Building Bikes

David · Post by **David** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 4:59 pm

How hard is it to actually build a bike? - Ive built computers in 3-4 hours so they can't be that hard can they - im quite technically minded and can solve most problems - it just i would prefer to know that i haven't got some good components mixed up with some really cra**y ones - so i have a more even;y balanced bike.

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:03 pm

Well myself also building computers I find that easy, but bikes I'd say are tricky to build, such as configuring the gears and everything.

You dont want to build the wheels too do you? Now thats tricky!!!

, I tried truing my wheel and it got worse!

David · Post by **David** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:12 pm

Well building computers is usually cheaper than buying them but is that the same with bikes? I

willhub · Post by **willhub** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 5:20 pm

David wrote:Well building computers is usually cheaper than buying them but is that the same with bikes? I

Ah yes apparently it's usually more expensive building bikes than buying them whole.

Andy J · Post by **Andy J** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 6:51 pm

Building bikes is really easy, if you have the correct tools. The mechanics and workings of a bike are really simple, you can see everything that is going on, this enables you to problem solve easily.

Out of interrest what type of bike are you building/ intended use, you can find out what components/ work with other stuff simply by browsing through the internet. Im sure if you have any queries then theres a wealth of experience in the club so posting on here should point you in the right direction.

David · Post by **David** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 7:58 pm

It would be a mountain bike

Dan · Post by **Dan** » Thu Dec 18, 2008 9:16 pm

Building a bike from a box of parts is very straight forward. I have built two bikes recently with no problems and the last time I built a bike was about 18 years ago!

My only advice is plan a methodical sequence, use the correct tools and buy a workstand as it makes building the bike so much easier.

Once built you could always get a bike shop to check it over if you're not totally confident that you put it together correctly.

Last piece of advice, grease everything (except carbon fibre) and don't over tighten any bolts / screws etc. Using a small torque wrench helps avoid this.

PhilBixby · Post by **PhilBixby** » Fri Dec 19, 2008 8:29 am

I built both of my bikes from scratch - main advantage was not cost (as there are all sorts of cheap deals to shift complete bikes off the showroom floor) but getting exactly what I wanted. Plus it's fun, satisfying and if anything conks out, you know how to sort it (or at least remove and replace it!).

As AndyJ has already said, make sure you have, or can borrow, all the correct tools - do not assume you can "make do" or you will knacker things. Do a list of every job, get it into logical order, note tools, fixings, extras etc - you don't want to get halfway and then grind to a halt due to missing one screw when the shops are shut. Make use of websites such as Park Tools or Sheldon Brown and also - some of you will shudder at this - read the instructions!

Generally grease everything unless manufacturer specifically says no. With carbon components, you can get friction paste which helps everything stay put with the correct torque.