Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Building a rigid 29er

Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
C

cbump

· Registered
Joined
·
14 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I ride normal, mostly easy dirt single track in the Dallas/Fort Worth area and already have a bike (Trek X-Caliber). Bike is lower end and suits me well for the trails around here as they aren't really technical or anything. Bike I have now has Acera groupset and basically all low end stuff.
So now that you know what I ride now and sort of where, let me tell you what I was thinking of doing.

I found some frames from On-One for like $200 bucks and was thinking about building a rigid bike just for fun over the next year or so. I've never heard of On-One but assuming they are decent, I'd like to build something better than what I currently have for as cheap as possible.

With that in mind, can someone give me an idea of cost to do this with mid-level but decent components?

What do you think?


PS: Since I already have a bike, I'd rather not be told that I would be better off just buying another bike. Like I said, this build will also be for the fun of it. I only care about getting an idea of the cost because if it is a guarantee that I am looking at $1500+ for a decent rigid bike then I won't even get started.

Thanks
 
#3 ·
building your first bike is a fun project. you'll learn a lot along the way. if your not in a hurry, and source good used parts where you can, you can end up with a quality ride on a reasonable budget.

you'll need to buy a few tools, and rely on a local bike shop for a handful of installations and some odds and ends.

depending on how you go about it i would expect it to cost $500-800. My first build was a rigid SS 29er and i spent ~$750. Used Frame $250, used wheels $250, fork, bars, cranks, saddle/seatpost, brakes, pedals, grips, etc. it adds up in a hurry.

you'll need to do quite a bit of reading. you'll need to be able to identify and understand all the bits mentioned in this article which is for a cyclocross bike, but it's the first thing that came to mind. https://www.cxmagazine.com/cheapbike it's not really reasonable or practical to ask someone to spec every last part you'll need. do the research, start with the frame (On One has a few nice frames for really reasonable prices) and select the parts you need as you go.

ebay, craigslist, Pinkbike, and LBS are your best bet for parts.

if all sounds overwhelming, or too expensive, or whatever, you could probably pick up an old Monocog or something for $300 and just upgrade the parts you want. there's lots of great used bikes out there for cheap and it will cost less to buy a complete bike.

good luck.
 
#4 ·
Rigid and singlespeed go hand in hand, IMO.
No shifter, derailleur, cassette...
Decent pedals and aluminum bars can be had cheap; check with a LBS for takeoff stem, saddle, even wheels.
Buy tools as you go. I do everything except build wheels, having discovered that tools often cost less than you'd pay just for labor.
This is all simple stuff. Aside from bleeding brakes and working on wheels, it's about as complicated as changing a light bulb, because you're basically just screwing/unscrewing one thing or another.
Youtube, Park Tool's site, or just reading the product manuals have answered any questions I've had along the way.
Good luck with your bike:thumbsup:
 
#5 ·
If you really are into bikes, then this will be a fun and interesting project for you, if not, it could be a deep money pit. First YOU need to do LOTS of reading and research and learn all about components, brands, the difference between those tiers and what parts really benefit from higher spec vs those that only gain marginal improvement for a higher spec/$$ part. You need to learn the product tiers of the manufacturers, figure out which you might like best by visiting a few shops and trying a few bikes with different brands parts on them.

I'd say if you have a $200 frame already lined up, then you should be able to build a very nice complete rigid for <$1k, but you'll have to spend lots of time and have patience to snag deals. Me personally, I'm still a fan of 2x drive trains and like Shimano and these days would consider their Deore 10spd stuff a minimum starting point if you're going to be trying to put together a worth while build that will be an upgrade over your X-Cal.

Check sites like JensonUSA, and Chain Reaction Cycles for great deals on parts and sometimes complete build kits. Visit Park Tool and read through their workshop tutorials, they have everything from the most basic to some very complex stuff covered. For tools you're not going to need anything really specific unless you plan to do this on a regular basis, best to find a friend or person you ride with who's into it and has the tools or go to a shop. Go to the shop you bought your X-Cal from, chat with the mechanics, they might offer some good insight and they may even have leads on new take offs from bikes customers bought and wanted to upgrade right out the box.

