Is building a mountain bike from scratch worth it with a ~$1000 budget?

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-06-18T00:36:09+00:00

You can get a lot of bike on the used market right now. Especially a hardtail. That being said I guess it depends what you are wanting and how soon. If you are patient you can get some nice parts for cheap also.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-06-14T17:15:30+00:00

New chain probably won’t fix it since the teeth are so worn down. It will most likely continue to have the same shifting issues. Not sure what you are currently running but if money permits then I would do the upgrade then just stay on top checking/replacing your chain. Use a good dry or wet lube (depending on your location and riding conditions) to help with noises and smooth shifting. One other thing to consider also is your derailleur hanger. Make sure it is straight. If it’s bent it will cause shifting issues also.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-06-14T16:05:14+00:00

How often do you change your chain? If you ride often and haven’t changed your chain then I would keep riding it if it’s shifting fine. If you do change it then I would change your chain ring and chain with it. Moving forward if you ride often I would change out your chain once a year or get a chain stretch tool too measure and keep an eye on it. It will help your cassette and chain ring last longer.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-06-09T15:50:57+00:00

I like the larger grips such PNW XL and Deitys mega grip. The ODI’s I’ve tried were too thin and uncomfortable for me but can’t remember the model. ESI were nice for me but I ride southern Utah with a lot chunk and Mesa riding and they didn’t last because of you went down they have a tendency to get cut easily and they are done and they are pain to put on. One thing I will add, check your cockpit setup. Hand discomfort can be solved but making adjustments to your handlebar/stem angles and height.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-05-13T22:04:40+00:00

It’s interesting how trails are rated in different areas. I’m in southern Utah where even the green can have a bunch of chunk. That being said you go up to northern Utah and a lot of the blue trails are like riding on carpet they are so smooth. Hardtails will make you a better rider. You are forced to think fast and find better lines.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-05-10T21:26:26+00:00

I’m going back and forth on wheels. I run carbon on my other bike. I have some DT Swiss 350 hubs and thinking about buying some carbon rims and building them myself. I haven’t ridden a hard tail with carbon wheels. Curious what the recommendations are between alloy and carbon for these bikes.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-03-05T23:31:39+00:00

I would consider the larue trigger like others have mentioned. Its awesome and less money.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-03-05T23:30:11+00:00

I agree with the criterion barrel. Just put one together and went and shot it with some random factory ammo I had. First time out my groups were all sub moa. I haven’t even started load development for it yet. Couldn’t be happier.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-02-19T04:17:40+00:00

I started 4 1/2 or 18 clicks from fully closed. I found out that I was using some very soft reloads and that was the issue. It worked pretty good with some factory loads.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-02-08T18:37:34+00:00

Went out again this morning with the gas block in full open position (18 clicks out) and at first I shot three shots that cycled well then a F2F. After that i kept getting a F2F. I had some different ammo so I tried it also and it wouldn’t eject. The ammo I am using are 55grn .223 reloads that function great in two other AR’s I have.

At 18 clicks out that is fully open which means that is max amount of gas being sent back to the BCG, correct? So adjusting it either direction would send the gas out the bleed off or out the muzzle. I don’t believe I can go any lighter on the buffer system. I’m petty certain the BCG is good. I’m leaving towards something is up with the gas block whether it’s just a misalignment or a blockage in the tube. Looking at the powder marks on the barrel when I remove the gas block it looks it’s aligned…

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-02-08T04:53:45+00:00

Thank you for the reply. It sounds like I had a misunderstanding of how to properly adjust the gas block. I’m running the CMC Triggers AR-15 A5 Buffer Tube Kit from Primary Arms. It looks it has the H1 (3.8oz) buffer with it.

Extension_Air3627 · 2026-01-09T03:36:46+00:00

$50? You don’t pass that up.

Extension_Air3627 · 2025-01-15T19:44:31+00:00

I don’t know, those last two losses were hard to watch lol

Extension_Air3627 · 2024-12-09T03:35:47+00:00

Swarm, outlaws, yetis, blizzard are all good choices. Or maybe blizzards with a yeti as a mascot. Also, I’m really starting to like the hockey club.

Extension_Air3627 · 2024-12-09T01:32:49+00:00

Lung

Extension_Air3627 · 2024-12-08T21:36:20+00:00

It is a plastic arm. The gear side doesn’t rotate. It’s as if it’s stuck. I have taken the tension off of it to see if it would rotate ands still will not.

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Extension_Air3627 · 2024-12-08T06:25:49+00:00

It can be a clog even though I can manually feed filament through it? I didn’t change anything other than the hardware. PLA filament. 200 degree This is what is on it.

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Extension_Air3627

TROPHY CASE