To build or not to build

[CooperS]

That is the question folks.

I have a Marin East Peak 03.

It’s looking very sorry for its self, although not damaged and still in working order. Over the time I’ve had it I’ve changed the headset (Hope) cranks (raceface) and the front fork etc. But little else.

Anyway I was planning on buying a commercial or Santa Cruz and (now in my mind waste) 2k on it. But I can’t justify the once or twice a week 3 -4 hour rides it would be used for.

So my plan is to go to Merlin Cycles and buy a build kit for around £299 (lx components) that includes everything from gearing to wheels. I also got a price for my service on a Fox RC shox for £100 from Mojo suspension (full works rebuild inc pro pedel)

So all in at £400 I would get a perfectly good stead for my rides in my local park, or would I?

Question is...

1) is this false economy and I will end up spending more over time compared to a SC

2) If this frame is good enough is it worth having a lick of paint at the same time and where should it go?
2.1) Everywhere I’ve seen (place in Bristol springs to mind) do road frames not Full Suspension sprays. Can anyone recommend a place to have the work done and what price should I expect?
2.2) My girlfriend’s dad owns a well known coach build/body shop he's offered to do it but admits not doing a full suspension bike (why would he) and wonders if this would have the same rules of spraying and finishing a road frame? I.e. can you use a heat gun ( I think that’s what he would use don’t think he would use a car booth) to set the paint off whilst not affect the bearings etc?

Any info on this would be great

Cheers

Tom

[CooperS]

Bit sad replying to my own thread but anyone have an opinion on what i've put above?

[Scho]

CooperS said:

Bit sad replying to my own thread but anyone have an opinion on what i've put above?

maybe a shiny new santa cruz new bike will inspire you to go riding a bit more!

[CooperS]

Scho said:

CooperS said:

Bit sad replying to my own thread but anyone have an opinion on what i've put above?

maybe a shiny new santa cruz new bike will inspire you to go riding a bit more!

See thats what i thought, i had thought if i get a new bike then i'll head off to europe, conqour the world etc.. but then started to realise that i could do it at a 3rd of the price on my bike and that im strecthed atm with the time i dedicate to cycling...

[WildCards]

I've recently done this albeit I went from a 1998 Klein which I spent a fortune on to a brand new Commencal and the difference is vast, but, if all you do is pootle around the park it may be just enough to revice the old bike.

http://www.argoscycles.co.uk/ - in Bristol will repair and respray any bike frame you give them, and, according to the boys on www.retrobike.co.uk are exceptionally good at what they do. You could completely dismantle (Sp?) the bike for a regular coachbuilders to spray, with no bearings or anything on it, it's just a peice of metal IMO.

Some of the sale bikes at Merlin might be worth a butchers for not much more than your £400.

[CooperS]

WildCards said:

I've recently done this albeit I went from a 1998 Klein which I spent a fortune on to a brand new Commencal and the difference is vast, but, if all you do is pootle around the park it may be just enough to revice the old bike.

http://www.argoscycles.co.uk/ - in Bristol will repair and respray any bike frame you give them, and, according to the boys on www.retrobike.co.uk are exceptionally good at what they do. You could completely dismantle (Sp?) the bike for a regular coachbuilders to spray, with no bearings or anything on it, it's just a peice of metal IMO.

Some of the sale bikes at Merlin might be worth a butchers for not much more than your £400.

Thanks for the link, very useful

Argos has got a few votes, i'll phone them and see what they can do.

[snotrag]

CooperS said:

1) is this false economy and I will end up spending more over time compared to a SC

Depends how much good kit is on your bike. If you end up replacing everything, then yes, you will.. But if most it is still good stuff, then no, it will be cheaper.

CooperS said:

2) If this frame is good enough is it worth having a lick of paint at the same time and where should it go?

Definitely. As long as the frame is not damaged/cracked/dented then theres no reason why not.

CooperS said:

2.1) Everywhere I’ve seen (place in Bristol springs to mind) do road frames not Full Suspension sprays. Can anyone recommend a place to have the work done and what price should I expect?

Have it powder coated. Much better than any paint finish, perfect for a mtb. Strong, durable, and doesnt scratch. Check your yellow pages - my last one cost £90 for main frame, swingarm and rocker assembly, 3 parts.

CooperS said:

2.2) My girlfriend’s dad owns a well known coach build/body shop he's offered to do it but admits not doing a full suspension bike (why would he) and wonders if this would have the same rules of spraying and finishing a road frame? I.e. can you use a heat gun ( I think that’s what he would use don’t think he would use a car booth) to set the paint off whilst not affect the bearings etc?

If your getting it sprayed/powdercoated, you must completely disassemble the frame. Remove the shock then the swingarm then press/punch the bearings out. Remove any stube axles aswell - you need it to be a completely bare frame. You MUST mask it up properly aswell - that includes Headtube, Bottom bracket, Seat tube, bearing seats, axle seats, brake mounts.

