a novice writes....

[toooldforthis]

I’ve now accumulated cartloads of old school bits and pieces and god willing (kids permitting) I’m gonna try and build a bike at the weekend.

What I’d like to know is what will I need to do it?

I know the usual spanners, grease, etc – but are there any ‘items’ that you would never start a build without having to hand (and I don’t mean cans of special brew) to save time and effort?

Paul

[Nosnod]

The only thing you will probably struggle with a bit will be fitting the headset cups and bottom bracket cups. Some guys on here use vices and other home made devices or you can get proper press tools. Personally I just make sure the frame is supported and use a piece of wood and a hammer and has never failed 

[gmac]

You will need a 32mm spanner for the b/b and headset. Not in most people's tool kit. 

[ORB]

Big 'ole 'ammer

Grease

Beer

[theRuler]

trying to replicate the hammer force on a headset cup with a vice would be stupid.

some things are meant to be knocked in

tools wise, a small socket set is useful - and a 6mm allen key (sometimes a 4mm too)

adjustable wrenches are good, and some pipe grips.

get the bearing tracks the right way around too mate

[toooldforthis]

Cheers Geeza's 

I'll no doubt be back on here later on crying like a little girl 'cos I can't get the crank/headset/bottom bracket/stem/chain/wheels/tyres/bars/grips/brakes/brake levers (delete as applicable) to fit properly.

First up is the Gen 1....

[David]

First up should be some piece of crap you got from the dump! 

[macmark]

This might help too http://www.radbmx.co.uk/forum/index.php'topic=9583.0 

[Bob_Acid]

If it looks like a clowns bike when you've finished........ it's old skool

[Flaz]

A empty jam jar to put all the bits you have left over and you dont know where they go? 

[toooldforthis]

Got as far as I could last night after half a crate of becks, carried on this afternoon and that's what I've ended up with, quite pleased with it seeing as it's my first build for over 20 years.

Need a left hand brake lever, grips, pedals, a seat & seat post (I hate laybacks). Was gonna put me yellow haro levers on it but it looked pony, I've got a set of metal hubbed black tuffs that are currently getting some work done on them, but thought these blue ones look alright for the time being.

Cheers

Paul

[FuNMoNsTeR]

Nice one m8, it looks great... good to see another building novice like myself pull off a great build