Advice Solicitation (Build for 16 year old)

PB Forum :: All Mountain, Enduro & Cross-Country

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Author	Message

vapidoscar

Posted: Aug 19, 2021 at 21:16

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I told my kids I was ready to build a new bike because I want to swap out my fork leaving a perfectly good 29'r fork available for a new bike. I could go for a nice hardtail but my kids are outgrowing their bikes. My daughter bit and I foolishly asked what kind of bike she wanted, hardtail, XC race bike or full suspension trail bike. Of course she wants the trail bike.

Now I knew there was a bike shortage but I didn't realize that extended to frames. Not seeing much on BuySell. So the question is do I buy a decent entry level bike that I can swap the fork out and call it a day or start saving for a new frame and build it right. The big question is can I build something better but cheaper than the most expensive Vitus Mythique (or better enough to justify spending more).

The contenders are a Polygon Siskiu D7 and swap the fork or RSD Wildcat frame-up build. Any other options that I am missing?

gotohe11carolina

Posted: Aug 21, 2021 at 0:13	Quote
Unless you have a full parts bin it is always cheaper to buy a whole bike vs a build. Check out the status. It has a really great build for the money.

vapidoscar

Posted: Aug 21, 2021 at 6:32

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gotohe11carolina wrote:

Unless you have a full parts bin it is always cheaper to buy a whole bike vs a build.

With very carefully shopping of "New Old Stock" and sales this was not always true. For my daughter, I don't want to make the same compromises regarding older geometry. Whole bikes made component choices that I am not down with. These are less of an issue with the new Deore stuff now. With the big exception of forks.

gmoss

Posted: Aug 21, 2021 at 18:53

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When building/getting bikes for my kids I looked for frames and bikes. I built a frame up last year I bought off here. Bought a nice 3 yr old frame and built it with some parts I had and new parts.

Patience ia key.

What budget do you have?

I bought a 17 SC Hightower and used SLX parts to build it up. Ended up with about $2.5k spent, and about $3500 total with parts I had. Course I spent more than I had to on parts.

I have also had good luck with craigslist.

vapidoscar

Posted: Aug 21, 2021 at 20:09	Quote
@gmoss In a perfect world, I would spend 1,500-1,600 because I have the fork already but looks like a bargain on a frame is going to be hard to come by. So I think 2,500 is going to be the spot. Plan to have it done by next season.

gmoss

Posted: Aug 22, 2021 at 4:52	Quote
I think that could be realistic with the right frame, if you can find one used. I also would keep a full bike in mind and upgrade parts as ya need to. I am like you with parts but had to keep in mind my kids did not know or care as long as it worked. My youngest rode a Niner hardtail for a bit, then moved to a 2016 SC Superlight I paid $1100 for. You can always sell the fork if need be.

lookseasyfromhere

Posted: Aug 22, 2021 at 17:02	Quote
Would she rather have a bike now, albeit possibly with lower than your preferred spec, or wait 6-9 months for you to piece together something that meets your preferences?

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