Assembling a new Bike+ which computer?

sheep911uk
sheep911uk Posts: 29
edited August 2011 in Road beginners
As i posted earlier i have bought a 2010 Carrera Virtuoso as my first road bike.
It is brand new in the box, apart from tools what grease etc will i need?
Any other tips?
Looking for a computer also whats the best budget buy?
Thanks
Nick

Comments

  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    For a while all you should need is some chain lube and some old rags.

    Then you'll want a track pump to keep the tyres up to pressure

    Then you'll want a spare inner tube, puncture kit incl tyre levers, small pump, and possibly a small saddle pack to keep them in (alternatively a jersey pocket)

    You might like to add a multitool so you can adjust / tighten stuff when you're out.

    Once you start fettling properly you'll need allen keys, screwdrivers, small spanners / socket tool, cable cutters, bottom bracket tool (s), crank extractor (depends on your BB type) cone spanners possibly, chain tool, pedal spanner etc etc. And a pot of grease for bearings and assembling things and to thinly coat the seatpost to stop it welding itself into the frame.

    Possibly a tube of copperslip anti-seize paste for pedal axle threads / shoe cleat bolts (you'll be glad you used it when it comes time to undo them)

    And to complete the set you'll then want a workstand to hold the bike while you're tinkering

    And possibly the Park Tools pizza cutter
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    Forgot to add i will be assembling the bike myself!!!
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Bikes in boxes usually just require you to straighten the bars and screw on the pedals, so allen keys, a 17mm spanner and some copperslip.

    Or are you having to do more assembly than that??
  • thescouselander
    thescouselander Posts: 549
    Check the bearings on your wheels - chances are the cone nuts will be done up too tight which means they wont turn smoothly and could wear out faster. You'll need some cone spanners if any adjustment is required.
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    Dont know the bike is being delivered tonight.
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    Get yourself a small tube/pot of purple grease or any bike specific grease that you lbs sells and as long as you have the tools you should be good to go.

    Do not clean off the clear sticky stuff that comes on the chain as it is much better than bike lube or oil. It should last a couple of hundred miles in dry weather. If the chain feels totally dry then chain oil from lbs will be fine.

    I would expect you will need to put the front wheel on, slip the seatpost in (saddle should be attached to that already) either attach the stem or twist it straight and tighten it, fit the pedals and adjust the brakes and gears. You might even need to wrap the bars it really depends on how it comes in the box. I thought you were going to get someone from Halfords to do it for you?

    If you are worried about any of it then it is worth going to your lbs and asking them to do it. They will charge you but their work will be guaranteed and they will put it together pretty quickly (once you get it booked in).

    Personally I think it is worth being able to build it yourself as it helps you understand how everything works and makes repairs in the future cheaper. However, not everyone like to fettle so I understand getting the pro's involved too.
  • Thebigbee
    Thebigbee Posts: 570
    keef66 wrote:
    Bikes in boxes usually just require you to straighten the bars and screw on the pedals, so allen keys, a 17mm spanner and some copperslip.

    Or are you having to do more assembly than that??

    All I needed was a 15mm spanner - for the pedals and some Allen keys.

    Not sure where a 17mm is needed and from my experience you don't screw the pedals on.

    You use a 15mm spanner or Allen Key. Have never had any pedals that require a screwdriver...

    Anyway
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    Who mentioned a screwdriver?

    If you want to a real pedant then you screw the pedals into the threads in the cranks and then you tighten them with a spanner or allen key.

    You don't spanner them in (unless you are a spanner!)
  • rolf_f
    rolf_f Posts: 16,015
    night_porter wrote:
    You don't spanner them in (unless you are a spanner!)

    You might use a spanner - it depends on the pedal.
    Faster than a tent.......
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    Took the bike into my local Halfords at the weekend(Riverside Northampton) and had them build it up,gave it a quick check over when i got home and all bolts had grease on them so looks like a good job, will take it out for the first time tomorrow and see if everything works properly.
    Nick
  • Pross
    Pross Posts: 43,463
    You use the 17mm spanner to fit the tubs :lol:
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    Typo. Meant 15mm. In case he didn't have a pedal spanner & no hex socket in the pedal axle.

