Hey guys,

I just had the pleasure of getting to ride some black diamond mtb trails in Charlotte, NC. The bike that I road was a 16" Giant Revel disk single speed. It weighed next to nothing and it was extremely maneuverable and quick. I'm against buying a factory bike just because of who I am. I want to have my own build and make something special.

The bike that I rode was absolutely awesome. I could bunny-hop a few feet with it. The disk brakes stopped on a dime(would throw you over the bars with a light pull on the front brake). It was very light and durable. It checked all the boxes.

So, basically I want to build a custom bike with all of the qualities I listed above for under $600. A few more specifications are:

-single speed
-disk brakes
-26er
-hardtail(preferably rockshox)

Anyway, I would prefer to have a nice headset (integrated?) and I guess that kinda wraps up my specifications.

What would you guys recommend? I know I need to look into gearing ratios, I might even call the park and ask what gear setup my rental bike had.

Suggestions and comments are greatly encouraged and appreciated. I simply lack knowledge in the field of parts and compatibility. Please let me know what specific part combinations you would recommend for my build.

Thanks

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I just don't know how that's going to happen for 600 bucks. There are a few bikes you could buy, but don't know about build.

I have thought about getting a Hardrock 26 disc and stripping it back to SS for a fairly cheap beater. Even ghetto tubeless and baring it down is not going to make it superlight. At 520.00 msrp it would be at least 600 when done and have a cheap suntour 80mm fork.

Most of the cheaper SS bikes like Nashbar and Gravity are 29 inchers.

There's no way to get some light Al or Ti frame? FSA Pig Pro Headset I already have. Need rock shox fork... nice rims and tires and some crowbars, disks and thats about it... idk

1999 just called. They want their handlebars back. Muttered something about Renthal and fatbar fanbois.

I'm referring to Bontrager Crow Bars which I already have. They are light and sturdy.

A decent frame, fork and wheelset are gonna put you well past your $600 budget.

Best to shop the used market. Surly 1x1 is a good frame, you didn't specify frame material preference. A decent SS ready frame is gonna cost you or go with a regular frame and use a SS tensioner of your choice. There a good ones and bad ones.

Gearing - start at 32/16 and go from there. Obviously, it all depends on your typical trails you ride. I've got a rigid 26er with 32x16, one with 34/20 and a 650b with 32/18 gearing. The latter two I ride frequently in the Blue Ridge mountains area. The other is my beach bike when I visit my parents on the coast.

And Crow Bars were my first riser bars, good **** but yeah, a bit dated. You'd best be served with a modern riser bar that's wider, especially when you're honking on the bars outta the saddle, up the hill.