Comments on: The Parts of a Bike

By: phil webb

phil webb — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:17:31 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRbX2uPgGswThis video shows the process of building my first bike, Bamboo frame with carbon fiber joints and all! Enjoy!

By: Wayne

Wayne — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:07:16 +0000

I have built several bikes (road and mountain) from parts and it is a very rewarding experience. I found it to be a large scavenger hunt; finding all the parts I wanted and getting them to work together. The key items are Bottom bracket/ crankset.# of speeds you wish to have ( affects rear hub/chain/crankset/cassette)The stem handlebar combination is also critical.Enjoy the experience Wayne

By: david

david — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:06:54 +0000

Hi David-I could not have said it better-But, If I might add ,it is very important to make sure what rear wheel space is available for the rear wheel,which will detemine if I have an 8spd frame or a 9spd clearing.If it is an 8spd and you are planning on STI,one will have to look for older groups of 105 or Ultegra whatever maybe the case,otherwise, one will have to settle for a Sora 8spd group which is more readily available ,but, also fast fading into history.Correct me if I’m wrong.D.R.

By: Peter

Peter — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:06:11 +0000

Bloody idiot – just built a bike myself and it’s not that difficult – a frame, groupset, wheels, seat etc just becomes more expensive the more exotic you want to go. Tell him to source through the net – not just Ebay, depending on his currency exchange rate there may be some good deals going in the US and UK, but he needs to do his homework. cheers

By: Joey Coddington

Joey Coddington — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:04:39 +0000

You forgot;Cable StopsEnd PlugsSkewers (often not included these days)Head set spacers if going threadlessI would also say chainrings and bolts but assume that comes with a new crank.Cable guide for under the BBA plusThird eye device for the chain shifting from big to little.

By: rob

rob — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:04:11 +0000

having done the same a few weeks ago you may also add to the listcable capssti/ergo down tube adjusters (groupsets dont come with any more check frame)good bike greasegood pair cable cutters

By: Jose Jimenez

Jose Jimenez — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:03:38 +0000

Unless you find some extraordinary deals on the components, it is generally less expensive to buy a bicycle that has already been built up, since you most likely can’t purchase everything at wholesale or at a steep discount. That being said, Having once stripped down a bike to its various components and then having rebuilt it, building up your own bike is well worth the experience. You’ll be able to handle any problem that your bike has in the future without always having to resort to a bike mechanic. But, to build up your own bicycle, you will also need the requisite tools and equipment, especially if you are going to build up the wheels yourself. Although there are ways to cut down on the number of specialized tools and equipment, I think you will also need the following:WorkstandTruing standWheel building toolsHeadset toolsCrank/bottom bracket toolsChain toolsCassette toolsCleanersLubricantsYou can certainly take some short cuts, but investing in tools for a do-it-yourself is a good idea. If you are an avid bicyclist and prefer to do your own maintenance work, the necessary tools and equipment are a great investment. Have fun!

By: jezrodando

jezrodando — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:02:55 +0000

I don’t want to seem “pigheaded” over this but doesn’t this bode the question …..”shouldn’t the correspondent be considering having the bike built up by someone who is experienced”….., also bearing in mind that special, and sometimes dedicated tools are required. I would recommend the correspondent does some considerable research into choice of components (with price v. quality and “fit for purpose” in mind) and then researches the tools required (including a torque wrench!!which can go as low as 5NM up to 35NM). Such research can be a combination of internet and friendly cycle shop. I have 40 years plus of building up my own bikes for racing and general cycling and I still do most (not all) of my own mechanical work and I can still come to a dead stop because something doesn’t fit, or I don’t have the right tool or whatever. I don’t want to discourage AG from having a go but BE CAREFUL. Also bear in mind things like handlebars come in different diameters requiring compatible a-head stem, sit pins come in different diameters AND profiles and therefore what you choose must fit the frame, front fork steerer tubes generally are 1″ or 1 1/8″ and therefore make sure the a-head stem comes with a shim IF the steerer is 1″ dia. Also depending on whether the steerer tube is carbon or aluminium determines the expander type that is used, …………and so on.As mentioned earlier, be careful but if everything is correctly researched, building bikes can be great fun and very satisfying.

By: Tony D

Tony D — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 10:02:18 +0000

Might need a clamp for the front derailleur, watch for downtube diameter.Might also need the star fangled nut thing that fits inside the steerer tube that the stem cap bolts to.The metal crimp things for the ends of the cut cables.Alternatively go down your local bike shop and buy a bike…!