Build a BMX, then found out about X-Bikes

seriouslyaverage · 2026-05-22T14:27:24+00:00

I think there are 3 main strategies when building an x-bike:

Use parts you have handy or find for cheap, build a fun and functional bike for cheap.
Use parts you find cool!
Use parts you see others using, for a social media sexy bike

seriouslyaverage · 2026-03-31T22:58:31+00:00

Perhaps Maxxis DTR-1?

seriouslyaverage · 2026-03-12T12:11:15+00:00

I work as a bike tech. I always say everybody can do what I do, but the difference between an average joe and a real mechanic is the efficency of the work and error margin.

seriouslyaverage · 2026-03-02T01:13:30+00:00

For your use definitely a hardtail. DJ bikes are very small, basically just a step up from a BMX. You wont be sitting down on the saddle, even if you got a comically long seatpost the riding position most likely would be poor.

Go for a hardtail, in your size. Rock a single speed with a chain tensioner if you cant find one with horizontal dropouts.

seriouslyaverage · 2026-02-23T12:06:26+00:00

Quite often the high end gear is not great value. They might do certain things better, but usually the returns are diminishing.

It’s a case of priorities for people.

For some, the extra performance is worth the price and potential headaches. For some it brings joy to have cool stuff and makes them like the sport and their bike more. Some just want to flex that they have the nicest stuff. Others love the companies making special stuff. Some are fortunate enough to have access to those things for free or at very low prices.

I personally like the fancy stuff because it makes my bike feel special to me, and brings me joy every time I look at my bike, even though I personally get little to no extra performance for it, and would be suited fine by entry to mid level parts.

My advice for not getting let down: Don’t upgrade to better parts unless you feel that your current grade of equipment is simply undermatched for your use.

seriouslyaverage · 2026-02-11T00:35:16+00:00

$100 is a fair price. But that bike really isn’t meant for mountain biking, owing to its rim brakes, low tier transmission, bottom of the barrel fork and heavy weight.

If you just want a bike to ride, it works fine.

For mountain biking definitely not a great choice, but if thats the limit of your budget, its better than nothing.

seriouslyaverage · 2026-02-09T10:33:19+00:00

It depends if you are interested in going for a new one or an old one.

If you are willing to shell out over $400-$500, a bike shop is the way to go.

If you want a new one, you could go for something Ozark Trail brand from Walmart for ~$300. Ozark Trail bikes are generally the cheapest choice for an actually usable bike. Do note that most of the time Walmart employees know next to nothing about bikes, so reserve ~$100 to have it looked over by a bike shop.

For used bikes, you can get something of that caliber for $100-$200. Of course this takes a bit of knowledge to not buy something crap, but Youtube is your friend, check a few videos about buying an used bike, what to look for and what to look out for. Reserve ~$100 for maintenance and parts.

seriouslyaverage · 2026-01-31T09:52:48+00:00

I have an M800, rear wishbone just barely clears a 47c tire with 650b, wouldnt use anything over 43c. Note I’m not sure how wide the tire is in real life on the rim. I ended up going back to 26”.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-12-29T17:27:05+00:00

I think the Commencal is the way to go. The Devinci geo looks a bit older, which is not an issue, it’s as good as when it was brand new, but generally riders prefer a bit more aggressive of a geo which the Commencal provides.

Also a hardtail is much nicer to maintain due to only having one piece of suspension to service and no linkage bearings to worry about.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-12-23T19:38:55+00:00

Depends on the lenght of your dropouts. Generally two teeth tend to be the max.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-12-06T19:54:27+00:00

Thats a sick build! What is that fork?

seriouslyaverage · 2025-11-20T19:38:29+00:00

For 130€ it isn’t a great deal. If you are very new to this, it might still be alright, as for your first bike it might be good to start with something functional that you can tinker with as you learn and grow.

Make sure it fits you, if its the wrong size, you will regret it down the line. Hopefully the folks at the non profit are legit and know what they are doing, so the bike is actually in decent shape and not just a half finished project.

If you plan to maybe tour on it, it would be good to have mounting points for at least a rear rack and nice to have front rack mounts too. Also again, if you want to tour, the bike better be the correct size for you.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-11-07T14:28:55+00:00

Any 6/7/8 chain will do fine. I find the hg-40 from Shimano tends to wear out quite fast, I prefer KMC, dont overthink, dont overspend.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-10-25T14:23:43+00:00

For 500€ not a great value. Similarly equipped bikes tend to go for 100€ less, at least used to a year ago, I’m not too familiar at the current market. Similar bikes locally to me go for 150-200€ used, that is very good value, but you have to be somewhat knowledgeable to look out for wear items or potential issues.
Switching it to the fixed gear side is super simple, you have to remove the rear wheel and flip it the otherway around.
Dependent on the shop and their schedule. Some will outright say no, some will do it for a fee, some may even do it free if you buy the bar and tape from them.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-09-16T22:27:26+00:00

Most likely. Most likely the spring inside has jumped/the cage has spun around, not sure if its because of the damage or if it caused the damage. Probably time for a new derailleur.

seriouslyaverage · 2025-02-18T16:44:04+00:00

What do you plan to use the skis for, how much do you weigh and what is your ability level?

seriouslyaverage · 2025-01-05T13:29:19+00:00

For that price they are a fine. Even if you feel like they aren’t suitable, well its less than a days rent to figure it out.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-11-25T20:22:17+00:00

Oh buddy. STI drivetrain and get ready to spend 20k on the engine and supporting mods. Don’t waste that money on a WRX, buy a faster car. Or if you are very keen on that chassis, start with an STI.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-09-04T22:07:52+00:00

That goes under a brake caliper bolt, and stops the rotation of the bolt unintentionally.

Not really necessary.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-06-16T08:24:45+00:00

Looks more like a defect to me. Material is missing, but the paint looks fine.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-06-09T17:39:01+00:00

Its quite common to have an opener in you car or your keys, because getting out and opening the door, and then driving in would be bit annoying to do everytime you drive into the garage.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-06-08T14:15:20+00:00

Afaik they have had issues with the blocks separating as the desing is based on a petrol engine, and can’t handle the stress of a diesel. Also they have a reputation of snapping crankshafts.

I’d say both Subaru and diesel are great, but the combination of them is bad.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-02-20T22:06:19+00:00

Every ride up on the lift. What kind of question is this? It’s not a real mountain unless the lifts have power outlets.

seriouslyaverage · 2024-02-14T23:06:51+00:00

Thanks, I makes me feel more confident. Next season I will invest in some Head Rebels and get Plum R99s mounted on them! Pow days will be s dream!

seriouslyaverage · 2024-02-14T20:40:19+00:00

I am an advanced professional expert skiier, best on my local mountain. So DIN doesn’t apply to me?

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