1st build

willturd
willturd Posts: 42
edited June 2008 in MTB workshop & tech
sorry for this predicable thread!

looking into all options at the mo for my next bike. i am fairly interested in an on one frame. but weighing up whether i should get them to build it with their components or get my hands greasy and DIY it!

taking into account, i have v little experience and tools in 'bike building'!

ta

Comments

  • nicklouse
    nicklouse Posts: 50,673
    have a read of park tools and then have a think if you can do it.

    TBH i would say get it ready built.
    "Do not follow where the path may lead, Go instead where there is no path, and Leave a Trail."
    Parktools :?:SheldonBrown
  • lachoman
    lachoman Posts: 371
    I can't recommend building a bike up enough. I did it 2 years ago for my first proper bike when i was 16 and tbh it wasn't that difficult. Any bits that you can't manage can be done by an lbs if you can't get info off the web. You learn a lot about how all the bike parts work and go together and the best part is you get to exactly specify every last detail of your build making it that bit extra special and personal.
    <hr noshade size="1">You bend it, you mend it.
  • toby_g
    toby_g Posts: 37
    I did my first bike build back in 1997, and it is still running today. Only jobs I found tricky were putting in the headset and cutting the steerer tube down to correct size. so went to the LBS, bought a headset from them and asked them to fit it and put the forks in too, they charged ~£10 (probably more now, that was over 10 years ago).

    Definitely gives you more confidence to tinker with the bike if something goes wrong. Down side is all my mates bring their bikes round to my house if something goes wrong, as they don't wnat to take it to the LBS and pay for a service.

    You will need a good set of tools to do the job, like BB tool, Chain whip (unless you get the wheels built with the cassette fitted) torque-wrench, third-hand etc etc. most jobs can be done with just your standard set of allen keys, but if you want it to last the distance then invest in some good tool. A bicycle specific boxset can be bought for about £50; try parktools.

    It is a tough task, but very rewarding. Depending on your budget, you can spec the bike exactly how you want it.

    Remember bike builders buy in bulk, so it will some times be cheaper to get them to build it up. Best thing to do is to do some shopping around. see where you can get good quality parts with nice reductions and free postage too (when i built my first bike i bought 1996 parts all with massive price reductions, such as some Rockshox Judys down to £200 from £529). total it up, and then get a quote from your LBS/bike builder, then make your decision.

    Whatever you decide, good luck.
    The Cube

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