Biggest thing is to have patience, do your research, learn a lot and have fun.
 
#6 ·
You can make your X-Caliber a rigid bike.

I am currently converting mine to rigid singlespeed. I bought it as my re-entry to MTB, and quickly moved to a race-worthy XC bike. I wanted to give the X-Cal a purpose beyond a 10 pound overweight geared bike, so for me singlspeed made sense. Maybe you go 1x.

First order of business: FORK! I replaced the almost-5 pound boat anchor XC30 with a nice Niner carbon rigid fork and it totally transformed the bike. I went with a tapered steerer, which required the Cane Creek Conversion for the lower bearing. No big deal. I got the fork on closeout for about $170. This dropped over 3.5 lbs.

1x drivetrain - This drops a bunch of weight and clutter. Sounds like where you ride you could go 1x10, which is a pretty cheap buy from Jenson. Just north of $200 for a nice XT group last time I checked.

OR Singlespeed - drop maybe another pound beyond 1x10.

Budget permitting: Wheels - The wheelset spec'd on the X-Cal 7 (the 2015 version anyway) is 2300g. You can drop an easy 1.5 pounds (including tubeless conversion) for a relatively low amount of money. This is next on my list.

Do the things above and you've got a ~21-22 lb bike for not too much money.

The X-Cal frame is more than capable and worthy of building up, in my opinion.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
*OneSpeed* said:
building your first bike is a fun project. you'll learn a lot along the way. if your not in a hurry, and source good used parts where you can, you can end up with a quality ride on a reasonable budget.

you'll need to buy a few tools, and rely on a local bike shop for a handful of installations and some odds and ends.

depending on how you go about it i would expect it to cost $500-800. My first build was a rigid SS 29er and i spent ~$750. Used Frame $250, used wheels $250, fork, bars, cranks, saddle/seatpost, brakes, pedals, grips, etc. it adds up in a hurry.

you'll need to do quite a bit of reading. you'll need to be able to identify and understand all the bits mentioned in this article which is for a cyclocross bike, but it's the first thing that came to mind. https://www.cxmagazine.com/cheapbike it's not really reasonable or practical to ask someone to spec every last part you'll need. do the research, start with the frame (On One has a few nice frames for really reasonable prices) and select the parts you need as you go.

ebay, craigslist, Pinkbike, and LBS are your best bet for parts.

if all sounds overwhelming, or too expensive, or whatever, you could probably pick up an old Monocog or something for $300 and just upgrade the parts you want. there's lots of great used bikes out there for cheap and it will cost less to buy a complete bike.

good luck.
Click to expand...
Thank you. Sorry for the delayed response. Appreciate the help. I'll definitely check out the link.

As far as asking someone to spec every part, I really just meant that if someone happened to say, for example, $300 for drivetrain, to also tell me what model they had in mind for that price. That way I'll know where they are coming from. Sorry if my post was confusing.

I'm looking forward to getting something started!
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
OwenM said:
Rigid and singlespeed go hand in hand, IMO.
No shifter, derailleur, cassette...
Decent pedals and aluminum bars can be had cheap; check with a LBS for takeoff stem, saddle, even wheels.
Buy tools as you go. I do everything except build wheels, having discovered that tools often cost less than you'd pay just for labor.
This is all simple stuff. Aside from bleeding brakes and working on wheels, it's about as complicated as changing a light bulb, because you're basically just screwing/unscrewing one thing or another.
Youtube, Park Tool's site, or just reading the product manuals have answered any questions I've had along the way.
Good luck with your bike:thumbsup:
Click to expand...
Really appreciate it. At first I thought about building a hardtail with front suspension but a rigid really intrigues me.
As far as single speed though...lol
I've never ridden one. How are they on the trail? I guess I hadn't even considered it. What are the pros?
 
