Mattyd said:
Looking for help on a decision I need to make. I just purchased 05 Dos Niner and am psyched to ride it. I'm trying to decide whether or not to build it myself. I don't have much (any really) experience working on bikes. Any thoughts?
Also, I 'm trying to decied on parts for the niner. Hoping to ride it in a race in Feb, but we'll see how money goes. It's a 16" frame. Any suggestions?
I would do everything you can, and then go for help on the rest.
Here's the only parts that'll be hard w/out previous experience and/or special tools:
*Headset installation - although you can do it safely for about $1.30 worth of parts from any hardware store
*BB installation - although you can buy the tool for 10-15 bucks at a bike shop - or
depending on where you get your cranks, and what type they are, it may come with the tool - Related: if you're using modern 2-peice integrated cranks, final assembly is a bit messy, have to fuss with spacers - but it's do-able.
*cable/housing cutter - but it's valuable to have one, and they're only 10 bucks or so
*use hairspray for grip installation (or carb cleaner really works well, or compressed air if you have it)
*cutting the fork's steerer tube if you're getting a new fork - but you can use a traditional hacksaw - file sharp edges down when finished
*final adjustment of derailers can be a bit fussy for first-timers.
However, all that said, the total "tool investment" is less than a pro-assembly, and you can teach yourself to do it in the meantime. While bike shops usually don't like assembling someone's ebay purchases, they DO like showing you how to use tools you buy from them.....and it's hugely satisfying to build your own bike - heck, if you have a digi camera, take pic's of your problems and progress, post here for tips/tricks/help/etc. I would buy the tools, do the build, ask for help as you need it, and maybe ask the shop (or an experienced buddy) to do a final check-over/derailer adjustment prior to your first ride.
Enjoy, and report back often.