Mountain Biking - it's finished... again

So I went and built another bike... It was pretty fun building my Road bike, so I figured hey it would be just as fun to build myself a custom Specialized Rockhopper Hardtail.. anyhow here it is...

http://www.riverwind.net/graphics/bikepics/rockhopper3.jpg

http://www.riverwind.net/graphics/bikepics/rockhopper.jpg

I rode it for the first time yesterday, it really is fun :)
although it is clean because I just washed and waxed it today :D

How does the cost compare of building a bike yourself vs. buying one pre-built? Is the benefit mostly that you get the parts you want instead of what they want you to have?

there really isn't any price advantage, it costs about the same.. because this frame is from last year (new old stock from a lbs) it cost less and allowed me to put some better parts on it. but often times you can find a good closeout new bike at a lbs for roughly the same price. The only place I think I might save a little is in the wheel. on this bike I used a old front rim I had, and rebuilt the rear to use the mega 9 speed lx group. but when all said and done (After paying for spokes rim and hub) I maybe saved $20 by building it myself. so you really get the choice of parts, and the experience rather then save much money (if any)

Nice looking bike, Vegas! Great paint job.:beer:

yeah thats one rude colour scheme!!! :beer: