CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Questions/Support/Help

Bike building

(11 posts)
  • Started 11 years ago by amir
  • Latest reply from Coxy
  • This topic is not resolved

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  1. amir
    Member

    I am hoping to buy a nice steel frame to replace the alu one on my winter bike/commuter. I'm hoping that it will be more audax friendly (esp geometry) when the weather isn't suitable for my Van Nick.

    I was mainly going to just move components over to the new frame and I'm thinking whether to do this myself or to get a bikeshop to do it. The things that I see as being a bit tricky or that I haven't done before are:

    - removing and fitting bottom bracket (and possibly cranks - not sure off-hand what I have)

    - possibly front derailleur - getting it in the right place

    - fitting steerer/headset and cutting the steerer

    Any advice or should I just take it in? Any experience of prices?

    Posted 11 years ago #

  2. rust
    Member

    Depending on the type of bb it can be easier to get a shop to do the removing/fitting. I think last time I had it done there was a swearing surcharge - it had been in the frame quite a while and was a bit difficult to get out...

    Everything else should be fairly straight forward and you can always use tons of spacers on the steerer so that you can at least ride it to the lbs to have the steerer cut down.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  3. kaputnik
    Moderator

    All three are reasonably simple jobs that can be completed with reference to a book. I think Steveo still has my copy of Zinn on long term-loan, or he may have long-term lent it on to someone else to make use of! Whomever has it, you're welcome to borrow as it will allow you to do all three yourself.

    Measure thrice, cut once when it comes to the steerer. Plus, have a vice or similar.

    Always double check the direction for loosening and tightening BBs as each side has a different threading. If you need to borrow any BB tools I have ones for internal and external spline Shimano models (also works on SRAM and OEM versions of both) that you are also welcome to borrow. I also have a crank extractor or 2. Most importantly a big wrench!

    Posted 11 years ago #

  4. steveo
    Member

    I think Steveo still has my copy of Zinn on long term-loan,

    /whistles....

    Posted 11 years ago #

  5. amir
    Member

    I have a copy of Zinn so Steveo is okay (but I might need a lawnmower ;) )

    Posted 11 years ago #

  6. custard
    Member

    I paid The Bike Works to do my steerer cost under £12 with a star fangled nut fitted and a new crown race fitted

    Posted 11 years ago #

  7. allebong
    Member

    Bottom bracket - if it's square taper and not seized in there's no problems. If it's external and/or seized you may be in for a whole heap of pain. Also if it is external you MUST get the frame faced by the shop before installing it.

    Front mech will be easy. You can do it all by eye and there's plenty of room for error and adjustment though you're unlikely to get it spot on first time.

    Headset installation is something I've always left to shops as I'm too nervous about knackering the headtube. You can certainly do it yourself with an improvised press or even a hammer and block of wood. Weigh up the cost saving against the chances that you permanently ruin your new frame beyond repair by messing it up.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  8. kaputnik
    Moderator

    If you're really keen to do it yourself, Bike Station have the correct presses, race-setting and facing tools etc. for headset installation.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  9. amir
    Member

    I might try the guy in Newtongrange. I do like Criterium Cycles but they work off a fixed price list - they thought that the bike bits swap should cost the same as a full service - £139. However they fitted a new fork for me for only £10.

    Posted 11 years ago #

  10. Cyclingmollie
    Member

    Get the shop to do all the bits you're not happy to do yourself. Learning is over-rated (especially learning the hard way).

    Posted 11 years ago #

  11. Coxy
    Member

    Nooo - learning is great!

    If you can build your own bike, you can fix anything that goes wrong with it!

    Posted 11 years ago #

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