To Build or To Buy

I am looking at getting a new fixed/ss, but I find myself dithering a lot about whether to just buy one from a decent shop, or to find a good frame and then attempt a build.

My first question is what kinda frame to keep an eye out for if I was gonna try to build one up.

For example these two are currently listed on lfgss

http://www.lfgss.com/thread101230.html

And

http://www.lfgss.com/thread100799.html

Do I go nice retro steel frame or for a similar price, something like a Leader Heritage?

Obviously a lot of this stuff comes down to personal taste, but just posting to see what experiences people have had, or what preferences you've got, or if there's pros & cons to be pointed out.

I've been riding fixed for about 5 years, road bikes since about '95, but I was never very mechanically minded. I just rode the beasts. So any opinions/insights welcome.

Cheers

Paul

Leader = Shite
Bob Jackson = excellent.

Fixed/SS a piece of piss to setup, with access/purchase of a couple of tools.

Get the Bob Jackson.

Ha, ok. Ignore Leaders then.

So picking up something like the Bob Jackson, if (as I expect I would) I totally failed to build it myself, is it gonna be cost effective to take it somewhere like Harry's to have it built up?

Or do you reckon I'd end up paying more than what I would for buying an OTP fixie from a decent shop?

Initially you'll need to buy the relevant bits, wheels and tyres. BB, Cranks, chain, cogs (fixed or free), chain, bars, brake, seatpost and seat. You'll help yourself by buying the right bits like.

Look at the for sale thread sfor most of these bits. There are probably people on here who'd put it together for say £20 mebbe.

The only bits that'd really bother me (in terms of fitting) would be BB and cranks methinks.

I suppose the point of putting one together yourself though is to get the bike bob on. Excuse the pun. I mean, if I was doing that, I'd want to get some good gear.

I ride a Langster at the moment, which is ok as far as OTP goes, but I wanna upgrade.

Bargains to be had on ebay or better off on here for picking up frames?

id be more than happy to help you put a bike together fella .!!!!

In North Manchester Middleton

Thanks for the offer, will keep that in mind.

I've just built up a bike with relatively little experience, it's a piece of piss and great fun.

Find a frame you like and put parts on it that you like the look of or are good quality/what you can afford, something you build is always more gratifying to ride/drive than something you buy, if you buy a full bike your always going to want to change parts anyway, otp bikes are built with bad quality parts for the price of the bike, I have a fuji feather which since buying have changed seat, seatpost, stem, handle bars, brake lever, grips, tyres and pedals. Soon to put a set of v-sprint set of wheels on when funds allow :)....good luck with your build.

Aye, cheers, am set on buying a frame now and building up. Missed out on the Dave Lloyd that was in the 'ebay finds' thread yesterday.

But aiming higher now :)

I don't really see how leader is shit and bj is excellent. Don't they make the cheapest lugged frames and custom geos and use really shit paint and have stories of rubbish cx?

The point of building is like you mentioned getting what you want. Nout wrong with alloy frames. I'd compare the properties of materials and then geo and looks before just deciding on a brand.

BJs are always excellent.

BJs are always excellent.

Tell that to Tulisa.

+1 ^

Does she ride?

Does she ride?

Yeah, but she doesn't seem to like helmets.