My New Rig - Thoughts and Suggestions

[fisherbikefreak]

As stated in previous threads, I'm looking to build a decent urban/trail hardtail bike. Here' s one of my current thoughts: the Snipes Elemental.

I can buy a used '04 Snipes Elemental for $1250 (here's the listing (http://www.pinkbike.com/modules/buysell/?op=view&image=77384)).

Or, new:
Frame from Snipes factory $300 shipped
Wheelworld.com freeride buildkit (http://wheelworld.com/site/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2898&Catalog=39&sort=Price) $900
Shipping estimate $100
Kenwoood Cyclery bike build $200

Ballpark Total = $1,500

I know Kenwood probably wouldn't be happy about building a bike that wasn't purchased at their shop. I was just trying to price things for an estimate. This isn't the only bike I'm looking at. Other bikes I'm considering are the Evil Imperial (kind of spendy) or other mass produced bikes simply because of their price such as the Specialized P.2, Giant STP 1 or Diamondback Assualt.

I keep on tossing different bikes around in my head. There's just so many choices. Originally, I was hoping to keep things in the $1000 range -- I'd still like to if the bikes in that range would hold up to some punishment.

Grrr, I wish I could make up my freakin' mind. This thread will be ongoing to help in my dreambike quest.

Thoughts? :confused:

[Magic]

Sean, I'll help save you some money and show you how to build up your bike. It's a great learning experience. The only thing you would need to have done is to have the bottom bracket chased and faced. Also have the head tube faced. Beyond that I have everything to put your new bike together.

Also look at the Banshee Scirocco. I bought one this past summer and love it. Great freeride HT. I got the frame for 535.00. Let me know on the build if you want the help.

[FSSS]

I second the "do it yourself" option.

[Buck]

of the mass produced bikes you are looking at i would go with the p bike or the stp...I've seen both in action they are tough. I would also look at santa cruz...they have a couple nice tough FR hardtails. as for the money...spend a little more now and have a bike that you are happy with...

Dont go cheap on frame fork or wheels, everything eles you will break routinely so go cheap with that stuff. the snipes is a great product i would snatch it up!!!
L8R
Buck

[tedsti]

Vote # 3 for DIY

For the $200 they will charge you in labor, you could buy a stand and a full tool kit and be free from the bike shops grip. Seriously, learn how to do it yourself and you won't have to drop it off, wait 5 days, pick it up....

Facing and chasing the BB - When you buy a bare frame, it should come ready to go. It doesn't, but it should. I don't know why the fram builders don't sell them ready to build. Hell, even charge a $10 fee just to remove their paint overspray.

[manual63]

I like how my P.2 rides, but it is needed some parts upgrades in areas they skimped on. I am getting a new fork because it was equipped with a non-freeride fork that I bent. The brake levers and shifters are Alivio which suck @ss. The hubs are free ball lowend jobbers. I like the bike, but there is a reason I only had to pay $650.00 for it. I would not do it again if I had to do it over. I would build one up like you are doing or pay the money for a better complete bike. The Kona freeride completes look pretty darn good......you might want to look into those.

[fisherbikefreak]

I had a feeling this would be a popular thread. All of us having downtime from our rides and all we can think about are our rides next season. Let's face it, who doesn't like buying and building a new bike! Thanks everyone.

Troy, I think you've offered your assistance in the past when I was dreaming. Surely appreciated, and I'll likely take you up on the offer.

How much should it cost to have the frame prepped for building? A mere pitence I hope. Cheap ass manufacturers. The Scirocco seems like a good option. I was thinking of a bike with a more aggressive geometry, but maybe I shouldn't jump in the deep water of an aggressively designed bike before I know I'll like it? Hmm.

Where can I go to test ride some of the mentioned brands in the cities? I know Kenwood and Gravity Lab should be on my shop visit list. Anywhere else?

I checked out the Trek Bruiser at County Cycles. It seems like an okay bike, but lacking in quality hardware. Too bad, I like dealing with County Cycles.

[fisherbikefreak]

So how do you guys feel about the used Snipes Elemental for $1250?

[manual63]

So how do you guys feel about the used Snipes Elemental for $1250?
I don't know much about the Snipes brand, but it looks like a good deal and I think that bike looked like it was in good shape for a used bike....really good shape.

[Tex]

So how do you guys feel about the used Snipes Elemental for $1250?
I agree with Shad, the bike looks like it's in good shape. You can always buy it as a complete bike and sell off the parts you don't like. Plus, if the person is posting it for $1250, you can always make them an offer for $1000. What's the worst they can say, no? ;)

[manual63]

I agree with Shad
People just have not learned how dangerous this is around here......:laugh:

[Buck]

I've heard nothing but good things about Snipes...cruise some other sites...maybe check nsmb.com...and you get the wow factor...Snipes are hard to come by in the U.S. as far as I know or atleast certainly in the Midwest...

L8R
Buck

[fisherbikefreak]

So I stopped by One On One Bicycle Studio the other day to have a new rim built for the commuter. While I was there I BSed with the guys about the Snipes brand of bike. They had a good point, but one that I'm not sure if it actually affects me. Snipes is small. Small companies come and go. If I buy the bike new for say $2500 that might bother me. However, I am buying the bike used for $1200 (if I get it) and since it's used the warrantee is void anyways. What do you guys think?

Also, I stopped in to Boehms in St. Paul and checked out the new Gary Fisher Biggin's line. This also looks like a viable option. Check it out. http://www.fisherbikes.com/bikes/bike_detail.asp?series=biggns&bike=GED

[fisherbikefreak]

Oh and Shad, I went to One On One because you talk them up so much! We'll see how their wheel holds up!

[KleinCrazy]

Oh and Shad, I went to One On One because you talk them up so much! We'll see how their wheel holds up!
As long as Reed is the one building the wheel, you will never have a problem with it, and if something does come up, the stand by thier work.