Assembling a new bike
So my new bike should be here soon, and even though I cant ride it yet I want to assemble it, but watching the video on Planet X about assembling a boxed bike, they are talking about greasing certain parts etc.
The only bikes I have ever bought have been from a shop pre-assembled, so can anyone point me in the direction of what type of grease I need etc, and whether it is necessary etc.
I am competent in most minor bike mechanics, but this is not something I have ever done before.
I also assume that I will need to cut the steerer but think I will take it to LBS for that as I don't want to mess it up.
Frame and forks are carbon, seatpost is carbon wrap, stem is also carbon wrap.
The only bikes I have ever bought have been from a shop pre-assembled, so can anyone point me in the direction of what type of grease I need etc, and whether it is necessary etc.
I am competent in most minor bike mechanics, but this is not something I have ever done before.
I also assume that I will need to cut the steerer but think I will take it to LBS for that as I don't want to mess it up.
Frame and forks are carbon, seatpost is carbon wrap, stem is also carbon wrap.
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Don't rush to have your steerer cut down. Make sure you're happy with your position first.
Steerer etc should be cut to size, even if left a bit long there will be spacers.
And without knowing what parts they say need grease, who can say.
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Just cant wait to get it built so i can sit and stare at it wishing I was out riding!
A boxed bike should be straight forward to assemble.
All i have ever had to do do is fit bars, seat post, front wheel and cables.
Then of course index the gears and cut cables, fit/setup brakes and cut cables and alignment.
If you are near Swindon Wilts and need a hand let me know.
The blurb on the website says
So I can't imagine it being too difficult. Might take me a bit longer as I am recovering from a broken leg but I am not in any rush as I cannot ride until the new year at least, so plenty of time to get it set up right!
My PX bikes have been much easier. Turn the bars. Fit pedals. Sorted.
All set up and will live in the kitchen so I can sit and stare at it until I can dial in the settings and get out and ride.
Might need to adjust the FR though as it doesnt seem to want to catch on the big ring, but that might be because I am trying to do it sitting down so cant do it properly, not a huge job in any case, and change the white bar tape
Do enjoy it when you finally get to ride the thing
As with any new bike, I will always take it for a minor service at my LBS and for the most part, it was fine. Before I took it down I had swapped out the spec for an 11-32 ultegra R8000 cassette and dropped the SRAM componentry that they had used for the cassette/chain rather than the slightly more expensive ultegra. This meant it was a little more expensive but in terms of specification, it suited my needs.
For the most PX did a good job on the components and build. One thing I did learn from their customer service is that if you do not use carbon assembly paste with the carbon seat post and frame then it is not covered under warranty. (The application of which depends on brand/manufacturer. Disappointingly they do not provide even a small quantity of pre-applied paste. Granted this is irrelevant as people should be checking the bike set-up anyway, somebody with the lack of vision for this might be caught out by a relatively simple step if they had an issue and did intend to use their bike straight out of the box.
If I ran a bike shop I wouldn’t be too happy if people brought their mail order bikes in to be set up properly, stem cut to correct length, etc)
Rod
I’m also sure you wouldn’t turn down the business just because they bought it elsewhere
What if you don't sell the bike brands your local customer base want? My LBS sell Giant and Ridley. I don't care much for either but I still push business there way. They cut the head tube on my Bianchi. I don't think they did it grudgingly
At the end of the day, they will know what to charge to turn a profit. If the bike was bought from them they may charge less as their margin could have been made elsewhere.
Meh, Couldn't think of the right words at the time.
Rubbish.
A “bike fit”- what like pull the seat Post up to roughly the right height and maybe, just maybe if they can be bothered, move a spacer or two up or below the stem?
Good job you don’t have a bike shop mate because I don’t think it would be in business for long.
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honour
If I ran a bike shop I wouldn't be turning any potential customers away. Let them bring their internet bargains for setting up, fitting, servicing, repairs and upgrades. No snide comments or snobby attitudes
And happy or not, you wouldn't get much repeat custom if you go cutting stems down to size...
Out of interest though, why wouldn't you be happy, Rod?
De Sisti wrote:
This is one of the silliest threads I've come across.
Recognition at last Matthew, well done!, a justified honour
My LBS will do simple jobs for free. Over the years I have bought 5 bikes from them and had bikes serviced there.
It's worth getting in with a bike shop but I can't say the same about car dealers!
My car dealership has been extremely good for us doing bits and pieces for no charge. But obviously we bought the car from them so we've basically paid upfront for the care.