I recently built a hardtail including headset, starnut and crown race installation. You may need some special tools for the bb, but I installed the starnut and crown race with a screw driver and patience. Just take your time and use common sense.
I've been building up from the frame for years; it's no big deal and VERY satisfying to configure your ride EXACTLY the way you want it. After you discover how easy it is, you'll smile at others who settle for compromise packages from the manufacturers or pay BIG bucks to have others build their dream bikes for them. You're right about internet deals -- especially last year's stuff -- that's the way to go! Plus, if it's the not the very latest widget, chances are there are lots of credible reviews accumulated here at MTBR, so you can make informed choices and not be a victim of so much marketting. For the things you might not want to purchase specialized tools for -- since you'll use 'em so rarely (like a widget to knock in a star nut or press a headset race 'correctly') -- it's usually not too hard to butter up the boys at the LBS and get 'em to do it for next to nothing, or nothing at all (if you're a really good talker. Just walk in with your frame and headset in hand, looking stupid, and if you're holding something really SWEET like that Turner, usually they'll wrestle it away from to keep you from hurting anything! ;-). The only thing I would CAUTION you about is 'new frame-itis' which can lead to 'all-new-widgets-itis' -- and that can be $$$ real quick! That's always the way it is with custom stuff if you're not shrewd and disciplined about it. And don't forget to check eBay periodically for some trick frame someone ordered but decided not to build because -- hell -- now the wife wants a divorce! ;-)SF Jakey said:How tricky is it to put together your own bike? I've been looking for a 5 spot, but don't want to drop a bundle all at once, so I was thinking of using the parts, except fork, off my 2001 hardtail Komodo and slowly upgrading. Seems like there are a lot of great deals on the internet out there for 1 yr old stuff. The only tricky part seems to be the headset and bottom beacket, and thats only because I haven't taken a bike apart in over 20 years. Also, anyone know of any deals on Turners, like a free fork or store credit deal, something like that? Thanks, I'll post on the Turner board also.
Check down tube size while you're at it, you might need to get a new seat post. I wouldn't bother installing your old BB, unlesss it doesn't have many miles on t. A new one isn't that expensive and they do wear out.ferday said:BB's may or may not fit across onto a new bike, check on that. front derailleurs also may not fit, check on that.
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