Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Heh, most of my bike have little plastic gingerbread man-shaped clips that serve as mascot and mapholder, preferably color matched to the bike. Blue one on my silver Quickbeam, for example: http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6004/6017958991_787e0c5ecd_b.jpg Or clear when there's no match available.

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Wow. Man oh man oh man.You finally take a week's vacation and go camping and there's a moderate kerfuffle in the group. And the distinct odor of umbrage. In the words of many barkeeps for a multitude of generations: "Gentlemen, PLEASE!" I'll paraphrase a point I've made before - in the

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

You tested it. Couldn't do it. Must be hard. I will take your experience as a data point, no more. On a built bike, for me, dozens of times, gravity made it easier. The derailleur and chain were not a factor. Philip "Don't I have a bike to ride?" Williamson www.biketinker.com On Friday, Sept

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

-- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/ujx5pm_pWeEJ. To post to this group, send email to r

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Fri, Sep 21, 2012 at 2:17 PM, Philip Williamson wrote: > I won't try to put an unshod wheel into a bare frame if the dropouts need > spreading. It's easy with a built bike, less so without. What would make it easier with a fully-assembled bike? If anything, I would expect it to be marginally

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

I agree that a bike should have a mascot, but IMO the mascot should be found while riding the bike. My touring bike's mascot is a small plastic frog, which I zip tied to the top of the stem... http://www.flickr.com/photos/rexkerr/6724309713/in/photostream My AHH doesn't have a mascot yet... O

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Even a correctly spaced, fully built bike takes some familiarity before dropping a rear wheel in comes easily. It took me a while (way back when) to get the hang of getting it past the derailer without some frustration. If this kind of thing is new to you, even the built bike with narrow spacin

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

*What I Learned From This Thread* (too little too late). I won't try to put an unshod wheel into a bare frame if the dropouts need spreading. It's easy with a built bike, less so without. If I think people are missing crucial facts, I'll reiterate gently, in different terms, with more specifics

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Even relatively little things can be somewhat unnerving when you've parted with so much cash for a new frame.I'm glad to hear it is sorted out now-Rivendell has a reputation for being really good about stuff like that and for valuing their customers.Here's to finally getting your bi

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

In all sincerity, you really do not belong in a public forum. A public forum is a place where people share experiences, ideas and musings. Your solution was to get a new frame. You appear to think every post thereafter should have been a rehash of your post. There is absolutely no reason t

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 11:08 AM, Michael Richters < michael.richt...@gmail.com> wrote: > > You know what's annoying? People trying to give me advice without > bothering to read what I've already written about the problem. I > asked for advice for how to solve a problem, and most of the response

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Not knowing you AND not having any idea how to solve your problem, and having read the entire thread (and not having sent you any advice), I now consider you an obnoxious moron. Welcome to the group. On Thursday, September 20, 2012 11:09:23 AM UTC-7, Michael Richters wrote: > > On Thu, Sep 20, 2

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Then stop posting about it and lets let this one die. I for one will not be following this thread anymore. Moving on people! On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 2:08 PM, Michael Richters < michael.richt...@gmail.com> wrote: > On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 11:01 AM, Matthew J wrote: > > Agreed. A very annoying res

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Thu, Sep 20, 2012 at 11:01 AM, Matthew J wrote: > Agreed. A very annoying response. The O.P. asked for our advice. Looming > through the posts above, just about all say to contact Riv., but also share > experiences with the issue. > > If someone does not want to hear about other's experienc

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Agreed. A very annoying response. The O.P. asked for our advice. Looming through the posts above, just about all say to contact Riv., but also share experiences with the issue. If someone does not want to hear about other's experience or knowledge on an issue, best not to ask ina public for

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Wed, Sep 19, 2012 at 7:47 PM, Doug Magney wrote: > Here is a link to Sheldon Brown's classic article on cold setting frame > dropouts. http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html > I've done it as a novice and got excellent results. Aha! I searched for the wrong terms when I went to Sheldon'

