Would you recommend I undertake this project as a newbie?
07-29-08, 02:58 PM
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Would you recommend I undertake this project as a newbie?
I bought new sti levers, cassette, chain, handlebars, stem, stem riser, and shift lever cables (not brake lever cables). I do not want to pay a bunch to get them installed. Is there any way that myself, new to bike mechanics, can get on google to see how to do this and save a few bucks? Or, in your experience, am I about to mess my bike up?
07-29-08, 03:02 PM
#2
Keep on climbing
All that is pretty easy to install... the only question is your patience in adjusting the cable tension. It's a rewarding experience and a good way to really learn how your bike works.
There are great guides at www.sheldonbrown.com and www.parktool.com/repair.
There are great guides at www.sheldonbrown.com and www.parktool.com/repair.
07-29-08, 03:50 PM
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Yes. have fun. Spend a lot of time on the Park Tools website. Report back.
07-29-08, 03:57 PM
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Build it yourself. If you are a tool using mammal it isn't too hard.
07-29-08, 03:58 PM
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All the info you need on Sheldonbrown.com and parktools.com. And you'll need some tools: set of hex wrenches (can get these at Sears/HD/Lowes/local hardware store); pliers (ditto); cable cutters or dremel (LBS for fancy Park Tool cable cutter); cassette tool and chain whip (LBS).
You'll learn a lot. And it's a fun project. Good luck!
You'll learn a lot. And it's a fun project. Good luck!
07-29-08, 04:03 PM
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Yes I would recommend it. Go slowly, read every instruction 5 or 6 times, go slowly, measure twice, cut once, go slowly, and you'll be fine.
I built up my first bike back in January, with no prior experience. I had to buy one new brake cable housing, but other than that it was fine. And a lot of fun.
I built up my first bike back in January, with no prior experience. I had to buy one new brake cable housing, but other than that it was fine. And a lot of fun.
07-29-08, 04:57 PM
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be forewarned-- dialing in your derailleur without experience is a *****. make sure you have a stand to make it slightly less painful.
07-29-08, 05:07 PM
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07-29-08, 05:36 PM
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I bought new sti levers, cassette, chain, handlebars, stem, stem riser, and shift lever cables (not brake lever cables). I do not want to pay a bunch to get them installed. Is there any way that myself, new to bike mechanics, can get on google to see how to do this and save a few bucks? Or, in your experience, am I about to mess my bike up?
The tools are a good investment, but it depends on whether you want to spend the money on them and the time on the work (it will take a while to do this if it is your first time), or if you just want to ride your bike ASAP.
07-29-08, 06:22 PM
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I'd recommend the Zinn and Road Bike Maintenance along with the web sites mentioned above. If for nothing else, it's nice to have at your repair stand and not as troublesome (or expensive) to get grease on.
07-29-08, 06:24 PM
#13
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It's often easier to work on one part at a time when you're starting out, but if you go slowly and get the right tools for the job, you'll be fine. Just don't try to pry things off with a screwdriver when you really need some special tool.
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07-29-08, 06:35 PM
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Here is a tip: If you have an old chain around you can make your own chain whip for next to nothing. If you don't, buy a cheap chain whip and then replace all the chain that came on it with your old chain later.
