Mountain Biking - Diy

i've prepared my bike parts and special tools for a long time, and i'm going to diy my new mtb: excel titanium frame, psylo xc fork, xtr drivetain. i like diy.

Nothing wrong with that, it's rewarding to diy :) Are you building wheels from scratch even?

Have fun with your new rig :beer:

yes, its no problem to build wheels, just need patience and time.

10 Hints for DIY projects:

1. Have the right tools for the job. (Sounds like you do)
2. Don't rush. (Haste makes waste)
3. NEVER over tighten a bolt. (A good way to ruin parts, get a torque wrench if you can.)
4. Use grease on all threads. (You will be thankful you did)
5. Use Ti Lube on those titanium parts, especially if the part is contacting aluminum. (Seatposts, Stem Bolts etc)
6. Pedals thread on / off the opposite way
7. Keep the chain in the big ring when mounting pedals (Your knuckles will thank you in the event you slip and hit the chain ring)
8. DO NOT build a bike on your wife's clean kitchen floor (lesson learned)
9. Keep a little tray on hand to put nuts and bolts in (saves time hunting for them later)
10. Have plenty of cold brew on hand (always a requirement)


**Good luck and have fun.**

thanks for 10 hints. i'm worried about my headset cups (aluminum) with my frame headtube (titanium), how to solve the electro-chemical erosion if no ti lub?

I'm considering doing the same thing... I have the frame and fork now.. but am still wavering on whether to put all the other components on myself, or take it to the shop and have them do it... I've never actually put an entire bike together like that, but I'm fairly mechanical, and could probably do it... I probably will need a torque wrench... better than uhhh yeah that feels liek 15 lbs. of torque :-)

Jeff

When CyclArt finishes painting my Capo frame, I will be reassembling the bike from scratch. I actually bought my 1972 Peugeot as a bare frame, when I worked for Bikecology, and built it up. Follow Rainman's 10-step plan, and you should be fine. I would add an 11th commandment, that you be prepared to visit a trusted LBS if you really get into trouble at some point.

I tried building my own wheels, about five years ago, I have the spoke measured and cut by the local LBS. Once I reach home I was so exicted that finally, I started putting it together, but when I was halfway thru on th drive side, It seems that i cannot finished the job, that's when I notice that the spoke were cut short. so I end up bringin the hubs and the rim to the locak bike shop for them to build it, I was really dissapointed.

Originally posted by legstrong
thanks for 10 hints. i'm worried about my headset cups (aluminum) with my frame headtube (titanium), how to solve the electro-chemical erosion if no ti lub? If you don't have some official Ti-Prep, either order some, or visit your local auto-parts store and get some Loctite Anti-Sieze compound.