Discussion starter · #9 ·
LyNx said:
If you really are into bikes, then this will be a fun and interesting project for you, if not, it could be a deep money pit. First YOU need to do LOTS of reading and research and learn all about components, brands, the difference between those tiers and what parts really benefit from higher spec vs those that only gain marginal improvement for a higher spec/$$ part. You need to learn the product tiers of the manufacturers, figure out which you might like best by visiting a few shops and trying a few bikes with different brands parts on them.

I'd say if you have a $200 frame already lined up, then you should be able to build a very nice complete rigid for <$1k, but you'll have to spend lots of time and have patience to snag deals. Me personally, I'm still a fan of 2x drive trains and like Shimano and these days would consider their Deore 10spd stuff a minimum starting point if you're going to be trying to put together a worth while build that will be an upgrade over your X-Cal.

Check sites like JensonUSA, and Chain Reaction Cycles for great deals on parts and sometimes complete build kits. Visit Park Tool and read through their workshop tutorials, they have everything from the most basic to some very complex stuff covered. For tools you're not going to need anything really specific unless you plan to do this on a regular basis, best to find a friend or person you ride with who's into it and has the tools or go to a shop. Go to the shop you bought your X-Cal from, chat with the mechanics, they might offer some good insight and they may even have leads on new take offs from bikes customers bought and wanted to upgrade right out the box.

Biggest thing is to have patience, do your research, learn a lot and have fun.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the reply. You're right about needing to do my research. I have done way more triathlons and road riding than mountain biking so know the component tiers for those bikes, but when it comes to acera, altus, deore, xt, etc. I couldn't tell you much haha.
 
Discussion starter · #10 ·
smitty39 said:
You can make your X-Caliber a rigid bike.

I am currently converting mine to rigid singlespeed. I bought it as my re-entry to MTB, and quickly moved to a race-worthy XC bike. I wanted to give the X-Cal a purpose beyond a 10 pound overweight geared bike, so for me singlspeed made sense. Maybe you go 1x.

First order of business: FORK! I replaced the almost-5 pound boat anchor XC30 with a nice Niner carbon rigid fork and it totally transformed the bike. I went with a tapered steerer, which required the Cane Creek Conversion for the lower bearing. No big deal. I got the fork on closeout for about $170. This dropped over 3.5 lbs.

1x drivetrain - This drops a bunch of weight and clutter. Sounds like where you ride you could go 1x10, which is a pretty cheap buy from Jenson. Just north of $200 for a nice XT group last time I checked.

OR Singlespeed - drop maybe another pound beyond 1x10.

Budget permitting: Wheels - The wheelset spec'd on the X-Cal 7 (the 2015 version anyway) is 2300g. You can drop an easy 1.5 pounds (including tubeless conversion) for a relatively low amount of money. This is next on my list.

Do the things above and you've got a ~21-22 lb bike for not too much money.

The X-Cal frame is more than capable and worthy of building up, in my opinion.
Click to expand...
This is actually not a bad idea.

Has anyone heard of the Hotter n Hell 100 in Wichita Falls? Bike century ride.
Well I am signed up for the triple threat that weekend which also includes a 13 mile mountain bike race. I didn't really consider converting my X-Cal because I was thinking I might need a front suspension bike for that ride?
Anyone race with rigid?
 
#11 ·
My bad, got distracted, when replying and forgot to add the basic tiers for you - old age and ADHD is a ***** :D There is more to it than this, this is the new stuff I listed (for Shimano old as well, has not changed for 8,9,10,11 spd) SRAM has introduced new names for 11 & 12 spd. You can see the SRAM tiers on this page.

Anyways, here they are....
SHIMANO / SRAM - High to low
XTR / XX1
XT / XO1
SLX / GX
Deore / NX

One other suggestion, go visit the PLUS forum and do some reading up on it, for me it is the perfect match to a rigid ;)

cbump said:
Thanks for the reply. You're right about needing to do my research. I have done way more triathlons and road riding than mountain biking so know the component tiers for those bikes, but when it comes to acera, altus, deore, xt, etc. I couldn't tell you much haha.
Click to expand...
 
