Velo you dont need to win lotto to build a Fat bike, as has been explained on the other forum its only just marginally more expensive than building anything else. If you shop around and build it bit by bit it can actually be cheaper.
I'm certainly not graced with much money to spend on the bikes and as such mine has taken me around four months or so and has certainly not been too bad, cost wise. I sold a lot of my other stuff to be able to do it as I certainly didnt have the cash to spend. I picked up my frame,fork, complete wheel and rim for under £300, a cheap crank in the CRC sale along with race face stem, indulged in a new set of H bars, on sale along with a new Surly rear SS hub, both very cheap/help out deal from Jelle at Singlespeed central, along with the tyres and I'm still coming in under £560
I borrowed my BB5's from the 1X1 until I can buy a set of brakes, If I used standard bars and a deore hub, even new I would be well under £500. Mines the same as my 1X1 as a budget build and it rides sweet and I love it.
I looked at building a Fat front end for the 1X1 from new parts and I couldn't even do it for what I got the PugsF&F and wheel/rim secondhand.
I dont normally post what anything cost me but you seem to keep mentioning how expensive, luxurious, how you have to be rich, on a high salary type thing and I just wanted to show you it can be done cheaply. I know I got lucky with my job lot with the wheels but they do come up. I put mine in the loft when I got it as I just managed to get it but couldn't do anything else until I had sold some of my other stuff, bikes pay for bikes and all that. Plus if the lads know your looking for something, especially on here then everyone who can help will, Gaz, Kaiser and a few others have certainly helped me out.
And the Fats not instead of a retro bike, its alongside the retro bike, a time for everything (as long as its singlespeed
), except my 88 Stumpy, as it came with gears
I know you love tinkering and trying out designs which is always good but if the cost of a manufactured fat bike build is whats holding you back, its not any different to any other build, basic or bling its whatever you want.
If you put up a wanted ad you may be suprised with whats offered.
I look forward to riding with you again whatever you build, whatever you ride.
Jamie