Bicycles

Questions tagged [build]

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Building a bike starting with a frame and adding components to it. If you're starting with tubes that's "framebuilding".

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42
votes
4answers
9k views

Building from scratch vs. buying new

What are the pros and cons about building a bike from scratch vs. buying it new?
22
votes
5answers
75k views

DIY Painting a Bike Frame: Is it possible?

I have painted a couple bike frames (think really cheap garage-find rebuilds) with varying degrees of failure. Can you help me correct/fill in the missing pieces of my frame painting process? ...
21
votes
4answers
14k views

Is it possible to fit a chain guard to a bike with derailleur gears?

I've been slowly going through the process of converting my old hardtail mountain bike into a commuting bike. One of the things that I'd like to do is to fit a chain guard so that I can ride the bike ...
12
votes
3answers
55k views

How do I choose a bicycle fork?

I'm putting together a bicycle on a budget from a frame I was given and various parts from a bike with a broken frame. The only part of any expense that I really need is the fork, and I want to get ...
4
votes
1answer
3k views

Shimano 105 early- to mid-1990s SLR groupset on eBay worth it for 70s SuperCycle rebuild?

Is the below groupset a good value for this frame? I picked up a vintage SuperCycle Medalist frame (I'm guessing 1970s) and am looking to make a comfortable but capable bike for commuting and ...
7
votes
5answers
30k views

Building bike from scratch: why more expensive than pre-built?

I was going to ask about the pros and cons of building one's bike from scratch, but I came to the conclusion that I'm not going to do it (asking and building). Now my question is: why is it (usually, ...
8
votes
4answers
5k views

Tapered Head Tube

I am wanting to understand how a tapered head tube works. Does it require a tapered steerer, or is it the case that the steerer is a consistent diameter top and bottom and just the bearings differ in ...
1
vote
2answers
1k views

Trying to build first fixie?

So this is the first fixie bike I would have owned. I am unsure if I want a freewheel one or not so I won't have to constantly pedal. But I was wondering or seeking help for how I could build one by ...
16
votes
10answers
3k views

What needs to be considered when building a winter bike?

I have been thinking about making the ultimate winter bike. Here are some of the things that I have been thinking about. What else would you think about when building a good winter bike. I am ...
12
votes
6answers
4k views

How can I get started building a bicycle?

Now that I've been riding a while, I'm interested in building my own bike. In this case, it will be a bike for commuting and getting around town. It will probably be a flipflop fixie/single gear, ...
8
votes
2answers
4k views

Switching Parts to a New Frame

What things do I have to consider when planning to switch parts from one frame (old one) to another frame (new one)? Will all the parts transfer? What items may need replacement because they won't fit?...
3
votes
2answers
1k views

Frame/fork compatibility

I have a singlespeed/track geometry frame and I am after a fork that matches it. Besides the diameter of the steerer tube (it's 1 1/8"), what should I be looking for in the fork specs to be sure ...
2
votes
2answers
4k views

Why does a 28 1/3 tyre fit, when a 27 1/4 tyre is too big?

I've just bought these rims off eBay: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Mercian-built-Wolber-rims-Shimano-hubs-vintage-27-inch-good-condition-/270921291817?pt=UK_sportsleisure_cycling_bikeparts_SR&hash=...
4
votes
3answers
880 views

Building a city/trail bike with a CX frame, what should I consider? [closed]

What would be a good build for a 80% city / 20% trail bike? I recently purchased a Cinelli Mash CXSS frame, I will be mainly riding in the city but wanted to also take it to the trails every couple ...
4
votes
4answers
2k views

Eliminating chainslap on a 90's Stumpjumper

I have a mountain bike - a Stumpjumper hardtail frame with a Shimano drivetrain - where I'm getting a good amount of chainslap. Before I start fiddling with stuff, I'd like to understand the problem ...
2
votes
1answer
2k views

What fork size is 32mm (inside diameter on the frame) considered?

Good day, I'm new to the whole bike building process, but I've finally decided to make the step and build a semi-nice bike. I've bought a really nice aluminium frame 2nd hand, but its sizing has me ...
2
votes
1answer
3k views

Getting the right Bottom Bracket

I’ve recently got my hands on an old steel frame which I’ve decided to turn into a bit of a build project. I’ll be honest though, whilst I’ve ridden for many years, beyond basic maintenance my ...
1
vote
2answers
463 views

When is it worth rebuilding a frame?

I found a discarded 'mongoose alta' frame and an 'araya - japan' front wheel. It's missing the rear wheel and the seat (no seat post either) Looks like the gear change is still in very good shape... ...