Sunday, April 15, 2018

$2,000 Bike Challenge- Dirtbag Edition

 In January there was a article on Pinkbike about the state of bike costs in North America. While it was interesting looking at it from a new bike cost perspective. And left it at that. Or so I thought.

Failing The $2,000 Bike Challenge

First incarnation in 2013


See it kind of connected to some thoughts from a couple of previous conversations about buying bikes in 2017. It resonates with me because I am a Dirtbag Mountain Biker and I have noticed the decline these days of other ways to get the bike of one's "dreams". So channeling both the Dirtbag and the card carrying member of the Retro Grouch Moto Club mindsets thus we come to the,

$2,000 dollar Dirtbag Challenge.

This is the current set up.....

Chromag Samurai Frame       $500
Rockshox Pike 409                $45
Shimano XTR Cranks            $35
Flat pedals                              $20
Time ATAC                           $25
Hope Pro Front Hub               $50
Alex All Terra 650b rim         $20
Shimano Deore rear Hub        $30
Alex AllTerra 650b                $20
Race Face                               $5
Surly Stainless Steel 34T       $10
Chainguide                             $25
FSA BB                                  Free
Enduro BB Bearings              $25
Gravity Dropper                     $40
WTB saddle                            Free
Control Tech Seatpost            $20
WTB Saddle                           Free
Shimano XTR shifter             Free
Shimano XTR rear derailleur Free
Danger boy levers                  $50
Sram cassette                          $20
Sram Chain                            $20
Avid BB7 calipers x2            $30
Suntour Grease Guard HSet  $25
Titec Stem 50mm                  $15
Salsa Salt Flat Bar                 $15
Odi Grips                               Free

And the total is roughly $1,045.

Then also add in the second wheelset  Transition Revolution 26" wheelset acquired for $60. And also add in the MTB Tools 12mm thru axle adapter for $30. Also the old school, crud catcher for $10. And a Roach top tube pad free and a Revelate Feedbag for $40

Winter set up

Total result was about $1,185.

End result of taking my time and not being in a  "Oh..my lordy...so shiny and new...must have the newest shiniest bike and parts" rush is a bike I like. Sure the parts are other riders upgraditis cast offs but the end result is they work well. Sure it took longer and provided no immediate instant gratification.  But the end result is the bike I want and one that I like to ride.


Yep....get what I want for less winning.