Brake mounts, headtube and BB will need facing/reaming aswell afterwards at your LBS. < This is important, dont scrimp on it for the sake of £15 or so

Edited by snotrag on Monday 3rd December 15:41

[CooperS]

snotrag said:

CooperS said:

2.2) My girlfriend’s dad owns a well known coach build/body shop he's offered to do it but admits not doing a full suspension bike (why would he) and wonders if this would have the same rules of spraying and finishing a road frame? I.e. can you use a heat gun ( I think that’s what he would use don’t think he would use a car booth) to set the paint off whilst not affect the bearings etc?

If your getting it sprayed/powdercoated, you must completely disassemble the frame. Remove the shock then the swingarm then press/punch the bearings out. Remove any stube axles aswell - you need it to be a completely bare frame. You MUST mask it up properly aswell - that includes Headtube, Bottom bracket, Seat tube, bearing seats, axle seats, brake mounts.

Brake mounts, headtube and BB will need facing/reaming aswell afterwards at your LBS. < This is important, dont scrimp on it for the sake of £15 or so

Edited by snotrag on Monday 3rd December 15:41

Only prob with that is Marin bearings are seriously hard to seperate and you need to get proper marin tools for doing so (something that was told to me last time i thought of doing it), unlike Specalised bikes etc...

Also does anyone know where i can get cool decals.... i like the look of the iron horse decals they have a rather urban (tattoo) look to them but i havent been able to hunt down a shop that do these? Anyone have a link to a good decal place?

Edited by CooperS on Monday 3rd December 16:01

[snotrag]

CooperS said:

Only prob with that is Marin bearings are seriously hard to seperate and you need to get proper marin tools for doing so (something that was told to me last time i thought of doing it), unlike Specalised bikes etc...

Rubbish. Who told you that - someone who sell thats special tool perchance?

If you've any mechanical skills you'll manage it.

As for stickers - any signwriting place can knock you up some custom vinyl, or Marin will sell you some replacements no doubt.

[CooperS]

snotrag said:

CooperS said:

Only prob with that is Marin bearings are seriously hard to seperate and you need to get proper marin tools for doing so (something that was told to me last time i thought of doing it), unlike Specalised bikes etc...

Rubbish. Who told you that - someone who sell thats special tool perchance?

If you've any mechanical skills you'll manage it.

As for stickers - any signwriting place can knock you up some custom vinyl, or Marin will sell you some replacements no doubt.

Just phoned CycleWorld who are a dealer for Marin and he said i could do it my self doesnt understand why i was told different... lol

Also phoned a local signwritting place and i need to go in and show them what i need doing etc so should get something sorted for the new year at this rate. Just need to find some good artwork....

[pdV6]

snotrag said:

CooperS said:

Only prob with that is Marin bearings are seriously hard to seperate and you need to get proper marin tools for doing so (something that was told to me last time i thought of doing it), unlike Specalised bikes etc...

Rubbish. Who told you that - someone who sell thats special tool perchance?

It's worth looking into a bit further, as Marins of that era did use special bushings (aircraft derived, iirc) so it might not be total bllox.

[CooperS]

Well your kind correct the bearings are a sealed unit so to get them apart is a complete pain but because of this to get the swing arms off isnt that bad just an Allen key and nut. Anyway I'm still in two minds about this. While only spending 750 is all well and good for 1500 or so i could get a brand new marin east peak and can't help but think maybe the rebuild isnt the best thing to do?

[pastrana72]

its a very hard question, that ultimatly you will only know the answer too,

but i would buy a new bike mate, and benefit from newer tech, rather than spend what will escalate in to an expensive rebuild, but if you are really attached to you bike, then spend the wedge on a refurb.

what makes you happy is most important, not what is always the most cost effective or sensible route.

Good Luck anyway,

[Parrot of Doom]

I've always preferred to build my own. Its more fun

[CooperS]

ARGGGHH i'm really torn...

One part of me goes hell why not build your own you can choose the spec keep the costs below £700 etc You even get to paint the frame in whatever you want with whatever decals/artwork you like.

The second part of me is saying ahh but a £1500 marin will be soo much smoother and better looking. Also it will be the most sensible option as it holds the best comprimise

The third part of me is saying F**K THIS go and buy that Santa Cruz for £2300. Not even i can justify it to you but heck you can afford it (atm)why not.... think of the chris king bling(ness)


Usually i'll go option 3 everytime and even if its pushing my limit i'll find away of getting it. But now im properly working and getting this feelng of liking to hold onto my cash a bit longer than i am (am i already getting old)

Thanks for your help, i'll update you all whatever i decide but it really isnt clear cut and i do like options to be defined before i jump in.

Cheers

Tom

[mk1fan]

CooperS said:

and (now in my mind waste) 2k on it.

You've answered your own question there.

As for Argos. They are very good - I've had two bikes sprayed by them and am very happy with the results.