Hi all, just about to embark on my first bike build based on a 456 summer season. Although i've been through a few books (zinn and the art...etc.) i was wondering if anyone knows of a documented step by step build up guide on the internet? something easy to read so i can follow like a blogged build up.
1) Switch on kettle.
All I can offer is to do the cabling and indexing last and dont cut your stearer until you happy with the position 😉 But I have built a fair few bikes TBH. So if your a novice have a look at the park tools website - good tips on there!
2) Test swing hammer
3) Go back and drink yer tea
4) Shout "Can't you see I'm fing busy!" at the wife, repeat until she goes to her mothers.
5) Smear grease into clothes and carpet. Apply liberally.
TBH when I did my first full bike build, I never thought "this is my first full bike build"; it was just a combination of learning how to fit all the different components over time which culminated in a full build so, for example, I'd buy some new brakes and then use the instructions with them to fit them, new forks: on to the SRAM website etc etc
Park Tools website has a few good tutorials.
If you havn't got a workstand I'd say...
1) fit headset cups
2) fit back wheel to frame, front wheel to forks
3) fit forks
4) fit everthing else in whatever order takes your fancy
why would you put the wheel in the forks before fitting the forks?
i wouldn't have said there's a set order other than what is necessitated by the parts that fit together. stick the headset and bottom bracket in first and then do... everything else!
Why would you put the wheel in the forks before fitting the brakes?
nah cut the grass comes first
Drac - MemberWhy would you put the wheel in the forks before fitting the brakes?
to line up the caliper
buy a computer that has Internet access
Thanks for the advice guys, I've actually done quite alot of work on my 575 based on the park tools website, but i've just never come across a step by step guide which i thought would have been a good read.
On another note, I've never fiddled with the headset before and from what i've read i need qutie alot of specialized tools (and skill) Would it be wise then to take it to my LBS?
why would you put the wheel in the forks before fitting the forks?
So that you can use it like a paint roller to leave tyre marks on the ceiling to baffle visitors.
But what Tea?
Yorkshire is my favourite tool for attacking bike builds at the moment?
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Actually, I'd say:
1) Put a rolled up towel round the bottom of the fridge.
CTML - where are you based?
Sure someone local could lend you a headset press or its possible to botch it too if you feel brave enough.
But what Tea?
Bontrager Big Earl Grey?
that was shit /\
Ouch. I was proud of that as well.
English Brechfa(st)?
[i]On another note, I've never fiddled with the headset before and from what i've read i need qutie alot of specialized tools (and skill) Would it be wise then to take it to my LBS? [/i]
I'm sure someone will explain how you can make one out of bits from B&Q or how a block of wood and hammer will do but, until I got a headset press, that is one job I did leave to my LBS...its a 5 minute job in most cases and I'm sure most LBSs will fit you in for such a quick job.
Gnarjeeling?
Ski - I'm in the cambs areas, because its new to me its probably best to see it done first. I'm actually stripping alot of the parts including the chris king headset from my 575 onto this build so i'd need a removal tool as well.
I just find it best to get a rolling frame built up first, putting the wheels on first avoids any mech hangers or knobbly bits on the bottom of forks gouging wooden floors or getting damaged themselves. I expect everyones got their own little tricks I just find this easiest and quickest for me with no workstand.
Fit the stem/bars, headset tensioned, bars straight first time, chuck a seat and post in and you can just flip the bike over depending on what your working on.
And when I say put the wheels on that's with tyres and rotors already fitted.
[i]to line up the caliper [/i]
Like I said why put the wheel on first.
One tip - wrap the fork stanchions with a towel or bubble wrap 'til yer done.
I was once fitting a caliper with the bike upside down, caliper drops off one caliper bolt whilst I was trying to loctite t'other, swings down and puts a bloomin' big nick in the stanchion 🙁
[i]wrap the fork stanchions with a towel or bubble wrap 'til yer done.[/i]
Second that...was cutting the steerer with the forks on a B&D workbench, finished the job and was well chuffed and then I noticed the stanchion scratch. 🙁
Never yet(!) damaged the top tube but I've had a few wobbly moments unscrewing the handle from the headset press as you don't know at what point the thread finishes and therefore when the handle will come free and potentially fall.
Rug and a chair or a linen basket under the headtube to catch headset cups as they can fly out when knocking them out.
Its all great fun 😀
Choose spot to take photo of finished bike. Ensure grass is cut, paving in good condition, weeds removed, fences pristine and pointing spotless.
Then drink tea and test swing hammer. You will also need a six foot piece of scaffolding for those seized nuts/bottom bracket cups and to torque things to correct level.
If you're a pro mechanic (Peterpoddy or WorldClassAccident level) you will also need an axe and chainsaw.