Building a bike?

TAKennelly said:

I was wondering about the pros and cons of buying the individual
components of a road bike and assembling them myself. I'm interested
in a fairly cheap bike anyway (in the $600-$800 range), so at that
rate, is it really worth it? Is it cheaper than buying pre-assembled
at that level?

No. It is generally more expensive. Bicycle parts have a higher import
duty, and higher markups at each link of the marketing chain than do
complete bicycles.

Sheldon "Not The Way To Go" Brown
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
| Tilting at windmills hurts you more than the windmills. |
| --Robert A. Heinlein |
+-------------------------------------------------------------+
Harris Cyclery, West Newton, Massachusetts
Phone 617-244-9772 FAX 617-244-1041
http://harriscyclery.com
Hard-to-find parts shipped Worldwide
http://captainbike.com http://sheldonbrown.com

TAKennelly said:

I was wondering about the pros and cons of buying the individual
components of a road bike and assembling them myself. I'm interested
in a fairly cheap bike anyway (in the $600-$800 range), so at that
rate, is it really worth it?

Could be if you already have some used parts from another bike or can find
some decent "new old stock", or last year's parts at "sale" price. *Some*
of the parts could be new but it would be expensive for everything to be
brand spanking new and up-to-date. It is a satisfying thing to do and the
specification could suit you better than a ready-built bike.

Quoted message said:

Also, does it require a lot of familiarity with these
types of bikes to be able to effectively assemble it, or is it really
simplistic with the right set of instructions?

A beginner would be better off having headset, bottom bracket and wheels
done by a local bike shop. The rest is quite easy to assemble with
ordinary tools.

~PB

TAKennelly said:

I was wondering about the pros and cons of buying the individual
components of a road bike and assembling them myself. I'm interested
in a fairly cheap bike anyway (in the $600-$800 range), so at that
rate, is it really worth it? Is it cheaper than buying pre-assembled
at that level? Also, does it require a lot of familiarity with these
types of bikes to be able to effectively assemble it, or is it really
simplistic with the right set of instructions? Do they ride better
pre-built than if you put them together yourself? Any information
would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

The only way to save $ is to get a frame(make sure it fits ya), and
then buying piecemeal discounted, ,discontinued, ebay type parts.
Nothing wrong with that as the frameset is the most important
thing(does it fit ya??).

Assembly is not brain science or rocket surgery but you sure can do it
poorly, or not right. Even most bike shops cannot assemble a bike worth
a dern. A book like Lennard's about bikes would help.

It will almost certainly be way cheaper to buy a factory built bike for
that money. Then you could take it apart and put it back together
yourself for the experience.

Manufacturers get their components at such deep discounts that even
buying piece parts wholesale, you likely cannot beat the price of a
factory built bike.

Similarly with building your own computer. You can buy all the
components yourself and put it together, or you can save a ton of money
and buy it pre-built from Dell or some white-box builder.

The only way to save $ is to get a frame(make sure it fits ya), and then
buying piecemeal discounted, ,discontinued, ebay type parts. Nothing
wrong with that as the frameset is the most important thing(does it fit
ya??).
Assembly is not brain science or rocket surgery but you sure can do it
poorly, or not right. Even most bike shops cannot assemble a bike worth
a dern. A book like Lennard's about bikes would help.
---------------------------------------------------------------

I agree pretty much what Peter says here. Generally, most good Bike
Shops, and probably even Peter's own Shop will assemble a factory built
bike to the best of their abilities from the box. Usually though, you'll
find just perhaps 25-40 miles later things are beginning to break in,
and get loose, or out of adjustment.

Things like spokes can become loose, Brake Calipers, and Brake Shoes
lose correct adjustment, and need to be re-adjusted, re-aligned, and
perhaps due to slight stretch in the cables need some adjustment here as
well.

Seatposts, Handlebars, Saddles, Derailleurs, all bolts/screws on a bike,
and even axles no matter how well they are first assembled can, and will
go out of adjustment, and should be checked immediately after just the
few miles that I mention above.

Once things like Wheel Axles, and Wheel Spokes break in, Axles lubed,
and properly re-lashed, spokes re-tensioned, and trued, these parts
usually will go for 100's of miles without need for further major
adjustments.

Bikes are something that need constant attention. I always check over my
road bikes before every ride, and have gotten in the habit of doing
maintenance-lube on a periodic basis.

As Peter mentioned, a good book, or two is a good thing to have in any
Roadie's arsenal. and also, the acquisition of some good basic dedicated
bike tools, like Axle Cone Wrenches, Allen Wrenches, Lubes, Tire tools,
Pump, and cleaners are all essential to getting the best performance,
and longest life from any bike you buy. Also, a small Saddle Bag to
carry important essentials is a wise investment.
Mark D.

TAKennelly said:

I was wondering about the pros and cons of buying the individual

components of a road bike and assembling them myself.

If you're going to buy everything new, it will definitely cost more to
build it yourself. If you have to buy tools, it will cost even more.

Having said that, I've built up three bikes from bare frames, and never
regretted it.

If you can get a good condition (or never built up) older frame at a
good price, you'll be ahead of the game. Another approach is to buy a
good used bike, and upgrade it. In your price range, the latter might
be the way to go. Avoid used bikes with french thread or 27" wheels.

Japanese made sport touring bikes from the 1980s with 700c wheels are
good candidates.

If you can live with downtube or bar end shifters, you can reduce costs
even more.

This all assumes you know what frame size and geometry you need.

Once, you have the tools and knowledge to build a bike, you'll be able
to do almost all your own maintenance, which will save you money in the
long run.

As to performance, that depends on your skills. But since you're
working on your own bike, you're less likely to cut corners.

Art Harris

If you are able to buy, say, 2004 bicycle parts at closeout, then
there is a chance that you will be able to build a 2004 bike for only
10-25% more than the retail price of a 2005 bike. However, you will
spend far, far more than the value of a 2004 closeout bike (maybe
30-50%)

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA

If you want to build a bike its good to know who the grey market parts
retailers are. I think that both branford bike and supergo sell grey
market parts (i.e. leftovers from the oem's.) My suspicion about grey
market parts came from a $699 grouppo price for Ultegra at SuperGo a
year or two ago.

At least with grey market resellers, you have a chance in heaven of
obtaining a bike for something like the OEM price.

The bike parts manufacturers and customs duty officers are the real
villains in this area. The bricks and mortar bike shops and the bike
enthusiasts are the victims.

- Don Gillies
San Diego, CA