Drip, Drip Or Kaboom By: WriterBob

Not long ago in our Questions Readers are Asking series we talked a bit about the relative merits of buying a frame and building it up vs buying a complete bike. Here is a bit to refresh your memory (I have underlined the relevant portions):
With the Jamis and Specialized, he gets some value benefit by getting a complete bike, since package deals tend to be cheaper. Also, he gets a cutting edge, latest and greatest frame. Conversely, going with the Niner let’s JW pick and choose his components to his exact liking and gets him a time-proven and safe frame material in steel.
There is one critical part of this decision making process we forgot to throw out for consideration and I feel it needs to be addressed; Drip, Drip vs Kaboom.

I had not thought of this until recently, when I started a build from frame up. Enter the Significant Other, or S.O. for short. If you don’t have an S.O., have separate checking accounts, or intend to live as a hermit, feel free to tune out.

I will say up front that my S.O. is incredibly supportive of my biking endeavors – especially considering that I say “bike” and everything after sounds like the teacher on Charlie Brown talking, to her ears. Even so, the parade of confirmation emails and UPS deliveries spread over a number of weeks as each piece, so carefully chosen, arrives, has raised an eyebrow, then a comment, then another comment – something about a drunken sailor. Drip, Drip.

Compare this to when I arrived home with my fully built pride and joy that cost more than many used cars.  I confessed to my S.O. that it was slightly over budget to a raised eyebrow and look of horror. Kaboom! However, I immediately began explaining all the wonderful features it had. As I spoke, saying “bike” as frequently as possible, her eyes began to glaze over and she lost interest somewhere around adjustable suspension travel.

Drip, Drip vs Kaboom. When pondering the relevant merits of a frame-up build vs a complete bike, I would recommend considering what other non bike related things may need to be taken into account. Just as you have to decide on the geometry and features that best suit your riding style, you may also need to take into account which works better for you, drip drip, or kaboom.

By: WriterBob

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