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Building my own bike…

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  • November 21, 2013 at 2:59 pm #20242
    MarcMyWords

    Hi guys,

    I’ve been cycling for a while but am no expert by any means, the most I can do myself is adjust the brakes, change an inner tube, adjust the gears… Really basic stuff. However, I really fancy getting a frame and having a go at building a bike from scratch… Madness, I know! I’m thinking a road or Cross bike with discs.

    Has anyone got any good tips for me about where to start, anything to consider along the way, places or makes to avoid, places to get parts and components on the cheap… etc??

    Thanks

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  • November 21, 2013 at 4:29 pm #763715
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    joemmo

    Do it! You’ll never buy a
    Do it! You’ll never buy a complete bike again once you get the bug. You may not save a whole load of money but it’s really satisfying and strangely addictive – I’m on to self-build number 5 at the moment.

    Apart from the essential tools, a workstand is a good investment. If you’re looking to do it as economically as possible then you need to allow time to gather the parts and keep an eye open for sales and special offers. Ebay and classifieds can also be a good source obviously but you have less comeback with them.

    In terms of retailers most likely to have discounts, offers etc. my list of favourites are (in no order) : Ribble, Planet-X, Merlin & Chain Reaction. On Ebay -HighOnBikes and Absolute Cycles are worth checking out as well.

    Framewise – totally depends what you want, like lazyusername I’ve built a couple of bikes on Kinesis frames but there is plenty of choice out there.

    The big question – what is your budget?

    November 21, 2013 at 3:54 pm #763713
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    thereandbackagain

    It would be worth buying a
    It would be worth buying a copy of Zinn and the art of Bike Maintenance. A well laid out and easy to comprehend guide to most mechanical tasks.

    With that, some patience and a bit of internet time it’s not hard. There’s the investment in tools to consider, but most of them aren’t too expensive.

    For the very rarely used ones like headset presses or frame prep tools (chasing and facing a bottom bracket, if needed) easiest to get an LBS to sort it for you.

    Don’t know where you’re based, but the London Bike Kitchen is a like a subscription-based workshop where you can access tools and get advice.

    http://lbk.org.uk/

    November 21, 2013 at 3:17 pm #763711
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    lazyusername

    I have a cross bike for sale
    I have a cross bike for sale at the mo could sell you the frame, fork and headset if you wanted to build it up to your spec. It’s designed for canti brakes though so not exactly what you’re looking for.

    Btw I’d recommend kinesis as a frame manufacturer built a couple up and both been completely hassle free. Also had to contact the warranty dept about a Granfondo frame in the past and they were really helpful and straighforward to deal with.

    November 21, 2013 at 3:13 pm #763709
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    MarcMyWords

    Haha – Obviously that’s my
    Haha – Obviously that’s my main concern! Have you got any tips? Best frames? Best places to buy from?

    November 21, 2013 at 3:10 pm #763707
    0
    lazyusername

    Do it! You’ll be surprised at
    Do it! You’ll be surprised at how straight forward it is, the fun is getting it all nicely colour coordinated. Obviously

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