Custom bike builds, or "Bara-kan," is a method of building your own unique bike by selecting individual parts around a frame of your choice.

While it's often associated with experienced, knowledgeable riders, many wonder about the cost.

Here, we'll try to put together three patterns: entry, mid-range, and high-end, using ICAN frames.

1. ICAN MTB Frames

Here are three of ICAN's latest MTB frame models.

As always with ICAN, these models offer excellent cost-performance.

The price for a full-suspension model is unbelievably low, and it comes with ICAN's renowned quality.

All models come with a long 3-year warranty.

We'll try building a bike using these as a base, but first, let's explain the frames.

① MTB XC Frame S3 ¥79,439 (tax and shipping included)

As the name "XC" suggests, this frame is designed for cross-country racing.

It's a full-suspension model made from Toray T800 and T1000 carbon fiber.

It's compatible with 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. It weighs 2280g and has a suspension travel of 122mm. A BSA bottom bracket is included.

② MTB Trail Frame P1 ¥74,959 (tax and shipping included)

This is a trail-specific frame.

It's an all-rounder that can handle both urban rides and mountain trails.

It's probably the best choice for enjoyable riding on various terrains.

It uses Toray T700 carbon fiber to achieve both lightness and high rigidity.

It can use 29-inch or 27.5-inch wheels. It weighs 2545g and has a suspension travel of 130mm. A BSA bottom bracket is included.

③ MTB Enduro Frame P9 ¥83,296 (tax and shipping included)

This frame is for Enduro racing.

While not as extreme as a downhill bike, this race focuses on descents, so the suspension offers 150mm of travel. It's designed exclusively for 27.5-inch wheels to handle tough terrain.

It uses Toray T700 carbon fiber, providing ample rigidity and durability to cope with demanding descents. It weighs 2400g and comes with a BSA bottom bracket.

2. Components

From Shimano's representative components, we've selected Shimano DEORE as the entry-grade, Shimano XT as the upper mid-grade, and XTR as the high-end grade.

Even within the same series, there are multiple options, so prices can vary, but we've made calculations based on standard configurations.

① Shimano DEORE M6000

This is a 10-speed rear series. A complete set costs around ¥55,000 (tax included), making it an affordable option.

② Shimano XT M8000 

The XT series has a strong presence, and a complete set costs under ¥100,000.

③ Shimano XTR M9100

This is Shimano's top-of-the-line component. It costs around ¥250,000.

3. Front Fork

In terms of price, they start from around ¥50,000. Some high-end models can exceed ¥200,000.

Just like with rear suspension, the amount of suspension travel varies depending on the intended use, and it's generally best to use front and rear suspension with roughly the same amount of travel.

4. Wheels

For wheels, how about ICAN's carbon models?

The following models are available. All are made of carbon, and the prices are for a set of two, including tax and shipping.

27.5er XC           ¥53,800 

27.5er 35/40mm     ¥59,800

29er XC             ¥53,800

29er 35/40mm       ¥64,130

27.5er F730      　  ¥72,995

AM27.5er 35/40mm　　¥97,515

AM29er 35/40mm    ¥97,515

XC29er Lightweight     ¥122,253

5. Tires

There's a wide variety of tires available, so here we'll only touch on the prices.

The minimum price is around ¥3,000, and the maximum is a little over ¥10,000, but don't forget you'll need two tires (front and rear).

6. Other Parts

① Handlebars 

You can choose from ¥2,000 to ¥40,000-¥50,000.

Starting with aluminum, carbon handlebars become available when you spend over ¥10,000.

While handlebars tend to get wider for competition, be aware that those exceeding 600mm are not allowed for street riding.

② Stems 

Prices vary from ¥2,000 to ¥30,000-¥40,000.

Carbon stems become an option in the mid-price range.

③ Seatposts 

They range from a few thousand yen to over ¥50,000.

MTB-specific dropper posts are available from around ¥30,000.

④ Saddles 

Saddles can be surprisingly difficult to choose. There are various options for cushioning, shape, etc. Prices range from ¥2,000-¥3,000 to over ¥30,000-¥40,000, with a subtle overlap with road bike saddles.

7. MTB Custom Build: Calculating Three Grades

Finally, let's simulate three grades of MTBs.

If you ask a bike shop to assemble it, there will be labor costs, but here we are excluding labor costs from the calculation.

① Entry-Class

・ Frame: ICAN Trail P1      ¥74,959

・ Front Fork:      Approx. ¥50,000

・ Wheels (other brand aluminum):      Approx. ¥20,000

・ Components: Shimano DEORE M6000    Approx. ¥55,000

・ 2 Tires:     Approx. ¥8,000 

・ Other Parts:    Approx. ¥15,000

〈 Total:     Approx. ¥222,000 〉

If you utilize discounts and buy wisely, you could get a full-suspension model for around ¥200,000. Another option would be to add ¥40,000 and upgrade the components to Shimano XT.

② Upper Mid-Class

・ Frame: ICAN XC Bike Frame S3  ¥79,439

・ Front Fork:     Approx. ¥100,000

・ Wheels: ICAN 27.5er XC        ¥53,800

・ Components: Shimano XT M8000     Approx. ¥95,000

・ 2 Tires:     Approx. ¥14,000 

・ Other Parts:    Approx. ¥40,000

〈 Total:     Approx. ¥382,000 〉

Wouldn't you say this is a reasonable price for a model equipped with Shimano XT?

At this class, you'll have plenty of rewarding parts to choose from, and you'll surely enjoy the planning process.

③ High-End Class

・ Frame: ICAN Enduro P9       ¥83,296

・ Front Fork:     Approx. ¥200,000

・ Wheels: ICAN XC29er Lightweight     ¥122,253

・ Components: Shimano XTR M9100    Approx. ¥250,000

・ 2 Tires:     Approx. ¥20,000 

・ Other Parts:    Approx. ¥120,000

〈 Total:     Approx. ¥795,000 〉

If you choose the best parts for everything, you'll get an ideal MTB for racing.

8. Summary

We hope this has been helpful in understanding the costs of custom bike builds.

Here, we deliberately excluded the labor costs for assembly if you were to commission a shop.

This is not only because there are differences between shops, but also because we hope you will try to assemble it yourself from scratch.

Through this experience, you will deepen your understanding of the bike and be better able to deal with problems.

For an even more wonderful experience!

ICAN continues to evolve with you.

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