What would you do, buy new frame and slowly build up or?

[SuperJETT]

I'm planning on buying a Motobecane Fantom DS but trying to decide how to do that.

I have a 99 Gary Fisher hardtail setup as a 1x9 though I do have the front derailleur/shifter also. The front fork is junk, basically a pogo stick. The tires are new, brakes are new but they're rim brakes, not disc.

So, I could save up to get the $1000 version of the Fantom DS http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/motobecane/fantomcomp_ds08.htm which has decent components, or buy just a frame off Ebay for $300, move my components over (buy disc brakes) and slowly upgrade stuff like the fork, etc. In the end, I'd spend more money but have much nicer components. If I go whole bike, I'd probably just replace the tires/saddle and call it good for a while.

 

[Matt_E]

I'd go with the custom route.
I don't know anything about bikes, but I am going through something similar with a gun right now.
Building it yourself gives you some satisfaction, a bunch of knowledge about the components and the process, and probably a ride more customized to your likes.

 

[McDog]

I found something I liked on ebay. Tons of good deals there. I bought a demo 2005 specialized from a shop so I had a warranty. The frame cracked and specialized gave me a 2007 fsr pro stumpjumper frame because that was all they had at the time. Great deal for me. I've upgraded parts as they wear out. I've found that shimano LX level (or equivalent SRAM) parts last the longest. Anything higher level than that will cost twice as much and wear out twice as fast. That is a high price to pay to save a little weight.

 

[norcal ex]

you ever try the older model specialized enduro? you should give it a try. amazing bike and you can pick up a complete used one with great components for under 1000!! i think 05 and older is the frame style. amazing amazing bike!

 

[Flash-FX]

I'd go with the custom route.
I don't know anything about bikes, but I am going through something similar with a gun right now.
Building it yourself gives you some satisfaction, a bunch of knowledge about the components and the process, and probably a ride more customized to your likes.

X-2 I build my own bikes up from scratch, from lacing the wheels to fixing the grips. You can save some loot and learn at the same time. If you guys want to mess with this bike building/detail stuff, here's a good site to check out.....http://www.sheldonbrown.com/. Tons of good info.

 

[Big Kahuna]

http://bobs-bicycles.com/product/08-titus-rx-1-frame-2094.htm
http://bobs-bicycles.com/product/09-marin-mount-vision-5.8-frame-oe-2639.htm
http://bobs-bicycles.com/product/08-khs-xc-604-frame-w-rockshox-ario-2.1-shock-oe-1852.htm
http://bobs-bicycles.com/product/09-khs-xc-team-frame-oe-42604-1.htm

Honestly, I not a fan of the Motobecane's or Bikes Direct.

Right now is a great time to buy new bikes at shops, they are trying to get ride of their 09's and have them marked down.

If you go the build route, I have a set of new Mavic Crossride Disc that only have about 8 or so rides on them that I would make you a great deal on.

Look around for Trek EX 7's marked down or a GF HiFi. The Giant Yukon FX is pretty good but the front fork is just OK.

 

[SuperJETT]

Isn't it ironic that the bike I bought has one of the frames you suggested down to the color?

 

[Big Kahuna]

Yeah. I smart like that!!!!!!!!!!! I can read your mind!!!!!!!!!!!!!!