#12 ·
cbump said:
I've never heard of On-One
Click to expand...
On-One is a great brand, lots of innovative niche products over the years, rider-centric company, great value. I had one and liked it. I think they had US distributors a few years back, not sure about now. Their Inbred had a strong following back when single speeding was more trendy.

cbump said:
As far as single speed though...lol
I've never ridden one. How are they on the trail? I guess I hadn't even considered it. What are the pros?
Click to expand...
Primary pros are FUN and CHEAP, which seems to be what you're looking for. You might look for one used (Sir9, Karate Monkey, El Mariachi, Superfly, Unit, One9). There are currently two Kona Units in the classified at good prices, one stockish, one with a sweet custom build. Among rigid off-road bikes, I think single speeds far outnumber geared ones. Worth considering. I wouldn't be without one. Geared rigid may be a better choice for riding a mix of road/trail/adventure, longer/steeper climbs, etc., but SS shouldn't be overlooked for a fun 2nd bike. And you can add gears to almost any SS later, if you want.
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Good stuff.
After a bunch of reading on rigids Ive decided to convert my current Trek X-Cal instead of having two bikes. The Trek with crappy Suntour fork and components wouldn't probably never get ridden anyway after I built up a better bike. I'm going to have to go geared though.

So what I would like to do is get a rigid fork, 1x10 drivetrain, and go tubeless.

Any recommendations?
 
#15 ·
it's hard to answer any of those questions without knowing what the budget is. what is the maximum you are willing to spend?

a steel frame is a better option for a rigid bike IMO, more compliant. that paired with a carbon fork, wide rims, and tubeless tires gives a really nice ride quality.

check out a Salsa or Surly steel fork or Carver carbon fork if it's in the budget. Shimano SLX/XT clutch rear derailleur and shifter for 1x setup paired with a Sunrace 11-42t cassette, goatlink, and NW chainring.

are you keeping your current wheels? are they tubeless compatible? you considering split tube or buying new wheels?
 
#16 ·
cbump said:
Oh, and probably going to go +.
Click to expand...
wait what? B+? will it fit in your frame?

i think you need to keep reading, pin down what you want and make a plan. it doesn't sound like your current bike is going to get you where you want to be. perhaps you should sell it and put the money towards a bike you want.
 
Discussion starter · #17 ·
*OneSpeed* said:
it's hard to answer any of those questions without knowing what the budget is. what is the maximum you are willing to spend?

a steel frame is a better option for a rigid bike IMO, more compliant. that paired with a carbon fork, wide rims, and tubeless tires gives a really nice ride quality.

check out a Salsa or Surly steel fork or Carver carbon fork if it's in the budget. Shimano SLX/XT clutch rear derailleur and shifter for 1x setup paired with a Sunrace 11-42t cassette, goatlink, and NW chainring.

are you keeping your current wheels? are they tubeless compatible? you considering split tube or buying new wheels?
Click to expand...
My current wheels are not tubeless compatible so I was thinking about buying new, but that would be the last thing.

Budget, don't really have a set budget but would like to convert everything for less than $1000 if possible. Lower the better for quality components.
 
Discussion starter · #18 ·
*OneSpeed* said:
wait what? B+? will it fit in your frame?

i think you need to keep reading, pin down what you want and make a plan. it doesn't sound like your current bike is going to get you where you want to be. perhaps you should sell it and put the money towards a bike you want.
Click to expand...
My bad. If it won't work with this frame, then so be it.
I bet I could only get like $500 bucks for this bike so not worth it to sell, imo.
 
#20 ·
Highly suggest you take look at the Trek Stache5. MSRP is $1580, expect you could get a bit off one, so if you've got $1k, plus can get $500 for your current bike, then you're there ;) With this option you will have an upgraded bikes in terms of parts and you'll have moved to 29+, knowing that all the parts work together, properly and if by some strange chance you still want rigid, you could ask the dealer if they'd take the sus fork in on trade against a carbon rigid.

cbump said:
My bad. If it won't work with this frame, then so be it.
I bet I could only get like $500 bucks for this bike so not worth it to sell, imo.
Click to expand...
 
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
About this Discussion
25 Replies
8 Participants
Last post:
gregnash
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion