Finally, a new post! We’ve been busy over at J&H Bags, not leaving as much time for adventures. Anyway, this entry will be about building a budget “gravel” bike, using the kids’ vernacular.

Despite the strong opinions about what you “need” to have a proper gravel grinder, you can build a capable ride out of almost anything. For example, this Trek Multitrack 750 I just built up. Instead of rambling on and on, I’ll just give you the breakdown, with an approximate cost per piece:

• Trek Multitrack Frameset (included a seatpost clamp, fork, and other parts I didn’t use) – $50 on CL
• Nashbar Carbon Fork – $99 on Amazon
• Sun RhynoLite Rims laced to Formula hubs – $89 on clearance at VeloMine.com
• Vuelta crank arms – $20 on eBay, a long time ago
• Shimano BB – $20
• Chainrings – Parts bin
• MKS Sylvan touring pedals – $30
• Shimano Deore MTB front derailleur – $35
• Shimano Deore MTB 9spd rear derailleur -$25
• Shimano Tiagra STI shifter/levers – $100
• Evo Seat post – $13 on eBay
• Tektro 926AL Mini V-brakes -$28 for a bikes’ worth on eBay
• Bontrager 80mm stem – Parts bin
• Selle Anatomica saddle – $159, and worth every penny
• Ritchey 1″ threadless headset – $20
• Assorted headset shims & spacers – $20
• Deda bar tape – $14
• 9 speed cassette & chain – $35
• NOS Hite-Rite – $35

So, the total is about $792, give or take a few dollars. I built this bike up from scratch, meaning I got to choose all the parts, for the most part, and I was picky about a few things. Under $800 for a capable and fun to ride bike? Not bad at all. What’s that? Still too expensive? Gotcha. Here’s a few other options:

• Trek Multitrack, Schwinn CrossCut, or other late 90’s- early 2000’s hybrid bike, complete – $90 – $150 on Craigslist
• Drop bars, levers, cables, tape and bar end shifters – $30 – $100 scouring eBay or CL.
• A decent saddle – $30 – $200 depending on your taste

TOTAL= $150 – $450

OR, let’s say you want a more rugged touring/singletrack/gravel bike, but still using road or dirt drop handlebars:

• 80’s – 2000’s Specialized Stumpjumper, Trek Singletrack, Schwinn High Sierra or High Plains, etc… complete – $50 – $180
• Drop bars, levers, cables, tape and bar end shifters – $30 – $100 scouring eBay or CL.
• A decent saddle – $30 – $200 depending on your taste
• Capable tires (Schwalbe Marathon, Fat Frank, etc..) – $45 – $75 for a set

TOTAL= $155 – $555

You get the idea. This is totally accessible, regardless of your budget.

-J