Thinking of building a bike
 

I currently have a Allez Comp roadie. I would really like to switch to a Tri geometry, because I want to get into tri's and on generally only will ride solo or with 1 other person, on mainly flat roads. Now I am going to sell my Allez for 700ish. I was thinking of getting a 05 scott frame/fork. My question! What is involved in building a bike from a guy that does not know that much about bike. Can it be done with a good manual from Barnes&Noble? I am going to be taking my time buying everything for the bike, cause of my budget I will be hitting up the EBay mainly.

Thoughts?
:)

The Park Tools website - http://parktool.com/ - is one of many that have some good information on bike maintenance/installation of equipment, and the tools required. If you don't have many of the specialty tools needed, that will add to the cost of it all. But, you will certainly learn a lot, and have some fun.

Sure it can....

Here's a reply from another neewb...

Bought everything new or used off eBay or local stores. Will your first build be a sweet gem? Only in your eyes...but you'll have the pleasure of knowing you built it. You'll better understand all the inner workings of your machine. I spent last winter buying and building without a manual. Bought a cheap stand off eBay. Frame and fork, brakes, seatpost, wheels all used. Cranks, cassette, chain, tires, bars, stem, cables all new.

I used only this site, Park tools site, and Sheldon Brown's site. Made some mistakes, bought and resold wrong parts several times before I understood what I was looking for. Figure to spend 20-40% more than list price off the shelf. Builders say that as they get more savy, their build cost comes down.

So is it beautiful? Only in my eyes. Do I love it? More than you'll know. I ride it every chance I get and after 2 years I now know what I'll do better and where I'll upgrade with more $$ on the next one. Here's a pic of the beast that ememerged from my basement after a winters labor.....
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/w...kl/tribike.jpg

If you have the proper tools, bicycles are relatively simple with respect to their maintenance and operation. The majority of the work involves turning screws and stretching cables. Go for it!

I did exactly what you are suggesting with this one, a 1996 Scott Waimea. I wanted to learn something about bike mechanics. My best sources were this site, Sheldon Brown site, and the manual published by Bicycling Magazine and available at B&N.

http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b3.../IMG_2760a.jpg

so it is actually more expensive to build a tri bike out of used ebay parts? Like right now I am looking at a Scott Alum. Tri frame (2006) with the carbon fork for around $400.

SO is it more expensive to do it that way?

I am just looking for an entry level bike, not going to do any ironmans, I just like the geom. of a aero bike, I don't do much climbing or group riding. So $$ is the most important thing.

So has anyone had any experience with these no name Asian made frames that are made after big names on ebay? Is that just a no no and a waste of time?

If cost ($$ as you put it), is that important to you, then by all means, just get a used bike somewhere. You'll be miles ahead and probably $$ ahead too.

During a first time build you might make some of these costly mistakes. Each in and of it's own is not much but add them up. Remember, you've never bought components and assembled before. Here are some of my mistakes.....

...wrong BB
...wrong cables (ends didn't match my brake levers)
...wrong length cable set...cow horns with brake levers on ends need longer cables
...wrong wheel freehub
...wrong stem
...wrong style front derailuer...I needed a braze-on
...wrong aero bars...interior diam was too small to accept the Dura-ace thumb-shifters
...wrong seatpost clamp...I measured interior diam instead of exterior

...and so on, and so on

These were all good learning experiences..but it's where your extra $$ and time goes. Would have been miles ahead (and cash ahead) just to buy a used of eBay or Craig'slist or classifieds. But $$ and time weren't the objective. Whats your objective?

Dude: I have stripped and rebuilt many a road, tri and Mt. bike. Unless you just want the expereince of a self build simply write a check and buy what you want from the shop. Trying to save a buck or 2 does not work, you simply cannot build it cheaper your self unless you have all the parts and have the skills tools and motivation to do so. Look for a left over at your LBS and you will be proud. I recently got a 2007 Bianci full carbon 10 speed Shimano 105 for $1300.....the guy took almost $1,000 off the retail price. :)

thanks boys