mtnvet
02-13-10, 03:31 PM
I have a 5 year old mountain bike with 105 components (both derailleur & crank). Can the components be used to build a road bike if I purchase a frame or would I do better selling the bike (might be able to get $250)?
Bicycle Mechanics - Building a bike question
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Al1943
02-13-10, 03:46 PM
From an economic reference it would be better to sell what you have and buy a complete bike. A new road bike is far less expensive than the sum of its parts.
105 derailleurs and crankset should be compatible with other Shimano components on a road bike, but more information about the specific components would help. Like what series are the 105's?
105 derailleurs and crankset should be compatible with other Shimano components on a road bike, but more information about the specific components would help. Like what series are the 105's?
FBinNY
02-13-10, 03:47 PM
It depends. You almost always get the best dollar value on complete bikes vs. building them up from parts. It's often possible to get an entire bike for close to what the basic component group alone would cost, meaning the frame is almost free. Add to that the resale value of the existing bike, and considering that you'll end up with all new stuff, and it's hard to justify not buying fresh.
OTOH, if you can get a decent deal on a frame, have a clear idea of what you want, and have a small stock of decent slightly used components, building from parts means you can have exactly what you want, which might not be available as a built bike. You might also save some dough by putting otherwise idle parts back into service.
OTOH, if you can get a decent deal on a frame, have a clear idea of what you want, and have a small stock of decent slightly used components, building from parts means you can have exactly what you want, which might not be available as a built bike. You might also save some dough by putting otherwise idle parts back into service.
mtnvet
02-13-10, 04:23 PM
Thanks. I see you points. I've been looking on ebay and it seems as though I would come out a good bit better by purchasing used components and building a bike than I would by purchasing a complete bike....even a used one. There appears to be a lot more people bidding on complete bike than on used components. I need to do more homework!!
wrk101
02-13-10, 04:49 PM
+10 You should be able to get a donor bike for much less than the $250 mark. Sell the MTB, and either buy a complete road bike, or buy a good donor to build up your frameset.
Building up a bike off ebay is rarely financially practical. The shipping alone will approach the cost of a good donor bike.
Used bike deals are usually found on Craigs List, not ebay, partially for the same reason. Plus there are a lot of sellers that just want to get rid of a bike that has been sitting around for a while. To them, the whole ebay process is too painful.
Building up a bike off ebay is rarely financially practical. The shipping alone will approach the cost of a good donor bike.
Used bike deals are usually found on Craigs List, not ebay, partially for the same reason. Plus there are a lot of sellers that just want to get rid of a bike that has been sitting around for a while. To them, the whole ebay process is too painful.