Originally Posted by
powers2b
Yea, me too. My fav bike is a dumpster frame. But all the parts are standard and I built it up with spare parts so no big $$ invested.
But I hate to see someone new spend a lot of time and $$$ on something that may never be the right bike (because you have to buy adapters, non-standard parts) and then end up going out and buying another or worse giving up.
Plus, even completed the bike will not have much value and the non-standard parts will not play nice with other bikes.
I would rather see that person buy a entry level, develop maint. / adjustment skills that will be handy on the next bike or upgrade.
Enjoy
I have to say that I agree.
Logically speaking complete SS bikes can be bought so cheaply that it's pretty hard to spend less money by converting an old bike. On the other hand, converting an old bike is a lot more artistically satisfying. My general advice is: if all that you want is a bike to ride, buy something from BD; if at least part of your motivation is doing it yourself, then you have to build a conversion.
That said, if it was my bike, I'd be looking for a better candidate to convert. That front freewheel and one piece crank BB shell would be deal killers for me.