|   Building Up First Frame. Where to start? | Otto
Dec 20, 2003 8:11 AM | | I have bought my first frame. I want to build it up with parts of my choice. I have been maintaining my old bike now for close to a year, so I am pretty handy with maintenance, but this will be the first frame I build up. Is there any particular order I should do things in?
I don't want to have to say, "Oh! I should have done this first!" Then I have to go back and take parts off. Any advice greatly appreciated!
Otto |
| re: Building Up First Frame. IT IS A HARDTAIL | Otto
Dec 20, 2003 8:45 AM | | I failed to mention that it is a hardtail frame-- Specialized M4. I don't know if this makes a difference. |
| re: Building Up First Frame. Where to start? | seely
Dec 20, 2003 10:14 AM | | It doesn't really matter... you have to put the fork on before you can do the stem, bars shifters, etc so I would maybe do that first. But if you want to do the bottom bracket and cranks first thats fine too. It doesn't really matter. Just remember to grease everything with white lithium grease before its installed. |
| From personal experience... | ®andyA
Dec 20, 2003 10:14 AM | | ... I would suggest you start with the Headset/Fork/Stem interface. Of those, you must start with the headset installation since you can't install the fork or stem until the headset is installed.
You could mount a lot of parts (R/D, F/D, Rr Brake, etc) but the adjustments and final install of cables is really dependent on the install of the handlebars (...which relies on the install of the stem... so on & so forth).
Since I brought up the issue of headset/fork install, there are a lot of DIY-ways to do it. Do a search on the TOOLTIME board and take a look. You might get a lot of responses on the proper install procedure (and a lot flames which process is really correct) so let me sum it up this way:
* If you are handy with tools and know what you're doing go ahead and try installing yourself.
* If you have the money to get the *right* tools (headset press, etc), go ahead and get them and do the install.
* If you don't want to bother with doing it, then hopefully your LBS is good enough that they'll perform the install for you.
BTW, if you haven't been to the site, Park Tool has a great FAQ page on all the installation and maintenance procedures that you'll need:
* http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/FAQindex.shtml
Also, Mike T. has a cool page with some tips on installation/maintenance items, and a DIY procedure for headset install:
* http://www.execulink.com/~dtierney/wmc/faq.htm
As for my main advice, just take your time and appreciate the joy of building up your own ride. I've built (& re-built) my 4 bikes and it's always been a great experience.
Hope that helps,
Randy |
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