e-rider
Banned member
- Location
- South West
well, more assembled than built - buy a bike and take it to pieces and then put it back togtehr again - same joy but much cheaper
Building a Bike Advice
- Thread starter John Shingler
- Start date
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OP
OP
John Shingler
Guru
- Location
- Great Totham
A bit like you did with that word huh
Nigeyy
Legendary Member
- Location
- Massachusetts, USA
I've built quite a few bikes, including wheels too.
Tools? While not a necessity, having a workstand and a well lit area with some space is a huge advantage and makes things much easier. It will also probably save your frame from getting at least one scratch when (not if) it does fall over if you don't have one. It's good to have an internet connection and a computer to ask for advice or research how things are done. However, like I said, both of these aren't necessities though. Other tools* you will need? Well assuming you are using pre-built wheels:
I might have missed something, but I think that covers most of it. You can definitely save some money by getting a bike shop to do some stuff that will be cheaper than buying tools (e.g. facing, race and headset install) unless you want to do it many times over or just want to do it yourself. Concerning order, it's pretty easy -you need to have your bb installed first before cranks (obvious!) or your fork before your headset (again, obvious!). Likewise put your wheels in before adjusting brakes. Install shifters before tuning gear changes. If you use a workstand, make sure your seatpost is in early.
One last thing: yes, it's expensive to get set up, but if you do want to do it, do not skimp on good quality tools (e.g. a poor quality spoke spanner is a waste of money -just buy a decent one in the first place!). Park Tools are usually good quality, but can be expensive (strangely my cheap pedal spanner is much better than my Park one which I think is quite poor).
*some tools differ on your components (e.g. old cranks needed c-spanners, non-headsets needed large flat spanners whereas headsets use allen keys)
**you should use a torque wrench to get correct settings (some people may disagree with this one)
***sometimes for the risks involved, its easier to pay a bike shop to do this -especially if you are going to install headsets and races very infrequently
Tools? While not a necessity, having a workstand and a well lit area with some space is a huge advantage and makes things much easier. It will also probably save your frame from getting at least one scratch when (not if) it does fall over if you don't have one. It's good to have an internet connection and a computer to ask for advice or research how things are done. However, like I said, both of these aren't necessities though. Other tools* you will need? Well assuming you are using pre-built wheels:
- allen keys for brake and shifter and stem/handlebar. seatpost clamp, derailleur installs
- screwdriver (more than likely needed to adjust the derailleur)
- cassette tool for tightening cassette up
- chain whip or old chain for removing a cassette (OK, if you are only building, you really don't need this)
- adjustable spanner to hold cassette/bb** tool
- chain tool assuming you aren't using a chain with some form of quick link in it
- bb tool
- pedal spanner (you can sometimes use a regular spanner for this, but usually a thinner profile pedal spanner is easier)
- starnut installer for fork assuming one isn't in there (while i'm sure you could install one with a hammer and screwdriver, for the very little cost of a starnut installer, I'd say get one)
- race setter (sometimes you can create a home made one -but don't use a hammer and a screwdriver, it's just an invitation to burr your race)***
- headset press (I have to admit I use a home made one made our of a big bolt -usable and not easy, but it's not often I install a headset so I couldn't justify spending big bucks for one).**
- cable cutters for cutting cable and housing as well as crimping nipples
- chain lube
- bearing lube
- frame protector if you have a steel frame (why not? If it's apart, now is the time to do this!)
- anti-seize for crank/bb, crankarm/pedal interfaces
- degreaser for cleaning stuff
- rags
- good quality spoke wrench (even if you buy wheels they might be a little off, or they will be sooner or later -OK admittedly not build related)
- cable ends and nipples
- cable doughnuts (not always needed admittedly, nice to have when you do need them)
- while it shouldn't be used for an install, and depending on your crank design, a crank puller to get the arms off is good to have
- cone spanners for adjusting the wheel bearings are great to have (again, not necessarily required for an install though if your wheels are in good order)
I might have missed something, but I think that covers most of it. You can definitely save some money by getting a bike shop to do some stuff that will be cheaper than buying tools (e.g. facing, race and headset install) unless you want to do it many times over or just want to do it yourself. Concerning order, it's pretty easy -you need to have your bb installed first before cranks (obvious!) or your fork before your headset (again, obvious!). Likewise put your wheels in before adjusting brakes. Install shifters before tuning gear changes. If you use a workstand, make sure your seatpost is in early.
One last thing: yes, it's expensive to get set up, but if you do want to do it, do not skimp on good quality tools (e.g. a poor quality spoke spanner is a waste of money -just buy a decent one in the first place!). Park Tools are usually good quality, but can be expensive (strangely my cheap pedal spanner is much better than my Park one which I think is quite poor).
