I've only had one build go completely smooth, and that was my SS. Coincidentally, it was my last build.......hmmmmmm.......
Does any bike build session ever go as planned?
The reason I ask is that every bike building session I've ever had has been hit with one snag or another. My friend calls it an unknown but predictable 'x factor' or something.
I'm not one to build up a bike bit by bit. I usually pick up all the pieces I need, then set some time aside and build the whole thing up in one go. The latest was a drivetrain upgrade for my geared hardtail. Everything except the frame, fork, headset and wheels was going to get an upgrade. And I was so proud of myself going into this build-up, too - I had been a clever shopper, scored some really tasty deals, and as the pieces came in the last part arrived on a Friday, so that I could build the whole thing up over the weekend.
My buddy came by to help me (he's got all the cool tools and he knows the deal with derailleurs, I don't). We start taking the bike apart. The handlebar, shifters, brakes and grips go on. The bottom bracket threads on nicely. Cranks get put into place. Cassette gets locked in nicely. Rear derailleur is bolted on. Chain gets measured to fit. Front derailleur goes... wait, what's this? The bloody thing won't work.
SRAM X-Gen front derailleur with an almost universal fit - I guess my bike frame is what makes it 'almost'. The high clamp just won't work - I'm going to need to get a bottom clamp/top swing derailleur now.
Build plans got derailed by a derailleur. Oh, the irony.
And of course, because there's no front derailleur, the chain can't be connected. Which also means that not even the rear derailleur can be hooked up to the shifter. Which means that because of one part, I'm only halfway through this bloody build. Ugh, what a bear.
Has anyone ever built up a bike and finished it when they wanted to finish it? I seem to suffer from the bike building version of blue balls each time.
I'm not one to build up a bike bit by bit. I usually pick up all the pieces I need, then set some time aside and build the whole thing up in one go. The latest was a drivetrain upgrade for my geared hardtail. Everything except the frame, fork, headset and wheels was going to get an upgrade. And I was so proud of myself going into this build-up, too - I had been a clever shopper, scored some really tasty deals, and as the pieces came in the last part arrived on a Friday, so that I could build the whole thing up over the weekend.
My buddy came by to help me (he's got all the cool tools and he knows the deal with derailleurs, I don't). We start taking the bike apart. The handlebar, shifters, brakes and grips go on. The bottom bracket threads on nicely. Cranks get put into place. Cassette gets locked in nicely. Rear derailleur is bolted on. Chain gets measured to fit. Front derailleur goes... wait, what's this? The bloody thing won't work.
SRAM X-Gen front derailleur with an almost universal fit - I guess my bike frame is what makes it 'almost'. The high clamp just won't work - I'm going to need to get a bottom clamp/top swing derailleur now.
Build plans got derailed by a derailleur. Oh, the irony.
And of course, because there's no front derailleur, the chain can't be connected. Which also means that not even the rear derailleur can be hooked up to the shifter. Which means that because of one part, I'm only halfway through this bloody build. Ugh, what a bear.
Has anyone ever built up a bike and finished it when they wanted to finish it? I seem to suffer from the bike building version of blue balls each time.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
Why not? Most front derailleurs have a screw, removal of which will allow the derailleur cage to open just far enough to admit the chain.SpinWheelz said:And of course, because there's no front derailleur, the chain can't be connected.
Sure. It goes as planned because I always expect to be missing something I need.
Go ahead and put the chain on. You can open the cage of most front derailleurs to mount it. Or just break the chain and reconnect. If it is not a Shimano you do not even need a tool.
Go ahead and put the chain on. You can open the cage of most front derailleurs to mount it. Or just break the chain and reconnect. If it is not a Shimano you do not even need a tool.
It IS a Shimano and I do plan on using the pin and that's why I've not connected it yet. That's alright, though - I ordered the derailleur last night, it got shipped this p.m. so I should have this baby finished by week's end.
The pin is why I refuse to use Shimano chains.SpinWheelz said:It IS a Shimano and I do plan on using the pin and that's why I've not connected it yet...
I'm with you, mate. With the exception of the one Shimano chain that came with my full-susser, I've always used SRAM chains with that Powerlink. However, when I bought my new cassette and got this chain for free, I figured I'd go ahead and use it and save myself a few bucks.
I've read about folks using a Powerlink on a Shimano chain, sure. But in this case, I'm being a stickler for norms. Plus, I'm in no real rush - it's not like I need the bike tomorrow to come in last in a race or something.
I've read about folks using a Powerlink on a Shimano chain, sure. But in this case, I'm being a stickler for norms. Plus, I'm in no real rush - it's not like I need the bike tomorrow to come in last in a race or something.
I work in a shop and I do fine on customers bikes; I think the fact I'm paid by the hour removes all the impatience I get working on my own bike. The last time I built my own bike, I ruined a (road) shifter by putting the cable in wrong because I hurried the job.SpinWheelz said:Has anyone ever built up a bike and finished it when they wanted to finish it? I seem to suffer from the bike building version of blue balls each time.
Your friend knows what's up.
Expect it. Just remember what the sage of auto racing Carrol Smith taught us:
"It is an inanimate object and therefore must, eventually, respond to reason."
Ron
Expect it. Just remember what the sage of auto racing Carrol Smith taught us:
"It is an inanimate object and therefore must, eventually, respond to reason."
Ron
Yep, it's always something. I did an 8 to 9 speed conversion this weekend. Well I started it, now I'm waiting for a couple more parts to arrive....
My number one rule when working on the bike is don't be in a hurry. Learned that the hard way.
My number one rule when working on the bike is don't be in a hurry. Learned that the hard way.
1 - 11 of 11 Posts
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