In this video I am restoring and modifying an old broken 90’ hybrid. It is done on a budget and as part of a cheap bike build-off challenge.
I also have an idea I am keen to try but I am not sure if it will work.
Rules of the Cheap Bike Build-off 2025 are:
$150USD budget, convert to your local currency if not in the US and you have that much to spend.
No knock off parts. No AliExpress, Amazon, Temu or anything of the sort. This is supposed to be a contest showing off what old bikes and parts can do. Buying parts online is ok from reputable brands.
You are allowed stuff from your parts bin, however you must assign a reasonable price to them, relative to your local market.
Labour costs do not need to be applied to the final build cost.
My final costs:
$150 USD is about $240 aussie dollars
Giant Farrago, 90’s hybrid
Bike - $40 (Western Australia FB marketplace)
Rear wheel, tyres, stem and stem shifters - $50 off FB marketplace
Front wheel - original (came with the bike)
Levers, calipers and pads - original
Chain - original
Cables and housings - original
Cranks and chainring - $20 (estimate based on FB marketplace)
Derailleur - $20 (estimate based on FB marketplace)
Handlebars - $10 (estimate based on FB marketplace)
Seatpost - $10 (estimate based on FB marketplace)
Grips - $16
Saddle - $10 (I bought 5 for $50 as NOS from FB marketplace)
Pedals - $20 (estimate based on FB marketplace)
Horn - $10 (estimate based on FB marketplace)
Random colorful bolts - $10 estimate (leftovers from eBay)
Total cost: $206 AUD ($130 USD)
Those were the prices based on CBBO rules.
In reality the cranks, handlebars, derailleur, seat post, and pedals all came from free, verge pick up bikes.
My total cost: $126 AUD ($78 USD)