    Didn't realise I'd be causing a major diplomatic incident!
  • Thebigbee
    Thebigbee Posts: 570
    night_porter wrote:
    Who mentioned a screwdriver?

    If you want to a real pedant then you screw the pedals into the threads in the cranks and then you tighten them with a spanner or allen key.

    You don't spanner them in (unless you are a spanner!)

    Err Keef66 did..

    If by "screw" he meant hand tighten - fair enough.

    Also, you do spanner the pedals on - on my bike anyway. That is why I was supplied with a pedal spanner.

    Some people...
  • BoydD
    BoydD Posts: 68
    You'll need a screwdriver to take off the reflectors, ha ha. What happens to all the reflectors that new bikes are supplied with? I kept my rear one but the front and wheel ones had to go!
    Giant Defy Advanced
    Cannondale Super Six 105
    Spesh Rockhopper
  • sheep911uk
    sheep911uk Posts: 29
    The wheel ones were on the bike but i never got the front or rear ones back!!
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    No, never mentioned a screwdriver.

    Although a fruit based cocktail would be a welcome accessory during cycle assembly, it's by no means essential.
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    Thebigbee wrote:
    night_porter wrote:
    Who mentioned a screwdriver?

    If you want to a real pedant then you screw the pedals into the threads in the cranks and then you tighten them with a spanner or allen key.

    You don't spanner them in (unless you are a spanner!)

    Err Keef66 did..

    If by "screw" he meant hand tighten - fair enough.

    Also, you do spanner the pedals on - on my bike anyway. That is why I was supplied with a pedal spanner.

    Some people...

    I was being sarcastic about spannering the pedals on

    What you are talking about is tightening the pedals (a verb - to tighten) by using a spanner and the previous person was talking about screwing (also a verb to screw) the pedals on also using a spanner. There is no verb to spanner! Therefore it is impossible to spanner the pedals on

    Someone said that if he was "screwing" the pedals on he must be using a screwdriver implying that "a screw" was involved . The screw referred to here is a noun which is different to the verb to screw.

    I really have no idea why I bothered except that the person who said it correctly was being made to look like an idiot, incorrectly.

    Just goes to show it is me who must be the idiot!

    I'll get my coat.
  • keef66
    keef66 Posts: 13,123
    I meant to tighten by progressively engaging a helical pitched thread.

    I think we know who the spanner is!
  • night_porter
    night_porter Posts: 888
    As 'enery 'iggins would say

    "By George, Pickering... I think he got it?"
  • Thebigbee
    Thebigbee Posts: 570
    night_porter wrote:
    Thebigbee wrote:
    night_porter wrote:
    Who mentioned a screwdriver?

    If you want to a real pedant then you screw the pedals into the threads in the cranks and then you tighten them with a spanner or allen key.

    You don't spanner them in (unless you are a spanner!)

    Err Keef66 did..

    If by "screw" he meant hand tighten - fair enough.

    Also, you do spanner the pedals on - on my bike anyway. That is why I was supplied with a pedal spanner.

    Some people...

    I was being sarcastic about spannering the pedals on

    What you are talking about is tightening the pedals (a verb - to tighten) by using a spanner and the previous person was talking about screwing (also a verb to screw) the pedals on also using a spanner. There is no verb to spanner! Therefore it is impossible to spanner the pedals on

    Someone said that if he was "screwing" the pedals on he must be using a screwdriver implying that "a screw" was involved . The screw referred to here is a noun which is different to the verb to screw.

    I really have no idea why I bothered except that the person who said it correctly was being made to look like an idiot, incorrectly.

    .

    Thanks for the English lesson.I think you may have missed the gist of my point.

    Not to worry that you can't read between the lines.

    Enjoy being a grammar nazi and language pedant.

    Cheers. Shit.. forgot to add a capital there. Nazi... satisfied..?

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