do you guys spend on builds ....I just want to see if I realy am crazy when I need that last part i will spend about what ever it takes to finish but its fun hunting for parts

my builds have been getting more expensive. The most was a custom 09 RL Flite expert 24 w/ carbon cranks, etc. I had about $2,200 in it im ashamed to say. But its for the kids right? Usually try to keep it under $1500.

I am doing a Looptail Floval and so far I have 2300 in parts not counting the F&F witch after powder will be 1100 and then I would still need some small stuff (Grips,Chain,Headset...) so I would say 3500-4000. I spent about 2500 on my XL 24 and I was given the F&F, Bars and Cranks. Most of my builds come in just over 2000 (Don't Tell my Wife She thinks I build them for about 300 bucks. LOL Yeah Right!) . Wheels alone can cost up to 1000+ sometimes, Cranks 500+ and sometimes the hardest parts to find cost a arm and a leg but when you got to have a original set of SE Cruiser bars take the leg and here's a hand to seal the deal! Gotta have them at any cost! I think I am sick but you only live twice I mean once!

I try to keep em under $300. It really depends on the build and the intended use.

I've pretty such given up on NOS stuff. I'd rather use good used parts and not feel like I'm using up NOS parts. Plus, NOS stuff is out of my price range these days.

My PR-240 was about 3400.00 4 years ago, probably be over 6k nowadays....

My bulids now are in the 1500.00 to 3000.00 range.

Wow, good question with great answers.
Thanks for posting.
Mike

Well.....I build Hutches right now.. so a lot would be my guess. I honestly don't even keep track.

I build Profiles.,,.,..,

Do I really have to say the cost.,.,.LOL.

I am fortunate enough to work in the bicycle industry so my builds cost me about $800 to $1050 depending on the parts I decide to use.

With the exception of 3 or 4 bikes, none of my bikes have been over $500 out of pocket and many well below that

Maybe the cost is dependent on the quality of build or number parts necessary too. Photos I have seen on VBMX of some builds are just incredible. My Hutch 24XL on the other hand was a matter of going down into the basement and pulling out the bike that had not been used in 2 decades or so and dusting off parts. New Comp III repops, new aluminum axle nuts to replace the old ones I just stripped and one new John D downtube sticker. Total was well under $100 but it still has war scars on the rims from racing contact, missing some flakes of chrome etc. In a show it would be embarrassed by the builds many of you do.

This photo has been posted before but ...





The other two bikes in the photo were just dusted/washed. The white one shows much race contact, I like it that way and don't plan a rebuild although I really appreciate the beauty and the memories that the $1000+ builds that other people build and then post the photos.

Mike

p.s. maybe this thread is a good place to collect some build photos?

I tend to get myself into expensive builds.
My Cook Bros was the most expensive, and until I find a frame pad, it's still not done.

Let's see:

*Frame/Forks - $350
*re-chrome - $150
*sticker set - $40
*stem - $300
*bars - $400
*seat post - $350
*hubs/rims - $400
*cranks - $250
*pedals - $150
*grips - $125
*seat - $50
*bar/stem pad - $200
*seat post clamp - $400 (!!!)
*tires - $10
*brake shoes - $75
*brakes - $50
*misc - $100

Total: $3000

I try not to think about it.

I also have a GJS and an early Robinson. Those kinda dictate higher end parts.
One other thing working against those of us building 70s bikes is parts availability. It seems like the well has pretty much run dry.

usually around $500 or $750

the most i ever dumped was about $1800 but it had aerospeeds

of course i havent built a old school biker in 8 years so my numbers are all out of whack

Most of my bikes are under $400. A couple have maybe doubled that. And I have a couple in the works that will be substantially more when finished.

I think a really nice old school bike with used parts can be built pretty consistently for $300 with a little time and effort.