Buying a new bike boxed - how much set up required?

[chugsy]

Hi,

does anyone know how much setup is required when buying a new bike boxed? I'd expect bars and pedals would need attaching and brakes and gears tweaking as well as a going over any bolts but what about wheel bearings and spoke tension?

Thanks,

Chugs

 

[guitarpete247]

GF got a new bike, boxed Christmas before last. As far as I remember I only had to fit handlebars, wheels and saddle. Everything was set up perfectly. She's not done many miles on it as she's not a confident rider. I keep checking it over and spoke tension, wheel trueness, cable tension and brakes still OK.

 

[chugsy]

Thanks - I imagined there would be more involved - afterall, how can Halfords make such a hash of setting up bikes if that was all that was required?!!!

Can I ask what bike your GF bought and from where?

Does anyone else have experiences of buying bikes boxed?

 

[ianrauk]

I have bought mail order bikes from both Evans and Wiggle.
Both come set up. All I had to do was turn and tighten the handlebars and attached the pedals. Breaks and gears were already set up and working properly.

 

[seadragonpisces]

yes it varies, some might require hardly any set up and some a lot, not a question that can be answered, wait and see :-)

 

[peelywally]

wheels nearly always need truing or maybe im picky .

 

[Noodley]

wheels nearly always need truing or maybe im picky .

..or have bought bikes with crap wheels

I have bought a few bikes online and it's simple to set up. But I suppose it depends on what it is - a 'proper' bike or a lump of metal with wheels attached...

 

[chugsy]

I guess I was thinking of Boardman bikes and those on here who have asked Halfords staff to had over as is...

Whilst at Decathlon the other day I saw their new road bikes arrive hanging on big clothes like stands with the bars and pedals strapped to the sides of them. I gave the wheels a spin and they were not smooth at all. Then I went over to the spare parts section span a spare wheel in my hands holding the axle in my fingertips - also a gritty experience. It got me to thinking what should I expect?

 

[Mark_Robson]

I bought a boxed Boardman Hybrid at Xmas and all I had to do was attach the bars, front wheel, saddle and post and tighten up the stem bolts. The brakes and gears were fine.

 

[guitarpete247]

Can I ask what bike your GF bought and from where?

GF got the Land Rover Lyra from Discount Bicycles Ltd. As I said before she's not a confident rider, in fact she's downright terrified even on cycle tracks like the Tissington Trail or Cloud Trail which I've taken her on. As she's not done many miles in the year she's had the bike it is not ready for any gear adjustment yet.

 

[chugsy]

Sounds like a suck it and see situation! Thanks everyone... the plan is to buy a bike through Evans on the Cyclescheme anyway but as my self imposed budget has spiralled it has gotten me to thinking about my options outside of the scheme.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

Wiggle, Surosa and EBC boxed bikes for me, bars, pedals on, saddle height adjusted, off I've ridden without a problem.

Halfords in Guildford built up my boardman pro mtb impeccably btw.....

 

[Deleted member 1258]

That's how Wiggle delivered my Kimeston. Unpacked it, put on the handle bars and the pedals, then it just needed setting up and it was ready to ride.

 

[chugsy]

Thanks everyone - I finally sealed the deal yesterday and went with my 1st choice:

it was a sweet ride home but caliper brakes are shocking!

 

[festival]

looks abit of a mess.