How do you make your bike "Your Own"

SpaceBlaster

How do you guys make your bike your own? whilst buying it sure helps whats the first thing you do after buying a new bike to really make sure it's suited to you?

feel free to share pictures of your first upgrades and bikes.

Giraffoto

I got the shop to change the chainrings (I like a closer ratio than 50/34) and fitted Kool-Stop brake pads. And it's perfect!

angry_bird

Put my favourite saddle and bar tape on it.

gethinceri

I bought my Trek 2nd hand, it's now almost gone the full "Trigger's Broom" route, only the frame & saddle are original.
I bought my Rose using their configurator then also specced a couple of additional changes during the build so it was unique all along.

jgsi

If you build from frameset up... then its 'yours' from the moment you unwrap the bubblewrap.
Plenty of CAAD10s out there... but none like mine.. not a single one.

JackPozzi

Let it get to a level of dirtiness that no self respecting cyclist would be able to live with. My favourite bike went for months with several dead wasps stuck to the energy drink residue on the frame!

fleshtuxedo

I used to ride with a guy who would, when he had a new bike, take it out into the countryside by himself and knock one out on the saddle. A form of christening.

And no it wasn't me!

marcusjb

Ride it for several thousands of km. Do some special events on it. It's all sentimental nonsense of course, but I have an emotional connection with each of my bikes as I remember the journeys and places I have seen with them.

napoleond

I scratch my name in the top tube.

DeVlaeminck

I stuck another saddle on it but mainly because I couldn't get on with the one on it, oh and shortened the stem. To be honest I tend to put up with the little things I would rather change - I wouldn't have bought those bars, that bar tape and I'd stick a 36 rather than a 34 inner ring on - but it all costs money and they are things that I'll probably change as and when rather than doing it to get it just right.

tangled_metal

marcusjb wrote:

Ride it for several thousands of km. Do some special events on it. It's all sentimental nonsense of course, but I have an emotional connection with each of my bikes as I remember the journeys and places I have seen with them.

+1
I can't get rid of my 25 year old, first proper road bike and first bike I bought for myself.£450 back then so wasn't a bad bike in its day I think. It's not rideable and hasn't been for a few years now. It positively reeks of memories of rides I've done. My growing of age bike if that makes sense. A 9.5kg xl steel framed bike which I think is light for such an old bike and its only Reynolds 501 tubing so not even made of a light steel tubeset. All original kit too.

My personalization only consists of adding what I need. Such as guards, rack, light brackets, bike computer, etc. I might put reflective stickers on too.

pblakeney

Saddle.

If it came with cheap tyres, replace those. My original ones are used for the turbo in winter.

FatTed

Custom made for me with my name painted on the top tube.

slowmart

My Ti Deluxe,custom made for me and a keeper for sure- the emotional side of where you go is a strong pull as well.


But once I've bought a bike I've always considered it, even a generic model like the Roubaix , my own.

iPete

Sourced nearly every component and built them myself.

Anonymous

Built it from scratch myself. Was good fun

ilm_zero7

JGSI wrote:

If you build from frameset up... then its 'yours' from the moment you unwrap the bubblewrap.
Plenty of CAAD10s out there... but none like mine.. not a single one.

quite right - i dont buy complete bikes anymore, having discovered the joy and pleasure the selection and purchase of all the components brings.. the enjoyment of seeing it all come together is a match for the first ride.. and you wont see it's twin

do it, you'll never buy off the shelf again I suspect

lancew

I would suggest that getting a decent set of bottle cages and pedals is the start for the first thousand miles.

I've now swapped:
- Stem
- Bar Tape
- Seat post
- Wheelset
- Brake pads
- Cables

I'd say my bike is pretty much mine now.

turbotommy

Researched and sourced all the parts then built it up myself.

Then got a local holy person to perform a marriage ceremony so i could make it my own

Consummating the marriage was optional.

I took the option.

morstar

TurboTommy wrote:

Researched and sourced all the parts then built it up myself.

Then got a local holy person to perform a marriage ceremony so i could make it my own

Consummating the marriage was optional.

I took the option.

That's commitment. But how do you handle the break up when a younger model catches your eye?
Personally, I go somewhere discrete and toss one out on the saddle. No strings attached!

pinno

Over time bits will change. The saddle, the handlebar tape, the wheels, the tyres, an upgrade or two, some scratches, a different bottle cage...

clickrumble

Leave it in the shed for my wife to dump her bike on top of it and leave a unique scratch on the frame.

wishitwasallflat

I believe it's possible to get your name on a personalised decal ... If only there were a thread with say, pictures available of a superb set with a link to a patriotic site to buy from.

pinno

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I believe it's possible to get your name on a personalised decal ... If only there were a thread with say, pictures available of a superb set with a link to a patriotic site to buy from.

You're off your head if you think there would ever be a thread like that on BR. :roll:

wishitwasallflat

pinarello001 wrote:

wishitwasallflat wrote:

I believe it's possible to get your name on a personalised decal ... If only there were a thread with say, pictures available of a superb set with a link to a patriotic site to buy from.

You're off your head if you think there would ever be a thread like that on BR. :roll:

Even in this post election, Sepp Blatter world a man can surely dream ...

ben@31

I have a problem with bike fit. Ben is to short, while Benjamin has a huge wheelbase and virtual top-tube length.

napoleond

Benny

pinno

Change you name to Sally.

wishitwasallflat

Change your name to o<>o

navrig2

Respray it.......

Giraffoto

Navrig2 wrote:

Respray it.......

I know just who this is for: