Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

My new Paddy Wagon, a question on assembly

Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

My new Paddy Wagon, a question on assembly

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-28-11 | 01:05 PM
  #1  
Thread Starter
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 113
Likes: 1
From: San Antonio

Bikes: Jamis

My new Paddy Wagon, a question on assembly

Here's my new and first SS.
It's also the first new bike I've ordered online and put it together myself. I don't have a torque wrench or any fancy tools. Is there anything I need to be careful of or have a shop look over? Especially since I am a novice putter-togetherer. I have taking it out for only about 10-15 miles so far.

It seems all pretty straightforward, but I don't know if I might be missing something.

Attached Images
File Type: jpg
11 - 1.jpg (50.9 KB, 43 views)
delilo is offline  
Reply
Old 10-28-11 | 01:18 PM
  #2  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 1,196
Likes: 0
From my recent experience:

Grease everything with threads, look up info on exactly what to grease.
Lube certain things like your chain. Also check your chain tension.

Might have to install/tighten your pedals, should be done with a pedal wrench.

Get your wheels looked at, see if they spin true.

Some of these should be done before seriously riding.
BigglyPuff is offline  
Reply
Old 10-28-11 | 01:36 PM
  #3  
EpicSchwinn's Avatar
Just smang it.
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,295
Likes: 1
From: Bellingham

Bikes: Felt F1X, Kilo WT, Dawes Deadeye

If you don't have a torque wrench I'd recommend having the bike shop at least double check if your cranks are tight enough. They can be damaged if they're not torqued down enough. Also, make sure your headset is tightened properly. I'm not an expert on this and maybe someone else can chime in on the steps for this.
EpicSchwinn is offline  
Reply
Old 10-28-11 | 01:57 PM
  #4  
hairnet's Avatar
Fresh Garbage
 
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 13,190
Likes: 30
From: Los Angeles

Bikes: N+1

It is pretty straight forward but there are specialized tools for things like the bottom bracket, hub cones, and spoke nipples. You can't work on those parts without the special tools. You can go to a shop to have them look it over but they may charge. They most likely will charge to look over the BB because there is more labor involved.

+1 on the headset. Make sure the top cap is pushing the stem and not the steer tube
hairnet is offline  
Reply
Old 10-28-11 | 04:31 PM
  #5  
mihlbach's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,656
Likes: 145
From: Long Island, NY
Originally Posted by EpicSchwinn
If you don't have a torque wrench I'd recommend having the bike shop at least double check if your cranks are tight enough. They can be damaged if they're not torqued down enough. Also, make sure your headset is tightened properly. I'm not an expert on this and maybe someone else can chime in on the steps for this.
You don't need a torque wrench if you have common sense and a general understanding of the material properties of the components you are workign with. I've never bothered with a torque wrench, not even with carbon, and have never f'ed anything up.
mihlbach is offline  
Reply
Old 10-28-11 | 04:34 PM
  #6  
mihlbach's Avatar
Senior Member
20 Anniversary
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 6,656
Likes: 145
From: Long Island, NY
Pick your bike off the ground and drop it...does it sound solid when it bounces or does it rattle? It it rattles, something needs adjustment. If the threads are greased, everything spins smoothly, the wheels stay true and nothing is loose, and, your bike stays in that condition mile after mile, then its more or less assembled correctly.
mihlbach is offline  
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
DScience
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
20
08-26-12 12:31 AM
torquewrenchles
Bicycle Mechanics
27
04-24-12 07:00 PM
snarkypup
Classic & Vintage
36
11-28-10 02:21 AM
pablosnazzy
Mountain Biking
16
10-05-10 05:25 PM
FasterNearGirls
Bicycle Mechanics
56
08-30-10 09:33 PM

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.