My most recent bike build - Old school CC
 

I've always been a roadie/cross country MTB rider. I'm not the strongest climber, therefore I've gradually fallen into the weight conscious crowd. I've been riding a lightweight hardtail for years but my aging body has been dying from some rear bump suppression.

Although I'll never get rid of the hardtail, I've always liked the Horst Link 4-bar linkage and wanted to build one. So I carefully sourced my parts searching on eBay as well as other sources and settled on a y2k Specialized Stumpjumper FSR. Most of the parts are used with the exception of the chain, cables, and the Fizik Alliante saddle. Total cost to build this entire bike was around $700. (I enjoy the assembly almost as much as riding!) ;) Actual weight with pedals came to 25.4lbs

It climbs well and I've been pleased with its descending capabilities. Its not a huckster, but I am happy with its fast handling cross country nature. I was pleased with the outcome and it didn't break the bank!

Here are some shots of the completed bike. Just thought I'd share.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...es/y2k_fsr.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Bikes/xo90.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...ikes/r_hub.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...es/mrp_fox.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...Bikes/fork.jpg

Wow... thats an awesome bike. You did your homework well to get it under $700...

Yes, very nice. I love the White Industries hubs.
Now get rid of that fork and put a fox float up front and you are sizzling. :D

Under 700 is unbeleivable. Literally.

I have a Fox Vanilla 125 RLC that was given to me by a good friend. Unfortunately, the steerer tube was cut too short. So it was unusable for this project.
I picked up the Manitou Mars from an Ebay seller for just a little over $100. Its actual weight is an astounding 2.89lbs. Although not as smooth as the Fox fork, its got much smoother travel than a Manitou SX-Ti I've got on the shelf.

I'm sending the Fox Vanilla 125 (3.8 lbs)to PUSH for a rebuild and will use it on another bike project.

BTW: I was pleased in finding the MRP swinglink on eBay. It was brand new ans still in the box. It increased rear travel to 90mm and made it more active while eliminating lateral flex. The old squeeky delrin bushings were replaced by smooth cartridge bearings in the MRP swinglink. Since this piece isn't made anymore, I think that was my luckiest score so far. It also gives the FSR frameset an adjustable headtube angle just like the Intense Tracers.

Good job! Nice looking bike, and I completely understand about enjoying the build process as much as the actual riding. Enjoy!

PS It sounds like you have quite a parts collection!

I'm fortunate that my small circle of riding partners also build their own bikes. It is a great advantage when you can exchange parts and/or tools.

We've built our share of bikes for friends using only spare parts from our collective bins! :D

I guess once you've been doing this long enough, the spare parts inventory naturally accumulates!