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Here is a link to Sheldon Brown's classic article on cold setting frame dropouts. http://sheldonbrown.com/frame-spacing.html I've done it as a novice and got excellent results. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this d

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Well it is obvious you are frustrated with the list members who are just trying to help so why dont you take "this" conversation out of "here" and take it up with Rivendell directly. If you wrote them as acrimonious of an email as you wrote us I would think they would respond right away... On Wed,

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Thanks for the advice, guys, but you obviously didn't read my description of the situation. It's not a complete bike; it's just a frameset with nothing on it, except maybe the front wheel. There's no chain, no derailleur, et cetera. Since I only have two hands, I can't spread the dropouts and si

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

This is getting out of hand. My Saluki rebranded as a Hilsen was a true 135, and the site claims 135. The buyer needs to work this out with Grant. Us telling him "it's not a problem" is not helping. Joe Bernard Vallejo, CA. On Wednesday, September 19, 2012 4:50:13 PM UTC-7, Jim M. wrote: > Ag

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Agreed. You should stand behind the bike to spread the dropouts and pull the wheel up into them. I put a 130 in 126, and a 126 in a 122 all the time. You won't damage the frame -- another benefit of steel. jim On Wednesday, September 19, 2012 4:40:47 PM UTC-7, ttoshi wrote: > > You don't put th

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

You don't put the wheel on the frame by pushing down on it with your weight. You need to spread the frame with your hands and then slide the wheel in. 3 mm means you just need to spread the frame by 1.5 mm on each side. It shouldn't require much force. You can see this by flexing the frame with y

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 11:41 AM, James Warren wrote: > I would not file it. Maybe you should call Rivendell. I will. Unfortunately, Keven seems to be out for the next week and a half. > Is it possible that your frame was tweaked in transit somewhere? You should > call them and not take my wor

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 12:09 PM, Leslie wrote: > Don't file.Bending it out by less than 3mm (about 1.5mm per side) is not > a problem; removing metal is. > > Look at how the rear triangle is made: a pair of chainstay tubes from the > bottom bracket shell coming back, a pair of seatstay tube

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 11:37 AM, Peter Morgano wrote: > Any decent bike shop will have tools to spread it that small amount and > realign dropouts. Cost me 40 bucks in nyc which is top of the market. Sure, any decent bike shop might. If only there were such a thing anywhere near where I live...

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Been a while since I had the Hilsen. Could be I am remembering a different Riv. Filing the drop outs is much more likely to hurt than help. Even a seasoned metal worker would have difficulty filing the same amount off each side. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the G

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Saturday, September 15, 2012 10:09:21 AM UTC-4, Michael Richters wrote: > > In this case, it's 132.1, measured where the paint is scraped down to > bare metal. And on their description of the A Homer Hilsen > (http://www.rivbike.com/product-p/f-hilsen.htm), it clearly says: > > Rear drop

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Yes, that too. I had the rear of my QB (similar frame to AHH) respaced from 120 to 135. So far, so good (knock on wood.) Sent from my iPhone On Sep 15, 2012, at 9:37 AM, Peter Morgano wrote: > Any decent bike shop will have tools to spread it that small amount and > realign dropouts. Cost me

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

I would not file it. Maybe you should call Rivendell. Is it possible that your frame was tweaked in transit somewhere? You should call them and not take my word on the following speculation which is that I'd be surprised if they let a frame get sold to a customer that is not 135 without telling

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Any decent bike shop will have tools to spread it that small amount and realign dropouts. Cost me 40 bucks in nyc which is top of the market. On Sep 15, 2012 12:28 PM, "Michael Richters" wrote: > On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 7:00 AM, Matthew J wrote: > > Michael: Rivendell spaces its bikes 132.5 int

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Sat, Sep 15, 2012 at 7:00 AM, Matthew J wrote: > Michael: Rivendell spaces its bikes 132.5 intentionally to allow owners to > choose between 130 and 135 hubs as needs dictate. It takes a little oomph to > get the 135 mounted for sure. Nothing wrong with doing so. Will not hurt > the bike

