Originally Posted by
3alarmer
...based on what you have written here, find someone knowledgeable to help you figure out a frame at the co-op that fits your anatomy. Anything else is gravy, in a co-op environment. You might have some unrealistic expectations. They're probably based on a mix of what you've read on the internet, and a rich fantasy life. Good luck. I'm sure something that will work for you is out there, somewhere.
"Building Up" a bicycle, from a bare frame, using stuff (the miscellaneous stuff hanging around at the average bike co-op,) is absolutely the worst way to take advantage of one. Most of them have complete bikes that have been donated, and they're often priced reasonably. Just make sure you buy one that is the proper size, and stop worrying about frame material.
I have a Scott Montego but the frame is a bit too small; I think it's CroMo. I found the bike being thrown out by a used bike shop because of shifting issues and other stuff. I can ride it but decided I didn't want to build on that frame.
At the co-op I've seen some Columbus and jamis come through but I don't know what they have now.
Why is it bad to build a bike from scratch as long as the bike is less than 25 years old there should be plenty of parts. I just don't always know how to mix and match parts..based on quality. I have frankenbiked a wally world kent into a slightly nicer aluminum pacific. I wasn't light but better than the Kent with better parts. Also built up a trek that was being thrown out.
Also why is $100 to little money for a frame with no fork? I assume that if the coop did have any TI that they weren't building on it would be about $100 since most of their frames are under $40.
BTW one reason why I want to build the bike is because I also want to build the wheels. Last I check they had some ultralight rims but they were unbuilt. I think they will let me have some for extra cheep just to get rid of them.