New build

hamboman

I'm going to try to build a new bike for myself this spring and I have a few questions. It's my first time building a bike - previously I've done basic maintenance but nothing major.

It's going to be a hardtail and I'm going to get the bike shop to cut and fit the forks as I wouldn't be happy doing this myself.

What types of grease/lube will I need for the build? I currently have some finish line grease, but do I need other specific types, like stuff to stop things ceasing up?

What tools will I need? I have the basic allen keys, sprocket sets, spanners etc, but are there any specific tools I would need?

Any help much appreciated.

dave_hill

Any automative grease is fine for general lubrication. I use Silkolene RS2 - it's bright red so you can see where you've been with it!

Copper grease is useful for applying to threads which you may need to undo regularly, or which are prone to creaking e.g. handlebar clamps, bottom bracket/crank bolts. It is also used where you have two dissimilar metals in contact to prevent electrolytic corrosion (for example screwing stainless steel screws into aluminium). You can also put it on the back of disc-brake pads to stop them squealing.

Thread locker such as Loctite 243 or 248 is handy for brake caliper and rotor mounting screws.

You may need special tools depending upon what type of bottom bracket you decide to fit. A torque wrench won't go amiss either. I take it that the LBS will be fitting your headset of choice too? Otherwise you'll need a headset press unless you are prepared to go down the 3x2 and rubber mallet route!

ride_whenever

You'll need cassette lockring tool, bottom bracket tools (varies by system) that is is for specialist tools really though. You might need some cable cutters as well.

As for lubes etc. Any sort of bike grease will be fine for the bulk of it, you might want some threadlock for rotor bolts etc.

supersonic

Try to avoid lithium based greases though - it tends to try out and change consitency quickly, and doesnt seem as good as other greases at preventing siezed parts. (galling, gold welding etc)

hamboman

dave_hill wrote:

I take it that the LBS will be fitting your headset of choice too? Otherwise you'll need a headset press unless you are prepared to go down the 3x2 and rubber mallet route!

good point, will get them to fit that too. thanks for your help guys.

dave_hill

supersonic wrote:

Try to avoid lithium based greases though - it tends to try out and change consitency quickly, and doesnt seem as good as other greases at preventing siezed parts. (galling, gold welding etc)

True, molybdenum based is best for general lubrication, matron!

ride_whenever

dave_hill wrote:

True, molybdenum based is best for general lubrication, matron!

I thought you were having us on! Really exists though, how truly daft.