I am laid up with an injured foot and am spending too much time looking for a nicer rig. (grass is always greener on the other side right?) I am looking at a used 07 Chumba Evo frame for just over $500 with a new 09 Fox DHX 5.0 shock. The XC rig I am sporting isnt cutting it and I am wanting to go more of an all-mountain route.

link to bike: http://www.socaltrailriders.org/forum/m ... parts.html

My question to you guys is, dinero wise is it worth it to build it up myself buying used parts or should I hold out for a complete bike. I have never done any major work bike wise, but I know between a few books, the internet and you guys I could get 'er done. I want to try and keep a build / or another bike between $1k - $1500. I already have rims, tires, and brakes I could slap on there..... but I am just up in the air about it.

Someone either talk me into it or out of it

Price-wise it will almost always be a better deal to buy a complete bike. But the parts may not be what you want in the end, so swapping them out over time can add to the cost.

Satisfaction-wise it will be much better to buy individual pieces that you really want and build it yourself.

The only mtn. bike I ever bought as a whole was back in 1989. Since then I've always built my own, whether it was from parts migrated from another bike or individually selected new parts that are always fun to install. If you like the Chumba, it will be tough to find a used complete one in the near future - so I'd say go for it.

Learning about building a bike is cool. And if you're into biking for the long haul - essential. Take your time, read all the manuals carefully, have a few cold ones as that thing comes together in the bike stand, and you'll have a good time. You'll also know how to fix all the little maintenance things that pop up over time, and how to McGuyver yourself out of trouble on the trail.

+1 on everything Rob said.

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Long Live Long Rides
Help support the NSW Flyin' Frogs, Phoenix Patriot Foundation and save 10% off your order simply by entering PPF as the discount code at http://www.infinitnutrition.us/. Another 10% will be donated back to PPF.

+1 again

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I Blame Barcy.

I just built up my new Tracer, and have hung lots of parts on lots of bikes. If you pull the trigger, I would be happy to give you a hand putting it together. And I just got a bran spankn new torque wrench, + I have a Park head set press, a disk brake facing tool, A Shimano Octalink II bottom bracket tool, and a rear derailluer hanger alligment tool. A full build can be done in an afternoon. And if that not enough I live within ridding distance to Sycamore Canyon for the shake down cruise.

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"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and
feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize
fishing is stupid and boring."
--Desmond Tutu

I guess we know where we are going to work on our bikes now.

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A mountain biker who doesn't ride road has no legs
A road biker who doesn't ride mountain has no soul

It's fun to build your own bike. I built both of my bikes with the help of some DT'ers and learned a lot. I agree that it is cheaper to buy a complete bike, but you don't always get what you want. Then comes upgrade-itis! You start with the small stuff and the next thing you know you've doubled the bikes original cost.
I'm sure if you decide to build your own, a lot of people here would lend a hand. Also I'm kinda biased towards the Chumba.
Good luck either way.

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I thought I was supposed to get better with practice!?!?!

dangit. Now I have to fit in a drive to LA this week to get it. Thank you all for your insight and inspiriation

Is this lot of stuff worth $200 ? I checked a few sites and didnt see anything that said m801, I did find m810 though. Looking at the prices for other saint stuff it looks to be worth it, but is it worth it in the real world?

All the Saint stuff is brand new and still in the boxes.
*M801- 20mm front hub (32 hole)
*M801- 135mm x 10mm rear hub (32 hole)
*M801-rear derailleur 10mm bolt on w/axle
*M801-175mm dual ring w/bash guard

Is Saint stuff really good? Pardon my newbieness.. but how does is compare to XT or even SLX?

Hey Los.. You didn't happen to live in Mira Mesa a few years ago did you? I know its random, but I knew someone named Carlos(we called him Los) that had an ells..

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www.triadpowderworks.com

I dont know about the saint stuff, thats why I am asking.
and no Not me sorry, I just took the Ells in my possesion a few months ago. Born and raised East County.

I might just take you up on that if I work this deal out. I appreciate the offer for sure!

Well the offer stands, for the use of my tools and knowledge. If you are big, or go big, the Saint stuff is for you. However if you do mostly XC/trail ridding I'd stay with XT, or even the new SLX group looks pretty darn cool. As for the Saint stuff, I just happen to have a Sun Ringle Double Track rear hoop laced to an original Saint hub with the center lock rotor, Saint derailluers front and rear, I would let go for a c note ($100.00). Oh.. and it is all in brand new, unridden condition.

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"Give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and
feed him for a lifetime. Teach a man to cycle and he will realize
fishing is stupid and boring."
--Desmond Tutu

Hey Los!
I built my KHS from parts from my hardtail and didnt need any special tools (Had the BB installed at a shop). Like the guys said, knowing every inch of your bike helps, and doing it yourself lets you go through trial and error to learn how to adjust/repair on the trail. THese guys will help you so build it! You have your own personal bike-expert army backing you up here!