Mountain Biking - Possible bike build

I have been riding my xtc 29er for a year now. I am mechanically inclined but haven't done too much work on my bike other than a new rear derailleur and some tinkering. Do you think building a bike is something that i should consider undertaking or should i reconsider? Would you recommend that i build a FS 29er or FS 26er being that i have only ridden a hardtail 29er? I am wanting to build a more all mountain bike. The frame that caught my eye is the Santa Cruz Nickel. Thanks alot!

if you want a more all mountain bike, i would go with a full suspension 26" bike. i assume when you say "all mountain" you mean there will be tight techy climbs, possible hucking and drops, and the like.

or, if you want to be ahead of everyone, build a full suspension 650b. in a few years, they will be the bike to have.

yeah given that you already have a hardtail 29er i would definitely go with a 26" AM bike. The nickel doesnt look bad. Not real familiar with that bike but Santa Cruz certainly doesnt make junk. With 5" of travel it should be able to handle most AM riding.

What about the Santa Cruz Heckler? Does anyone have any experience with this frame?

heckler is a pretty kick ass bike. as is the butcher. you won't go wrong with the heckler.

are you totally stuck on santa cruz, or would you be open to other bicycle suggestions?

I would totally be open to other suggestions! The more help and information i could get the better I would feel undertaking this build.

Do you think building a bike is something that i should consider undertaking or should i reconsider?

Building is a lot of fun. It's not often cost-effective, but I enjoy building and find it therapeutic. IMHO, you need a strong budget and willingness to tolerate a few mistakes.

Be warned! Once past my first build, I became hooked. :thumb:

Building is a lot of fun. It's not often cost-effective, but I enjoy building and find it therapeutic. IMHO, you need a strong budget and willingness to tolerate a few mistakes.

Be warned! Once past my first build, I became hooked. :thumb:

This statement is very true. I have done 3 builds in the last 18 months....its like an addiction. And i have learned things with each build.

Why is building a bike not cost-effective?

Building your own bike is a lot of fun (I just built up a Soma single speed), but a big part of it is having the proper tools! Having a headset press to install a headset is almost manditory, plus special tools for installing various bottom brackets, cranks, etc. But if you can get access to proper tools, it's a blast and very rewarding. I have the Soma single speed for riding at Ray's Mtn Bike Park, and a Santa Cruz Superlight (FS 26") for local trails which can be quite tight singletrack.

Regarding cost effectiveness, the biggies (Giant, Specialized, Trek) in the biz really drive a hard bargain with suppliers in Taiwan in building their bikes. It's very difficult to put a bike together piecemeal cheaper than they can, but it's still fun. You can find some good deals on components on sites such as Jensen, etc. Good luck!

Anyone have any advice about how to choose a saddle?

some lbs's will let you try different saddles out. Probably the best way to choose one. What works and is comfortable for 1 person might not be for another so its hard to recommend saddles. On another note my buddy has 2011 trek remedy 9 hes trying to get rid of if you are in the market for a bad arse AM bike.