It begins... just got an old, naked frame...
02-20-06, 03:10 PM
#1
Now with tartar control..
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It begins... just got an old, naked frame...
Well, the biking bug has bitten me again. Rather than drop $$$ into a brand new road bike, I bought a second hand frame from an accoiate in my profession this past weekend.
An old Fuji road frame, with fork, stem and handlebars for $50.
Gotta paint it, did a search and have some leads on that process (may do it myself, just to make it look nicer and prevent rust).
Now I am searching for cheaper parts (just to get the bike rolling) and I am asking where that would be. I would be trying to piece together something while shopping online, but where should I go for good deals and someone that will not hose me. Also, any catalogs/companies that are good to check out. I like Nashbar's stuff, from what I have seen.
Hey, while I'm here, are part usually universal? I mean, if I buy wheels or a crank, do they have to be specific to Fuji?
Any information would be terrific!
An old Fuji road frame, with fork, stem and handlebars for $50.
Gotta paint it, did a search and have some leads on that process (may do it myself, just to make it look nicer and prevent rust).
Now I am searching for cheaper parts (just to get the bike rolling) and I am asking where that would be. I would be trying to piece together something while shopping online, but where should I go for good deals and someone that will not hose me. Also, any catalogs/companies that are good to check out. I like Nashbar's stuff, from what I have seen.
Hey, while I'm here, are part usually universal? I mean, if I buy wheels or a crank, do they have to be specific to Fuji?
Any information would be terrific!
02-20-06, 04:24 PM
#2
Death fork? Naaaah!!
I have a barnfull of modest yet competent parts that all came from the dump. Nothing fancy (105 grade would be fancy to me...) but enough brakes, wheels, shifters, DR, and other comps to build several starter grade bikes.
If you want store-bought cost-effective stuff, look at Tektro. They do a lot of OEM and make most of the Cane Creek line, as well as a lot of Nashbar's in house line-up.
And it helps if you're good with your hands.
Top (cheap Yankee)
If you want store-bought cost-effective stuff, look at Tektro. They do a lot of OEM and make most of the Cane Creek line, as well as a lot of Nashbar's in house line-up.
And it helps if you're good with your hands.
Top (cheap Yankee)
02-20-06, 10:11 PM
#3
RidesOldTrek
The answer to your last questions are No and No: not universal usually, and you won't by "Fuji" parts. But I think you will have a good time at this bike building thing - it's a lot of fun.
Where to get low cost parts? If you know the parts you want and need, and know for sure they will work on your bike with the other parts you are buying, and know how to do ebay effectively, then you can get some good deals, but it takes patience and time, and similar skills to playing a good poker hand. One part can sell on ebay today for 3 to 4 times as the same part yesterday or last week.
Craig's list is a good choice if you city has one.
Buying older bikes for cheap, that have parts you can harvest can be a good deal, maybe, maybe not, it takes a lot of time. If you don't want to wind up with a lot of extra stuff or don't have the space, this is not the way to go. Usually the best way not to get hosed is to be experienced in what you are doing, and getting experienced takes getting hosed a few times - hopefully on inexpensive stuff or stuff you can re-sell.
The question of whether you can build your bike cheaper than buying a new one has gotten a lot of discussion in the forums. The answer to that question is a definite maybe, but probably not. You can certainly buy a very nice used complete bike in very good condition for less than you can build one from scratch, but the bike you build will be unique - or should be, otherwise there is little point in doing it. You can tear down and rebuild any bike you buy, if you want experience in assembly/disassembly, but building your own from a bare frame, especially an older one, will give you the challange of finding parts that work together.
Where to get low cost parts? If you know the parts you want and need, and know for sure they will work on your bike with the other parts you are buying, and know how to do ebay effectively, then you can get some good deals, but it takes patience and time, and similar skills to playing a good poker hand. One part can sell on ebay today for 3 to 4 times as the same part yesterday or last week.
Craig's list is a good choice if you city has one.
Buying older bikes for cheap, that have parts you can harvest can be a good deal, maybe, maybe not, it takes a lot of time. If you don't want to wind up with a lot of extra stuff or don't have the space, this is not the way to go. Usually the best way not to get hosed is to be experienced in what you are doing, and getting experienced takes getting hosed a few times - hopefully on inexpensive stuff or stuff you can re-sell.
The question of whether you can build your bike cheaper than buying a new one has gotten a lot of discussion in the forums. The answer to that question is a definite maybe, but probably not. You can certainly buy a very nice used complete bike in very good condition for less than you can build one from scratch, but the bike you build will be unique - or should be, otherwise there is little point in doing it. You can tear down and rebuild any bike you buy, if you want experience in assembly/disassembly, but building your own from a bare frame, especially an older one, will give you the challange of finding parts that work together.
02-21-06, 10:26 AM
#4
RidesOldTrek
Can give more help - but could you provide more info on the frame? How old, braze-ons for cantilever brakes, etc. Pictures would also be benficial.
