Bike Forums - View Single Post - The "around" $500 MTB thread.

10-13-04 | 12:38 PM

#170

Raiyn

I drink your MILKSHAKE

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 15,061

Likes: 3

From: St. Petersburg, FL

Bikes: 2003 Specialized Rockhopper FSR Comp, 1999 Specialized Hardrock Comp FS, 1971 Schwinn Varsity

Quote:

Originally Posted by Violineb

Now I was wondering one thing. Are bikes like computers? I´m an active member at OCForums and of course everyone there builds their own PCs from the best components while at the same time saving money compared with buying those terrible prebuilt PCs. So how about bikes, is it not cheaper to simply buy the frame and all components seperately and then put it all together? I can´t be that difficult right? Do most people here do that or does everyone just go out and buy a Specialized Enduro and complain about the components and then upgrade a $2000 bike into a $5000 bike?

Thanks

<offtopic> No, bikes are generally cheaper when purchased as a unit. It's best then to set a budget then go after the features / components that you want on bikes that fit that budget - hence the pattern of discussion in this thread. (Nevermind that you're talking about pricepoints WAY outside the topic line

Just for fun (and as a bad example) I sat down and figured up the cost of a '05 S Works Stumpjumper (I needed something where the bikes was sold complete or as a frameset)
05 S-Works Stumpjumper FSR 120 $5000
Comes with:
Technical Specifications
FRAME FSR technology, M5 Manipulated alloy DT with Transform monocoque TT, sealed cart. bearings, disc compatible, 120mm travel, repl. der. hanger, two sets of water bottle bosses

REAR SHOCK Fox Float Septune. Custom on the fly seven position adjustable ProPedal pedal assisting damping. External rebound adjust. 7.5x1.75”

FORK Fox Talas RLC, 95-130mm travel, rebound adj., compression adj. w/ lock-out and threshold adjust, alloy steerer
Frame and fork cost seperate $1700
HEADSET 1 1/8” Threadless, 3x sealed, black alloy cups, cartridge bearings, ultralight carbon top cap w/ alloy bolt
Estimated nominal cost for a decent headset keeping in mind bike spec $75

STEM Thomson, CNC 7000 Series Aluminum OS 31.8, 5 degree rise

HANDLEBARS Specialized Carbon XC Rise OS 31.8 bar, 8 deg back sweep, 6 degree up sweep, 640mm width
Best deal I could find for the handle bar / stem set $80

TAPE / GRIPS Specialized MTB grip, black, double density Kraton
$13
FRONT BRAKE Shimano M-965 XTR hydraulic disc, metallic brake pads, 6” XT Rotor
$119
REAR BRAKE Shimano M-965 XTR hydraulic disc, metallic brake pads, 6” XT Rotor
$119
BRAKE LEVERS Shimano M-965 XTR hydraulic disc
$274 x 2 =$548
FRONT DERAILLEUR Shimano M-960 XTR, 34.9mm clamp, bottom pull
$90
REAR DERAILLEUR Shimano M-952 XTR, long cage, standard spring
$100
SHIFT LEVERS Shimano M-965 XTR, STI integrated shifter/lever combo
See above under brake levers
CASSETTE Shimano M-960 XTR, 9-speed, 11x34t, Titanium top 4 cogs
$142
CHAIN Shimano CN-7701
$22
CRANKSET Shimano M-960 XTR Hollowtech II arms

CHAINRINGS 44Ax32Ax22A, 7075 Aluminum, 44 Anodized, 32/22 Nickel-Plated, 4-bolt, 146/102/64mm pattern

BOTTOM BRACKET Shimano M-960 XTR, Octalink spline, combined w/ crank, 68mm shell, 133.5mm spindle
$450
PEDALS N/A

RIMS Mavic CrossMax SL Disc Tubeless compatible, 26”

FRONT HUB Mavic CrossMax SL Disc with Mavic QR

REAR HUB Mavic CrossMax SL Disc with Mavic QR

SPOKES Mavic CrossMax SL forged aluminum
Crossmax SL Disc wheelset $830
FRONT TIRE Specialized Adrenaline Pro 2.0, aramid bead, 120 tpi

REAR TIRE Specialized Adrenaline Pro 2.0, aramid bead, 120 tpi
$37 x 2 = $74
TUBES Specialized Ultralight, presta valve
$16
SADDLE Specialized BG technology, microfiber cover, Titanium rails
$94
SEAT POST Thomson, 7000 Series Aluminum, 2-bolt adjust, set back head, 30.9mm x 367/410mm

SEAT BINDER Alloy collar with Q/R, 34.9mm clamp I.D., black
See "Frame" above

I was able to build this bike for $4456 not including shipping, handling or bike shop labor which would have put it over the $5k limit. Granted many people who would buy such a bike have all the tools needed for assembly many also do not. There is also the the time / instant gratification factor.

All prices quoted are from Specialized.com and Pricepoint.com.

This example is flawed in one major aspect: As you get towards the meat of the market ($500 or so) the difference in price between what they can get and what we can get grows proportionally. Specialized may sell say 150 S-works Stumpys per year compared to 1500 Rockhoppers. Bike companies buy the cheaper components in BULK - equate it to going to Costco for toilet paper what buys 24 rolls at the grocery store yeilds 48 rolls or more at Costco - the same principle applies here. </offtopic>

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