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

My second batch one was made at Waterford and is 135. The literature advertising the bike when it was new in 2007 said it would be 135 on the AHH, but that Rivendell also thought 132.5 could make a lot of sense. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 15, 2012, at 9:02 AM, Matthew J wrote: > I could be mi

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Saturday, September 15, 2012 12:02:18 PM UTC-4, Matthew J wrote: > > I could be mixing it up with another Riv., but I believe my first batch > Hilsen was 132.5. Original plan for the Rambouillet was to be a 130 rear, but then RBW went 132.5 so that you could go either 130 or 135. (I went

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

I could be mixing it up with another Riv., but I believe my first batch Hilsen was 132.5. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msg/rbw-owners-bunch/-/A0NOq3T

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Did the AHH change rear spacing? Mine is 135 mm, as we're all the original darker blue ones. Sent from my iPhone On Sep 15, 2012, at 5:00 AM, Matthew J wrote: > Michael: Rivendell spaces its bikes 132.5 intentionally to allow owners to > choose between 130 and 135 hubs as needs dictate. It

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Michael: Rivendell spaces its bikes 132.5 intentionally to allow owners to choose between 130 and 135 hubs as needs dictate. It takes a little oomph to get the 135 mounted for sure. Nothing wrong with doing so. Will not hurt the bike or hub. -- You received this message because you are sub

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

I've finally got a little time to spend putting my new A Homer Hilsen together (thanks to everyone for your advice). So far, I've run into two little problems: First, the rear dropout spacing is not 135mm as advertised, but 132mm. I have a rear wheel built with a 135mm hub, and if I use a lot of

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 10:41 PM, Zack wrote: > i could be wrong, but i don't think that Riv framesaves frames if you don't > get a complete bike - i think i read that they don't do it because the > framesaver leaks all over the bike packing stuff. It's been a while since I ordered the frame, but

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Thu, Sep 6, 2012 at 5:33 PM, Jim Mather wrote: > RBW chases/faces the BB and framesaves it before they send it out, so don't > worry about those steps. > > > On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 2:08 PM, Bill wrote: >> the very first step is to have the bb shell faced & chased as well as >> headtube faced.

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

i could be wrong, but i don't think that Riv framesaves frames if you don't get a complete bike - i think i read that they don't do it because the framesaver leaks all over the bike packing stuff. easy enough to double-check that though, just wouldn't want you to think it had happened if it d

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

> > Don't forget the most important thing! A nicknack that is either tied or > twined on your bike somehow. Make it something meaningful. I got a mini > wooden Sasquatch that I named Robert. Robert from Knot Only A Bear in > Oregon made it for me. Said he was the smallest Sasquatch ever! Pict

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

RBW chases/faces the BB and framesaves it before they send it out, so don't worry about those steps. On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 2:08 PM, Bill wrote: > > the very first step is to have the bb shell faced & chased as well as > headtube faced. while you're at it, have insides framesaved and headset > i

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

I do not recommend greasing handlebar or brake clamps. you want them to be up torque and secure not prone to slipping. the very first step is to have the bb shell faced & chased as well as headtube faced. while you're at it, have insides framesaved and headset installed. Just take the frame to

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

I can say that as a long-time amateur mechanic recently turned pro, one of the best investments you can make at this point is a nice, stable workstand for the bike. Park makes decent consumer stands starting from $200 or so. That'll go a long ways towards giving you easy access to all parts of

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

If you are going to just wrap and shellac them then there is really no issue with scratches. I like the VO leather wrap, its like an expensive steering wheel, and at 45 bucks a good deal. Takes a good night to do but I like it. On Wed, Sep 5, 2012 at 6:43 PM, Joe Bernard wrote: > You'll get the

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

You'll get the clamps on, then once the lever-bolts have started threading you can adjust the lever location by wiggling it around a bit. But before you do that I think you should call the supplier of your bars and tell them your problem. The fact that you're having the same issue with two sets

