@midlifebiker7424]

More landfill.....

[@Louis-mj6xg]

Could have got some Shimano mt 200 and run 203 mill rotors, great stopping power and you can get them for 40 bucks on amazon

[@armenter-avetisyan2193]

What about the big al full bike? Way cheaper with decent spec

[@Lucky13Twice]

It will always be more expensive doing yourself as the bike companies buy the components at wholesale which will be half the price as we pay at retail. So they have the frame made in the Peoples Republic of China, so they can always offer the bike cheaper than we can build unless........

[@andrewrice4735]

I was thinking of building my own downhill bike is that a good idea