[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

amazing homer build loving the black accents another helpful idea I’m always looking out for are checklists for builds. I’m curious to know what people here do for rivendell specific builds - any configuration would be interesting (drop bars, brakes, upright bars, wheels, dynamo, etc) On Mo

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

Hi Michael, I just finish building my A. Homer Hilsen which is also the first bike I ever build including the wheel set. I do it without much knowledge, learn everything online especially from Park To

Re: [RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

For sure, the axiom 'Know Thyself' applies here. Regarding the earlier suggestion to 'have at it' should probably be tempered with honest assessment of your skills and inclinations. I think my greatest fear has been, among others like cross-threading, for example, dropping a wrench on fragile tubi

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

I know you are mechanically inclined. I am not. But either way, I would be impatient and would want to ride it immediately so I'd let them build it. At least the first time. When I got my complete, I was so happy just to jump on and ride it. It was 99% perfect. I hardly changed anything.

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

Don't forget that Riv generally give a discount on parts cost when buying a complete. On the website they are currently giving $300 off for "Antonio's" build for example. Unless you have a stocked parts bin or are willing to shop around for everything, the Riv build will likely be the most econ

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

Do it! Building your awesome bike from the frame-up is one of the bestest bike things you can do! Just keep at it until you have a bike you’re happy with. Everyone who’s ever built up a bike had to start somewhere… On Tuesday, May 28, 2024 at 11:32:14 AM UTC-4 Michael wrote: > Hi all, > Ordered

Re: [RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

I have to agree with Piaw here. It's not hard to build a bike, at least if it's a Rivendell-type bike, if you start by buying the correct parts from a knowledgeable shop instead of trying to learn seat-of-pants by yourelf. But I disagree about racks and fenders: racks are rarely a problem, IME, if

Re: [RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

On Tue, May 28, 2024 at 5:26 PM Mathias Steiner wrote: > Piaw said: > > >> Don't worry about assembling the bike. Modern bikes are easy and modern > parts even easier. > > Clearly, you have not added racks and fenders much :)' > I live in California to sidestep the latter problem (btw, Ass Saver

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

Piaw said: >> Don't worry about assembling the bike. Modern bikes are easy and modern parts even easier. Clearly, you have not added racks and fenders much :) Especially the latter are usually finicky... been doing this since 1986, can't count how many times. Sometimes it goes OK, but I got s

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

I've been building my own bikes since 2007. It's not nearly as hard as building a wheel. The only issue I can see is the the Sam Hillborne runs cantilever/v-brakes, which have never worked out for me (I only buy sidepull brake bikes to sidestep that problem). I recently built my wife's bike. Du

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

*"I do have a workshop and am good with tools". *By "workshop" I take it to mean you have a proper work bench next to your bicycle repair stand, with a reasonably well equipped tool board. This is where you do your current bicycle maintenance. Is that correct? *Are there any specific steps t

Re: [RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

I would ask Rivendell to build it up for you. In fact, that’s exactly what I did with my recent Hunqapillar restoration. I have many — but not all — of the tools to do a full build. Put aside that fact that buying all the necessa

Re: [RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

Get them to build it for you. It’ll be exactly what it should be.But then slowly purchase the (high quality) tools required to maintain and replace components over time. That way you’ll get the best of both worlds.And the best part of completing a bike build is changing stuff in the weeks and month

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

I agree with Ken regarding the most difficult part being collecting compatible parts. Maybe if you ask nicely riv will sell you a kit-in-a-box? That way you can spend time learning and practicing the actual assembly and adjustment instead of worrying about if the parts in front of you even can

[RBW] Re: DIY build or order complete?

IMHO, your greatest challenge will be finding and collecting all of the parts necessary to build the bike. I think the key issue being compatibility, when to ignore and when to respect it. Rivendell World Headquarters does an fabulous job when it comes to mechanical wisdom and experience with w