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Good luck. It is a great way to learn how everything works. I have two bits of advise. Make sure your handle bar height is correct before you tape the cables to the bar (if you are). Don't clip your wires too close to the termination point or they might fray. Matt -- You received this

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 8:38 PM, cyclotourist wrote: > As for for brake levers, you should be able to unbolt the clamp part, slide > it on, then bolt the lever bodies back onto the clamp. I don't know if that > works for brifters though. All the tidbits I've read on installing brake levers have ei

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

"Or" I bought a wedge thing from Sears that's perfect for that. It's made out of hard plastic, looks like a door stop, is yellow and you can find it in the tool department. I don't know what it's really supposed to be for but it's perfect for spreading the stem clamp apart so the bars will

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Michael, You don't mention how well-equipped with tools you may be. Bicycle assembly is not "difficult", and modern parts go together surprisingly easily, but there still are a few tricks, and a few opportunities for knowlege and discipline and care. Can you find someone locally who is trul

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

> > *Handlebar mounting tip:* > If you cannot get the handlebar through the stem clamp to mount it easily: > > Use a small bolt and a nut to open up the stem clamp just wide enough to > slide in the bars so they don't get scratched on the way. > > 1. Put small bolt into the clamp screw hole.

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

> > Brake mounting tip: > For safety, try to get at least 5 1/2 turns on the threaded, allen head > mounting nut when you mount the brakes to the frame. If the threaded nut is > too short, go to your local LBS and ask if they have a longer one that will > enable you to get enough turns on it. I

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Let your personal safety come first in your build. > *For instance:* > Before grabbing a fistful of cable housing and installing it; > Make sure you are using only brake cable housing (and not shifter cable > housing by accident) for the brake cables/system. > If you know for sure the differenc

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Got it! :-) On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 7:04 PM, Joe Bernard wrote: > The OP tried that and it was still very tight. Nevertheless, doing it that > way is probably his best bet for the least scratching. > > Joe Bernard > Vallejo, CA. > > On Tuesday, September 4, 2012 6:38:22 PM UTC-7, cyclot...@gmail.

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

The OP tried that and it was still very tight. Nevertheless, doing it that way is probably his best bet for the least scratching. Joe Bernard Vallejo, CA. On Tuesday, September 4, 2012 6:38:22 PM UTC-7, cyclot...@gmail.com wrote: > All your plans so good so far. Assembling a bike is the best p

Re: [RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

All your plans so good so far. Assembling a bike is the best part IMHO! As for for brake levers, you should be able to unbolt the clamp part, slide it on, then bolt the lever bodies back onto the clamp. I don't know if that works for brifters though. On Tue, Sep 4, 2012 at 6:04 PM, Leslie wrote:

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

This: http://www.cyclofiend.com/Images/pdf/RR28_bikeassembly.pdf :) On Tuesday, September 4, 2012 1:29:40 AM UTC-4, Michael Richters wrote: > > I'm about to embark on the adventure of putting together a bicycle for > the first time, and I find myself anticipating all manner of > difficulties

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Matthew makes an excellent point. If you have another built bicycle around, take it apart and put it together. Twice. It's very easy when you're learning to bash the frame with slipped tools and such. If you don't have another bike, $100 on Craigslist will get you something you can work on. You

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

If your skills are anything on the level mine were the first couple of builds, be ready to accept a few dings or take it to your LBS! More than once I got completely engrossed in the immediate task before me only to have one thing lead to another resulting in a paint gash before I even had a c

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

Ok, I looked up the bars. Classic road shape so I'm sure you're mounting road levers. In my experience road levers always take some twisty action to get in place on the curve. A little grease or chain lube will help, but I wouldn't fret too much about light scratching. You obviously don't want

[RBW] Re: First-time bicycle assembly advice

My general rule is start from the bottom and move up. Wheels, cranks/bb, derailers, brakes, then the cockpit. I try to save the handlebars for last to avoid errant swings into the toptube while I'm busy with other things, but this may not be an issue for you if you're using a proper repair stand