Is It Cheaper to Build Your Own Bike?
Building your own bicycle from scratch may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually not as difficult as you might think.
Plus, there are some definite advantages to building your own bike rather than buying one off the shelf. The most important advantage is cost.
By carefully selecting each individual component and sourcing them at the best possible price, you can easily build a high-quality bike for half the cost of a comparable store-bought model. Let’s take a closer look at the numbers.
The Cost of Building a Bike
Assuming you already have all the necessary tools, the cost of building a bike from scratch will be determined largely by the cost of the components. For this exercise, we’ll build a simple road bike with mid-range components.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and what you can expect to pay:
- Frame: $300-$600
- Fork: $100-$200
- Wheelset: $200-$400
- Drivetrain (crankset, chain, cassette, derailleurs, shifters): $250-$750
- Brakes: $100-$250
- Handlebars, stem, and seatpost: $100-$300
- Pedals: $50-$100
- Tires: $50-$100
Total Cost: $1,350-$3,050
As you can see, even on the high end, you’re looking at less than $3,500 for a complete bike. And that’s before taking into account any discounts or sales you might find on components.
To put that number in perspective, it’s easy to spend over $5,000 on a store-bought road bike—and that’s without any upgrades or customizations.
When you factor in all the money you save by building your own bike, it’s easy to see why this is such a popular option among cyclists.
Conclusion
If you’re considering taking up cycling or upgrading your current bike, building your own bicycle from scratch is definitely worth considering.
Not only will you save hundreds—if not thousands—of dollars compared to buying a store-bought model, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you built it yourself.
All it takes is some patience and attention to detail, and you’ll be riding the bike of your dreams in no time.
