Building a Bike Advice

[John Shingler]

Hi,

I fancy building a bike …a bike for winter (that’s all the excuse I need) and I came across this thread http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/croix-de-fer-56cm-ultegra.137104/ This bike really caught my eye and I’ve checked the Genesis web site and they seem to sell a frame only. I’ve done some searches on building a bike, here and net in general but any advice would be appreciated. Tools required, the basic steps and order of building, what to pay particular attention to. Any good books to refer to?

Thanks

 

[Spoked Wheels]

I've built a few bikes and it's not difficult. You do have to invest on a few tools though and some of them you will not use very often. You do need to consider the cost because that is money that you might not recover. I'm thinking in things like headset pressing tool. Most of the other you will use again at some point, perhaps when doing maintenance.

The other thing to consider is the cost of components. For example a fully built 105 or Ultegra bike generally will cost lest to buy than to build. The price of components and frame normally adds up to more of what you pay for an already built bike, unless you go for second hand parts.

On the plus side there is the enjoyment of picking up the parts and riding a bike that you put together yourself. You can also have a choice where to put the money from the start. You can decide that the frame would be a good one which you might want to keep for a long time or perhaps go for better and more expensive wheels. The last new bike I bought went through changes, Saddle, forks, pedals, handlebars and wheels. I felt that was money wasted as I never recovered all the money.

Good luck

 

[John Shingler]

thanks ...I was looking forward to the enjoyment of riding something I built myself and the fact I can choose the components.

 

[fossala]

Anything you need to know about the build just ask. The bike isn't in my hands anymore, @bromptonfb has it. Either me or him should be able to answer everything about it.

 

[accountantpete]

Basic assembly is pretty straightforward - most modern headsets don't require a headset press so all you are likely to need are hex keys, cable cutters BB tools (depending on the BB) and a cassette lockring tool.

The trick is to get the right bits -so research and ask questions before buying as you are doing.

 

[fossala]

Basic assembly is pretty straightforward - most modern headsets don't require a headset press so all you are likely to need are hex keys, cable cutters BB tools (depending on the BB) and a cassette lockring tool.

The trick is to get the right bits -so research and ask questions before buying as you are doing.

I used a headset press for the cdf/chris king, it was a tight fit. I wouldn't want to do it without one.

 

[John Shingler]

Basic assembly is pretty straightforward - most modern headsets don't require a headset press so all you are likely to need are hex keys, cable cutters BB tools (depending on the BB) and a cassette lockring tool.

The trick is to get the right bits -so research and ask questions before buying as you are doing.

Yes, the right bits to match is my main concern.

 

[PpPete]

Yes, the right bits to match is my main concern.

You certainly do need to know your way around the various compatibilities/incompatibilities before you start.
I've built up more than a few machines and there's always something that don't go right even if it "should".
Struggling at the moment to get a front mech to get far enough outboard before the swing arm hits the frame.... gggrrr !
May have to buy another (shorter) Campag BB, or compromise my principles and put a (whisper it) Japanese mech on an Italian bike.

 

[Venod]

Never used a headset press, a soft mallet or threaded bar with large washers has done the job for me.

 

[John Shingler]

I don't mind buying the tools ...love tools, all part of the attraction of building.

 

[screenman]

Headset parts in the fridge over night and warm the frame with a hair dryer or suchlike, as easy as bob's your auntie.

 

[John Shingler]

i've watched a vid and that shows you facing the headtube ...is that a must?

 

[accountantpete]

i've watched a vid and that shows you facing the headtube ...is that a must?

Basically a some frames are sold as produced with minimal tarting up. In these cases you find yourself having to ream the headtube to the correct diameter to accept the top and bottom cups and also face the tube off as well. If that is the case then the BB shells may also need facing off!

Most frames are prepared with all this done for you. Just make sure that the frame that you buy has this already done AND includes the correct headset.

BTW - the Genesis bike has an old fashioned "traditional headset" so you will need to either press the cups in or knock them in with wood.

 

[John Shingler]

OK, it's the group set that really baffling me at the moment. This is where I'm starting to build my list from bottom bracket out. I can buy as a set but they all seem to have brakes included and I want disc. My thoughts on buying as a set are that they will be compatible and if I buy separate components they may not be. I also want something that has a retro-ish look to suit the bike but willing to compromise on this for quality/function.

 

[boydj]

I've built (and rebuilt) a couple of bikes now. Parts have been bought in sales over time, rather than going down the groupset route. You just need to make sure your shifters and mechs are compatible, but otherwise you can mix and match to some extent, e.g. I've got an Ultegra chainset & bb on a mainly Campag bike.

I did get the lbs to do a couple of specialized jobs - headset fitting and cutting down the forks once I was comfortable with the height of the handlebars. There's nothing really difficult and the tools you need will be used again and again. Trickiest bit I found was cutting cable outers to size - measure twice, cut once.