HoodieNinja

So far, I've only gotten the frame how i like it. Since i got the frame for $40, and decided since it's my build i'd do it my way. one piece at a time. this time it was the frame. i'll start with pics, i used a sawhorse, old bbq grill leg and some ductape to make my frame stand. it worked. i scuffed the clear, and light sanded, primed, then hit it with 3 coats. Pictures should be included

bikeforfun

new paint looks great.keep it up!

scyclops

Just out of curiosity, what's your budget and what component level are you shooting for?
It seems that more than a few people are buying the complete 5xx bike as a donor just for the Deore/Avid/WTB/etc group to build up another frame (maybe this is where yours came from?) since the complete bike can be had for less than the components, even for a savvy ebayer/craigslister. Don't get me wrong, it's great fun to build from scratch and I've done it myself probably more than I should (and I'll no doubt do it again).

HoodieNinja

It's in the sub $200 range for everything. I have, seatpost, headset, stem, bars, grips, chain, the last bit of what im trying to spend will be on a new fork, disc brakes, and wheelset. but with patience i may luck out, i picked up the frame for $40, and while i do fully understand i may spend a little more to build it, it'll be my build and something i learn from and get practice maintaining my bike. I've found a new, full 32t crankset with bashguard for $50, and a disc break set for $50 new, so im mostly just craigslist and co-op bound. In the long and short of it, i want a bike i can look at, and smile because it's mine and how i wanted it. as for component level im just looking at light downhill trail riding. nothing extreme, and after i drop enough weight i'd want to get into slight jumps. but i'd buy a full suspenion bike before that happened. im getting a lot of used stuff, because powder coating where i live is cheap, and i have a sand blast cabinet and parts tumbler, along with working in a body shop so i can get my painter to spray stuff. i appreciate the input. but thought the new forge sawback goes for like, 399 on target, and the rest of my components if im savvy will hit around 200.

HoodieNinja

also, as for component level im just looking at light downhill trail riding. nothing extreme, and after i drop enough weight i'd want to get into slight jumps. but i'd buy a full suspenion bike before that happened. im getting a lot of used stuff, because powder coating where i live is cheap, and i have a sand blast cabinet and parts tumbler, along with working in a body shop so i can get my painter to spray stuff.

HoodieNinja

also, not to just blow up this thread with my own answers, i forgot to say i appreciate the input. but thought the new forge sawback goes for like, 399 on target, and the rest of my components if im savvy will hit around 200.

scyclops

I think you're doing it just right. As you said, you'll learn a lot from building your own, and as I said, it's just plain fun. And you'll probably end up with a ~30# bike for a couple hundred bucks, which ain't exactly a bad thing.

HoodieNinja

I like the way you think sir. I just found a deal for a bb, chainring, front and rear derailleurs, handlebars, stem, and both shifters for $75

scyclops

Nice.

HoodieNinja

So, I got her saturday, and since then I've learned how to not install a headset, and how to install it properly. Guy at our local shop Dean, has been a major help so far. I got the wheels on their way from LowCel for a killer deal and am only needing about $80 more in parts for her. Almost all the components came from a 2010 Hardrock Disc that i got on ze cheap. So far though, this is all I have done. I'm pleased so far. I also realize i need to start embedding my images as opposed to attaching.

scyclops

So I gotta ask, what was wrong with the 2010 Spec? And was it the wrong frame size for you? No wheelset with it?

HoodieNinja

Guy wouldn't sell me the frame as well, so i only got components and he sold the wheelset before hand. I was pretty cheesed because he said he'd hold it but it felt like a generally cheap transaction altogether. But the fit seemed nicer than the forge, i just couldn't talk him down. But im still proud of my forge, i just have a bit of a longer stem for comfort.

scyclops

Sounds like you got what you needed out of it. I'm a bit of a contrarian myself where it comes to the popular brand names - I have an Access frame and a Leader frame that I think are both just as strong and light as anything else in the comparable range (love my GTs though).
I've noticed a lot of people parting out bikes for no reason other than that they can usually net more than selling the complete bike.

HoodieNinja

Yeah I've been noticing it a lot on a popular college towns craigslist. I mean it's nice to get something quality for a reasonable price but sometimes it would have been nice to get the whole bike. I never got jaded by names in the bike world, granted i'm still a relatively new rider and commuter. I ride a windsor fixed gear, and old phillips, or my old nishiki. Don't get me wrong I wish I had the money for a decent ironhorse or something of a high caliber. but am more than stoked on what I have.

HoodieNinja

Also, when I say new to the sport, I mean without a coworker of mine who's insanely competent with bikes selling me my windsor a month ago i probably wouldn't be trying to learn and build now. he pretty much helps me maintain all my stuff and teaches me what i need to know for that particular repair.