Road bike build help and advice
- Thread starter jnrmczip
- Start date
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ayceejay
Guru
- Location
- Rural Quebec
If you have the time and another bike to ride while you are faffing spend some time on Google.
I bought a discontinued Norco with an average frame that had components worth more that the asking price for the whole bike.
The components went to a better frame and the Norco was sold with more appropriate bits.
This way you get to build two bikes but if careful you will come out on top.
I bought a discontinued Norco with an average frame that had components worth more that the asking price for the whole bike.
The components went to a better frame and the Norco was sold with more appropriate bits.
This way you get to build two bikes but if careful you will come out on top.
Neiltluck
Regular
If I can offer any advice, it is this....
If you going to build yourself a bike based around a carbon frame with other carbon parts, a good torque wrench is an absolute MUST. You simply cannot afford to over-tighten any of the bolts/fixings as the result could be catastrophic.
I have recently built a Scott Foil and found it hugely satisfying. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the bike and how it works and will potentially save a small fortune on servicing costs, as you will be able to do it all yourself.
There are some "specialist" tools that you may need along the way, but these don't need to be expensive. I found Planet X a good source for cheap tools.
If you going to build yourself a bike based around a carbon frame with other carbon parts, a good torque wrench is an absolute MUST. You simply cannot afford to over-tighten any of the bolts/fixings as the result could be catastrophic.
I have recently built a Scott Foil and found it hugely satisfying. You will gain an in-depth knowledge of the bike and how it works and will potentially save a small fortune on servicing costs, as you will be able to do it all yourself.
There are some "specialist" tools that you may need along the way, but these don't need to be expensive. I found Planet X a good source for cheap tools.
Fair enough. However can you recommend a torque wrench that can be used for various hex bolts/wrenches?
RichardB
Slightly retro
- Location
- West Wales
I have two torque wrenches. A big one (½" drive, goes up to about 250NM/180 ft-lb) which I bought when I was restoring an old Land Rover, and a small one (⅜" drive, up to about 80NM/60 ft-lb) which I bought for work on motorbikes. I would imagine that the smaller one would be fine for the sort of torque you would need for a bicycle. Below about 10 ft-lb you're in the finger-tight zone anyway. Get some Allen bits and an adapter (bits go in one end, ¼" or ⅜" drive socket in the other) and possibly a ¼" to ⅜" adapter if your torque wrench has the wrong size drive head. (I think all available at Halfords for not much money.) I have torqued many Allen bolts on motorcycles with that set-up. No experience of using a torque wrench on a bicycle, though. I've always used 'tight enough', but I've never had a carbon frame.
Edit: how about -
One of these:
http://www.halfords.com/motoring-tr...ts/halfords-professional-torque-wrench-8-60nm
and one of these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Allen-Allan-Socket-8inch-IMPERIAL/dp/B00C20V5O6
and possibly one of these if needed:
http://www.halfords.com/motoring-tr...fords-professional-2-piece-socket-adaptor-set
Just over £90 the lot.
Last edited:
Neiltluck
Regular
This is the one I bought...
http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJWMTWS/jobsworth-pro-torque-wrench-set
Works perfectly and comes with a full set of cycling specific bits, all for just under 40 quid.
I'm just about to build up a Bianchi carbon frame I got at a steal of a price.
I agree with everything these guys have said. Torque wrench is a must, measure twice(or thrice ) cut once and take your time.
Get the right lubes and fibre grip and use YouTube.
Why am I doing it? Because it's such a wicked feeling seeing a bike that is unique to you coming together, then going on that first ride on something you built.
Oh yeah, don't forget you need Beer/tea and a clever plan so postman delivers while the Mrs is out.
I agree with everything these guys have said. Torque wrench is a must, measure twice(or thrice ) cut once and take your time.
Get the right lubes and fibre grip and use YouTube.
Why am I doing it? Because it's such a wicked feeling seeing a bike that is unique to you coming together, then going on that first ride on something you built.
Oh yeah, don't forget you need Beer/tea and a clever plan so postman delivers while the Mrs is out.