Hi All,
I just got a bunch of work done on my bikes this weekend and I was met with an unexpectedly large bill. As you can imagine, in this economy, I’m looking for opportunities to save money. So with that said, what do you guys recommend as the be all, end all resource for do-it-yourself bike building/repair (books, websites, seminars, etc.)?
Thanks in advance.
I think that you will hear a lot of Zinn and the art of bike main’t, but I learned most of it off here or the park tools website.
Zinn and Parktool are the best resources. There is a tune of video on youtube if the books are not making sense. Ask here if you don’t think you’re doing it right.
I’m in the process of completely stripping my tri bike, putting all the parts over on a road bike and building my tri bike with new toys…er components. It really isn’t hard…it just takes time to learn and figure it out. The second time around should be easier/faster, I hope.
Parktool and Nashbar have good starter tool kits that will get you going if you don’t have anything.
I just built my first tri bike myself. I was surprised how easy it actually was. I relied on the Parktool book & website. Also, most of the components come with at least minimal instructions.
I was amazed how unnecessary bike specific tools actually are. There are really only a couple of “bike” tools you need beyond what a normal person would have in any standard toolbox. Granted, I didn’t install my own headset or cut my carbon steer tube, but those were the only things I outsourced to the LBS. 90% of it can be done with a set of allen wrenches.
Just give it a try. You aren’t going to break anything (hopefully). And if you can’t figure something out, come here or go to parktools.com.
If your buildling up a new bike, RTFM!
If regular maintenance, park tools!
X2. I have the Zinn book, but don’t find it too useful. Too general, and not enough pictures. I prefered videos found online, the Park tool website, and others.
I was also surprised how easy it is. My LBS certainly gets a lot fewer of my $$$ now.
As for tools, I got by with several allen wrenches, cassette puller, cable cutter, torque wrench, and some assorted pliers, files, screwdrivers, and the like. Nothing too fancy or expensive. I did have my LBS do the crown race. I figured for as often as that needs to be done, it was still cheaper to pay them.
Go slow. Be careful. If something feels like it isn’t fitting right, then it isn’t - Don’t try to force it. Enjoy! It’s a great experience and nothing quite beats riding a bike you built yourself.
For tools go with park tools! They’ll last a long time and are definitely a good investment.
Installing the headset isn’t that hard, or expensive.
Maybe it was just luck, but I followed these instructions using materials that are available at any home depot and the whole thing went very well.
Don’t forget to grease the cups before installation.
http://www.bikecommuters.com/2007/09/29/homemade-headset-installation-tools/
http://www.mindspring.com/~d.g1/headset.html
Zinn, Park and forums are the best bet. I have not bought a new bike since about 1994 I think and have built up every single bike I have owned since that time including my friends bikes as well. Probably about 50 bikes in that time. You learn by doing and reading.
The only thing that I have had a bike shop do in the last 15 years are some wheels trued (lazy to learn) and disc brake overhaul (lazy to learn) but as mentioned by you, in this economy I will be learning myself as soon as possible.