Originally Posted by
Glangster
Hi veganbikes,
I'm thinking of building a Langster with a 2008 Langster Chicago 54cm body. I've never built my own bike, so I have a few questions if you don't mind:
1. I can do minor repairs (i.e., changing tires and wheels; adjusting caliper brakes). Are there any parts you recommend I get done professionally instead of doing on my own? After I'm done, I plan on taking it to a mechanic to inspect to make sure I did everything right.
2. What's the widest wheel/tire you can put on a Langster that size? I live in Chicago, have mostly ridden mountain bikes, and get a ton of flats with my road bike.
3. What do you think about disk brakes on it?
Thanks!
1. What tools do you have? If you have the tools to install the bottom bracket you are using and the crank arms and chainrings, you are part of the way there. You will need grease for any bolts/metal on metal contact and allen keys and torque wrench for seatpost/stem and for installing brakes. You will also need cable and housing cutters and probably some other basic tools. Headset would likely need to be done at your local shop along and possibly wheel builds unless you have a truing stand or are buying pre-built wheels. You can do a lot at home if you know what you are doing if not you will want to be very careful because mistakes can get costly.
I work in a shop so when I am building a bike for myself I will generally have our head tech put it together or at least finish the build and make sure everything is properly tuned and torqued. I don't mind buying my fellow workers some beer and certainly don't mind that my mechanic is a Shimano race mechanic and has been doing this for 30+ years and has worked on bikes for pros. There is a lot I can do and on some of my parts bin builds I do a lot myself but my top shelf stuff I usually farm out to him because he does excellent work I can trust. Plus he loves the fun projects I give him, a good break from fixing cheap bikes or nice bikes in poor shape. He will certainly be installing my Sugino 75DD cranks and eeBrakes on my new Langster (after 11 years of age the bottom bracket cracked on the old one and I was sad but they replaced it right away)
2. Most likely you will get a 28c tire. I am doubtful you will fit much wider. I was very surprised when I was able to fit my 28 gatorskins without too much fuss.
3. It doesn't have any disc brake mounts so my opinion doesn't even matter. You cannot do it. If you want discs go All City Nature Boy.