According to the Bicycle Association, between 2019 to 2022, bicycle prices have increased by 40 %. It’s true for both mountain bikes and road bikes. Entry-level bike prices have gone up to 50% since 2014. With such a spike in the prices, you are not wrong to think- Is It Cheaper To Build Your Own Bike?
Good question! It depends on who is building the bike. Wait, wait, hear me out! If you are the type of person who prefers high-quality products, certainly your price will be higher as compared to someone who got the products at a lower price.
Sometimes purchasing a bike might be cheaper than building one. Because of the different discounts. So, which is it? Is it cheaper to build your own bike or not? The answer is No. If you are building an entry-level bike, it can be around 50% more expensive than buying one. For mid-range and high-range bikes, this price could be almost 20% more.
Building Your Own Bike – An Overview
Why Building A Bike On Our Own Might Be Expensive?
Let’s begin with the relationship between the manufacturers of bikes and their suppliers. Manufacturers purchase the raw materials in bulk. This reduces the prices they have to pay for the material. If you go out and purchase the same material it will cost you more.
The next thing is that you need tools to build a bike. If you don’t have these tools lying around in your garage already, you’ll have to buy them. That just adds to the cost. If you are not careful or don’t have the required skills to build a bike, you might damage the components. So instead of saving money, you might end up paying more.
Ready to build your own bike? Check out our step-by-step guide and get started today!
The Pros And Cons of Building Own Bike
Keeping the expense aside, here are some advantages of building your bike.
| # | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | You can create a fully unique bike, incorporating parts from your current bike. The result is a one-of-a-kind masterpiece that no one else can replicate. | Building your own bike can be a costly endeavor. |
| 2 | Avoid compromises made by manufacturers and build a bike with high-tier components of your choice. Enjoy the freedom to customize, resulting in a bike that surpasses the original model. | Researching the right components and specifications can be time-consuming. |
| 3 | Gain an in-depth understanding of how a bike operates, enhancing your ability to identify and address potential issues. Improved knowledge leads to informed decisions, even when upgrading components. | The process involves extensive research, watching videos, and reading guides, which may be considered unnecessary for those seeking a more convenient option. |
| 4 | Develop advanced mechanical skills, enabling you to confidently tackle complex problems. Become self-reliant in repairing and maintaining your bike without relying on external assistance. | First-time builders may encounter errors and mistakes, such as parts not fitting or being unavailable. Patience is required to overcome these challenges. |
| 5 | Experience unparalleled joy and pride by gazing at the bike you built with your own hands. The satisfaction derived from the process and the result is incomparable and deeply rewarding. | Building a bike involves a learning curve, and errors are part of the process. |
Looking for a new project? Build your own BMX bike with our easy-to-follow guide!
Does Bike Building Take A Lot Of Time?
Building a bike takes time. But it depends on your expertise too. If you order a bike from a shop or online, then all you would have to do is assemble it. If you are a beginner, bike assembly will take up to 2-4 hours, for having intermediate skills 1-2 hours, and if you are experienced, it will only take 30-60 minutes.
Building a bike for the first time takes a lot of time. You have to do research, watch videos, and learn by making mistakes. It will take time to learn the skill. In some cases, it even takes days!
Building Your Bike-The Key Steps To Follow
Here are the steps that you will have to follow when building your own bike.
- Installing The Bottom Bracket
- Installing The Headset
- Routing the Brake Cables and Shifting Them
- Drivetrain Installation
- Brakes Installation
- Installing and Adjusting the Saddle and Handlebar
- Mounting The Tires
Don’t want to assemble your own bike? Learn more about Walmart’s bike assembly services and let them do the work for you!
FAQs
Can I assemble a bike myself?
With the right knowledge and tools, you can assemble the bike yourself.
What is the production cost of a bike?
The cost will depend on the type of bike. It can be $50 for entry-level bikes and around $5,000 for a competition-level road bike.
What bike material is expensive?
Titanium is considered the most expensive material.
What is the most expensive part of a bike?
The frame is typically the most expensive part of a bike.
What is the most expensive bike brand in the world?
The House of Solid Gold is generally considered the most expensive bike brand in the world.
Verdict: Should You Build Your Bike Or Buy One?
Building your bike sounds fun. It has its pros and cons. But if you are a casual rider, I’d recommend you just buy a pre-built bike and start riding. This will save you time and money! If you are up for a challenge, then you can try building your bike. It all depends on your interests.
You will have fun whatever you choose to do. See, that’s the thing about cycling! What do you think? Is it better to build your own bike or buy one? Let me know in the comments below!
Also Read
- 14 Reasons Why Cargo Bikes Are Better Than Delivery Trucks
- 7 Things You Need To Know About Cheap BMX Bikes
- Titanium Vs Carbon Fiber Bikes: Choosing The Better Option!
