Originally Posted by visitordesign

i built up all of my bikes. i build my wheels. it's not rocket science, but you should really have a fundamental understanding of how tools and concepts like threading work before you potentially go and muck up your gear. it's better to have a friend or someone generous at a bike shop or bike co-op familiarize you with the proper tools and mechanical concepts before you put something in a state of disrepair. if it's possible, i'd really recommend pursuing those avenues.