Used Parts - where to skimp and where to splurge
 

So I'm building up a Pake frame so I'm obviously not -too- concerned with weight. However, I'm broke, so I'm wondering which parts are safe to get used and which are worth buying fresh.

It's safe to assume that solid metal parts are good used, stuff like bars, stem, etc. so I'm specifically interested in what you guys think about used Headsets, bottom brackets, wheels, cranks, etc...

I would stay away from used carbon stuff.

if you're riding brakeless, stay away from used drivetrain (bb, cranks). i was told mainly used chainrings, since it's sometimes hard to tell with wear.

Chains are cheap. Buy new.

wheels are usually OK - it's pretty easy to tell when they're shot, I'd make sure they spin well and look true (or are true-able)

headsets are also a safe bet - make sure they're smooth, and then I'd clean and regrease when you get it home.

I would avoid bottom brackets - they're pretty cheap new, and they take some serious abuse depending on the rider. Cranks are expensive as hell for what they are (in my mind), but http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=256784. I'd be careful unless you know exactly how that crankset was abused.

Eata: That link was the result of him running the drivetrain either missing a chainring bolt, or with a noticeable noise (loose bolt) for a while. That's not the equipment's fault - that's idiotic maintenance.

weare: If you're riding brakeless and concerned enough about safety to buy $100+ in new parts, I think you're probably a lot better off just attaching a brake. New parts can fail too.

I see absolutely no reason not to go with as many used parts as you can find, so long as you feel/inspect them all to make sure everything is sound (with the exception of chain and cables I suppose - and assuming you're not talking about any used carbon fiber). I don't know anyone who arbitrarily buys new parts for their own rides, just because they've used the old ones for a while. Just wait until the parts are worn out and replace them then, otherwise you'll be wasting your money.

Look in the Classic and Vintage forum - those guys ride tons of old used stuff and don't have crazy failures like taco'd chainrings or broken cranks.

I have just got yard sale bikes and farmed what I need off em then sold em for scrap just remember to inspect the square hole of the old cranks for any kind of rounding if they are rounded out throw em out
used bb's not so good you can get a new one from nashbar for 5 bucks on sale

headsets you can get a tioga bear trap from danscomp for 10 bucks

everything else find used

wheels good luck finding cheap used track wheels if you do a suicide hub usuing a freewheel hub and rotafix the cog attach a front brake to the thing

I in no way endorse riding bakeless however I do but my city is very very flat we have two 20 degree grades in town and that is it.. ride at your own skill and comfort level don't so it cux its cool

aaa
 

does that pake frame use a 27.2 seat post?? and a 1" headset?? and have a english BB??

yup just like the rush 1" threadless 27.2 and english bb

Everything on my bike except the handlebar, chain, chainring and cog is used. I really don't have qualms about buying anything used. Its obvious if a BB is trashed, or if something is bent. Just be smart about what you're buying.

I'm of the opinion that you should get anything with bearings new or in really good shape from a reputable source. Everything else can be had for cheap if you work for it.

Exactly - who knows what kind of idiotic maintenance has been performed on a used part? If he had sold that crankset 5 miles earlier, who knows how long it would have lasted for the next guy. Probably a little longer if it was properly installed, but it's still on its way out.

that all depends I have 25 or 30 yr old suntour superb headsets and bottom bracket as well as old tange stuff that are in excellent shape and came to me used

the older stuff tends to have steel cups and if the cups are steel and not damages and the bearings don't look burnt roll it