Expatriate - I think you get it. There are definitely times when I don't have the patience with some of these kids as I definitely think they are being lazy when they don't look through existing posts for answers first then ask reasonable questions.

queensrider - that was $250.00 for the frame right? We are still talkin' about a frame that is about as expensive as half the bikes that kids are riding on these forums. It just seems like you need to figure out what $250.00 COMPLETE bikes are halfway decent for the money. Nothing will compare to your custom setup, so just take a look at 20 different sub-$300.00 bikes and then decide what is good. Likewise, look at complete $400.00 and $500.00 or $700.00 bikes and make decisions. Even with good deals, a really nice setup quickly runs well over $1,000 in BMX land (far less than mt. bike land) and most newbies shouldn't be spending anywhere near that kind of money to 'try out' a sport. You'll get there.