Building a Bike from Scratch - Some Advice Please

MatthewBulmer

Hi,

after scouring ebay and various classified ads for what seems like an eternity, I have just finished gathering together all the parts I need for a cheap(ish) TT build. I have never built a bike from scratch before, although over the years I have done all the individual jobs concerned at various times.

So rather than asking for advice on how to do the individual jobs, does anyone have any advice as to the best method to adopt for completing a full bike build? Aside from the obvious, are there certain jobs that are best done before others, etc? Any tips would be greatfully received!

Cheers,

Matt

stokey1964

Bottom bracket
chainset
bars and stem
shifters
front and rear mech
cables
wheels

do the bar tape last whn you are happy with the STI and stem position etc


Simon

sheffsimon

MatthewBulmer wrote:

Hi,

after scouring ebay and various classified ads for what seems like an eternity, I have just finished gathering together all the parts I need for a cheap(ish) TT build. I have never built a bike from scratch before, although over the years I have done all the individual jobs concerned at various times.

So rather than asking for advice on how to do the individual jobs, does anyone have any advice as to the best method to adopt for completing a full bike build? Aside from the obvious, are there certain jobs that are best done before others, etc? Any tips would be greatfully received!

Cheers,

Matt

In this order

Headset and stem (temporary just to hold forks in, but with what you think is right number of spacers)
Handlebars, wheels and seatpost/saddle.

Then you can lean it up - thats what I do cos I dont have a workstand.

Bottom bracket and Chainset.
Front and rear mech
Brake calipers
Shifters
Cables
Chain

Then tweak gears and position etc

Cut steerer.

Bar tape - if fitting.

Hopefully I havent missed owt

dennisn

1.) Use the correct tool for the job.
2.) Use the correct tool for the job.
3.) Use the correct tool for the job.

Velonutter

In this order

Headset and stem (temporary just to hold forks in, but with what you think is right number of spacers)
Handlebars, wheels and seatpost/saddle.

Then you can lean it up - thats what I do cos I dont have a workstand.

Bottom bracket and Chainset.
Front and rear mech
Brake calipers
Shifters
Cables
Chain

Then tweak gears and position etc

Cut steerer.

Bar tape - if fitting.

Hopefully I havent missed owt

Yep fully agree, just a few things, make sure you use some copper slip when assembling aluminium to Aluminium/Steel, especially when fitting the bottom bracket or external cups, it makes life so much easier in years to come.

Use some Carbon compound when fitting your seat post as well.

Take your time and use the old adage, measure twice cut once.

Good luck, enjoy.

MatthewBulmer

Thanks guys. All very helpful advice. I've got next weekend free so I'll just take it nice and easy and hopefully enjoy the process.

Cheers,

Matt

benpinnick

Always grease the inside of your cable outers for a friction free life. A grease gun is a worthwhile investment!

Smokin Joe

dennisn wrote:

1.) Use the correct tool for the job.
2.) Use the correct tool for the job.
3.) Use the correct tool for the job.

So that's where my hammer went...

scotteek

The best advise I an give is take it slow and check everything twice. A rush of blood when you are nearly done can mean bolts not being done up properly, brakes not being set correctly, both dangerous and costly later.

But have fun, there is a certain joy to rolling down the road on something you assembled.

Zinn books are bibles

Lakesman

get the bike loosely assembled and spend ages checking the size and position. meausre, try, re-measure. if you can get a turbo trainer build it up on that.
get the position of the brake / gear levers sorted first because you then need to cut the outer cables to fit precisely between your comfortable position and the first frame boss. tape the cables down to the channels in your bars with masking tape or sellotape to check this. tune the gears once the cables are laid. definitely bar tape last.