*some tools differ on your components (e.g. old cranks needed c-spanners, non-headsets needed large flat spanners whereas headsets use allen keys)
**you should use a torque wrench to get correct settings (some people may disagree with this one)
***sometimes for the risks involved, its easier to pay a bike shop to do this -especially if you are going to install headsets and races very infrequently
Last edited:
smokeysmoo
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bolton, not very far from Nob End
+1 for most all the above. Headset press though, really? FWIW I've never owned one, or indeed needed one.
I'd say if you find you do need one, just get your LBS to press it in for you, but I can't imagine you couldn't manage without one.
The over riding thing I'd say to anyone after building several bikes myself is don't underestimate the costs involved, (tools aside). Unless you're happy to compromise then it will blow your budget.
Is it worth it? You bet you're ass it is, the feeling of knowing you've built it is awesome, and frankly is something I think every cyclist should try in their lifetime.
BUT, be warned, one build is very often not enough, it is infectious. The only thing stopping me right now is money, but once I turn that corner I can guarantee a new project will be in the shed very shortly thereafter
I'd say if you find you do need one, just get your LBS to press it in for you, but I can't imagine you couldn't manage without one.
The over riding thing I'd say to anyone after building several bikes myself is don't underestimate the costs involved, (tools aside). Unless you're happy to compromise then it will blow your budget.
Is it worth it? You bet you're ass it is, the feeling of knowing you've built it is awesome, and frankly is something I think every cyclist should try in their lifetime.
BUT, be warned, one build is very often not enough, it is infectious. The only thing stopping me right now is money, but once I turn that corner I can guarantee a new project will be in the shed very shortly thereafter
Nigeyy
Legendary Member
- Location
- Massachusetts, USA
I'll second this. It's very expensive to get set up -and frankly, the cost of components usually makes it more expensive to build a bike than buy one. But..... there's the satisfaction of knowing you can do it, you buy any component on a whim and fit it, and you never have to wait for your bike shop!
Spoked Wheels
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bournemouth
I like having tools for every job and I've bought them over several years so it doesn't feel too bad in the pocket.
I bought a head press when faced with the situation that I could actually damage a £1000 frame for the sake of a few quids I bought the tool and I'm happy that I did.
I bought a tool to remove headsets the other day for that day I need it.
Somebody said that it's not worthy buying cheap tools and I second that although some tools don't need to be top quality.
The thing I no longer do is lend my tools. I learnt it the hard way though. Some people love borrowing tools and then you have to chase them to get the tools back and when you do then they look at you like you are such an annoying person.
I bought a head press when faced with the situation that I could actually damage a £1000 frame for the sake of a few quids I bought the tool and I'm happy that I did.
I bought a tool to remove headsets the other day for that day I need it.
Somebody said that it's not worthy buying cheap tools and I second that although some tools don't need to be top quality.
The thing I no longer do is lend my tools. I learnt it the hard way though. Some people love borrowing tools and then you have to chase them to get the tools back and when you do then they look at you like you are such an annoying person.
DooDah
Veteran
- Location
- France, now Northamptonshire
Agreed, I am in the building trade, and I learnt long ago never to lend out tools. If you ever manage to get them back they are normally trashed to within 5 minutes of use left.
I am also planning to build my own bike with a twist. I bought a new bike nearly two years ago with a very good frame and carbon forks, but cheap wheels, groupset and finishing kit. So, when money permits, I would like to strip it down, sell the original components and buy quality stuff to rebuild. That way I will have a quality bike that I will be proud of.
Agree that building up a bike is very satisfying and not too difficult with a liitle bit of prior knowledge and planning. Definately recommend some sort of workstand, and a perfectly good toolkit will be in Aldi 26th Sept. Planet X did a discounted toolkit a while ago too, not sure if thet stiil do.
I picked up things in sales over a couple of months before starting, but in reality most stuff came from Ribble so might as well bought it in one go. OK for spreading the cost i suppose though. Most stuff came with comprehensive instructions for reference which i used particularly around the bottom bracket / chainset area re spacers etc.
I too got stuck on the niggly bits near the end, cable donuts / ferrules / cable ends etc. Not too difficult to overcome, just a bit of a pain paying postage over and over as you come across things you realise you need.
I don't suppose there's a fixed order to follow, but i did frame / headset / forks, cassette / wheels, bb / chainset / derailleurs, handlebars and brakes, then finishing kit and set up.
No major issues and you'll learn a lot in the process. Best of luck.
I picked up things in sales over a couple of months before starting, but in reality most stuff came from Ribble so might as well bought it in one go. OK for spreading the cost i suppose though. Most stuff came with comprehensive instructions for reference which i used particularly around the bottom bracket / chainset area re spacers etc.
I too got stuck on the niggly bits near the end, cable donuts / ferrules / cable ends etc. Not too difficult to overcome, just a bit of a pain paying postage over and over as you come across things you realise you need.
I don't suppose there's a fixed order to follow, but i did frame / headset / forks, cassette / wheels, bb / chainset / derailleurs, handlebars and brakes, then finishing kit and set up.
No major issues and you'll learn a lot in the process. Best of luck.
