I have a fairly limited budget around $500 for the total build and so I'm torn between the kilo tt frameset for 200 or the Eighth inch scrambler for 150. The price of the scrambler is enticing and it has good reviews on the site, but I like how the kilo looks. I'm not really sure which frame to choose.

id say go with the kilo tt frame

I don't think you can do the total build for $500, unless you already have some major parts lying around. It all adds up quickly.

I'm worried that I will go over budget. I'll probably end up scouring CL for parts.

never tried a scrambler, but i love my kilo.

And I agree $500 build budget is quite tricky. Frame 200, wheelset 200 and u have 100 for the rest of everything.

I'm wondering if I will be better off buying the kilo from BD and upgrading when I can.

totally can be done for $500 just might take a bit longer... and you can get wheelsets on ebay for like $150 now... I have ridden the scrambler and its a fun frame. I have my eye on one when they come back in stock, in my size. The fork is super ugly but very functional. you can switch that out down the road for something nicer looking.

yes

If you mean buying complete, yes. You'd be hard-pressed to build up anything for $500 -- it would take an awful lot of scouring to get a bike fully outfitted with even middling used components, not just because of your budget, but because of availability for all the parts in the sizes you'll need. There are several complete, entry-level options in your price range, and I'd strongly encourage you to go that route.

kilo is a nice frame you can go fast on. the scrambler seems more of a utility/comfort/tricks frame. get the one that suits your riding style/intended use.

order an sst al and call it a day.

Scrap both ideas and buy a Madison.

don't listen to Scrod. he had a popsicle for a bike once. buy some biscuits and gravy, and then go scour CL for a good deal on a used complete.

+1 on the biscuits and gravy.

How much do you think the build would cost?

My best guess:

Frame: $150-200
Wheels: $100-150
Cog: $20-40
Kevlar tires: $60 (I think he's in NYC, probably a good move)
Tire tube(s): $18 (2 tubes + spare)
handlebar: $10-20
Brake lever + brake + cables: $30-50
Saddle: $25
Seatpost: $15
Chain: $15
Crankset: $40-80
Total: $483-673

Am I way off on some of these prices? Am I missing anything?

you can always upgrade stuff like the handlebars, seat, etc... as time goes on.

www.benscycle.net seems to have real good prices on a lot of things.

^
You're missing...
Lockring: $10-20
Bar tape: $3-15.
Stem: $20-70+
Bottom Bracket: $25-100+
Headset: $30-60+
I guess we could throw in two rolls of Velox tape for about $3.
Also, handlebars are probably going to be $20-50.

The point is, it is not going to be done easily with only $500.

for somebody just building their first bike, they don't need to be spending $70 on a stem or $100 on a bottom bracket. I think he's a college kid looking for a good bike to kick around with, no need to go get high end parts yet, save that for his next build or slowly upgrade.

won't be easy, but he could probably do it.

hit the used parts bins and co-ops and you will easily build it for less than $500. Its takes a while, like a month + of hunting about 3-5 days of the week. also as has been posted in the DIY thread, you can make the parts look pretty again. sticker can be your friend too...

Friends give me money and send me on my way to get the parts for them to build up bikes pretty often. I tell them to just be patient is all, LOL... I have lots of fun with the hunt, and I find it very fulfilling to gather all the parts and build it myself... that isnt for everyone for sure so you need to ask yourself if thats what you want...

in my opinion, you should either buy complete(sst, kilo, madison- they're all fine choices. madison's the best but it's also the most expensive) unless you don't need the bike for a while and are happy to look at it unfinished.

they're no sense spending five dollars to get a crappy part on the bike if you can wait to buy the 25 dollar part you really want.

trust me. having a parts bike full of parts i bought because i needed a part and couldn't afford the expensive part i really wanted has made me very discouraged on building a bike that doesn't cost a crap ton of money.

just buy complete for 500. you'll end up with a nicer bike for less work.

If I were to pick up a used bike for around the same money, what should I look for?

A Madison.

i'd love to tell you some information that i just came across about a small company that is selling a very good for the money bike for an absurdly good price, but the admins have thwarted my every attempt.


apparently they have me confused with a corporate shill. i understand, as Metairie, Louisiana, where i'm posting from, is home to all the good bicycle manufacturers. yup, sitting here in bicycle nirvana, trying to sell my wares...

schwinn madison no doubt

post is pointless. just PM the OP instead of telling a story.

done and done. thanks for your pearl of wisdom, guy.