Build Project - Would you like to build your own bike?

Are you the type of cyclist who takes great enjoyment from hiding yourself away in your man-cave to carry out routine maintenance on your pride and joy? There are few things in life that can compare to that feeling of serenity you achieve for just those few heady moments whilst accomplishing such a mundane yet necessary task.

A CustomColour Endurance SL nears completion.

If you are one of those lucky few who find such peace and tranquillity in cleaning / servicing your bike then have you ever given any thought to building your very own bike from scratch? After all, if you have fully stripped and rebuilt a bike then how much harder can it be to build your own? Building a bike is very much a labour of love and truly makes it yours, the sense of achievement this brings is its own reward.

Your very own bike build project also has another advantage, it is a great way to expand your knowledge of bike parts, how they work and how to maintain them. There are many things to consider when looking into your own build project, the easiest of which should be what type of frame and forks you would like and then what kit you want to affix to the frameset. So, what should you consider in terms of equipment when embarking on your build project?

Frameset

There are many types of frames available in today’s market so the first decision is of course what sort of riding you intend to do on the new bike.

Road

Are you only going to ride the bike on paved surfaces? If the answer is yes then a tarmac specific road frame is your best option. These bikes will have geometries specific to making the road riding experience faster and more comfortable.

A selection of Ribble's Endurance range are put through their paces.

The Ribble Endurance road range of frames are just such frames, specifically designed for fast road riding and to be comfortable over longer distances.

Gravel

Do you want a bike that has exceptional off-road performance but also doubles up as a more than capable road machine also? You need something with ample tyre clearance for wide off-road style tyres that are better suited to the mixed surfaces you can expect to encounter when adventuring off the roads well-travelled.  

A gravel bike is an ideal option, due to their versatility they can do it all and with style. In terms of our own CGR range they can be fitted with 700c or 650b wheels and this makes a whole host of tyre options available. MTB tyres for maximum off road capability, road tyres for optimal road capability or semi slick tyres which offer a little bit of both. If you think that a gravel bike may not be fast enough to keep up on the club run think again as they are extremely capable on-road.  

The CGR range are the most versatile that we offer, Cross, Gravel and Road bikes all rolled into one.

Time Trial

Are you a tester who likes nothing better than turning yourself inside out in your pursuit of PB’s? And of course in the process beating your Time Trial mates? A TT build is going to be more involved than your more traditional style of bikes. This is due to the amount of fine tuning that is required in pursuit of that perfect aero set up that saves you those all-important watts.

Our record breaking and multiple race winning Ultra frameset would provide you with an epic build project. The additional opportunity to build your own TT bike from the ground up to the exact specification that you require and to achieve that optimal position.

Ribble Pro Cycling in action on their way to the National team Time Trial title aboard the Ribble Ultra TT.

Adventure

Ever fancied just packing everything up onto your bike and saying goodbye to your everyday life for a while and exploring all that the world has to offer. Todays Adventure bike is essentially an all-terrain touring bike. Features include mammoth tyre clearance which can roll over any obstacle that may block your path. They will also be equipped with numerous bottle cage and luggage mounts, ensuring that you have all you could ever need to survive the great outdoors on your epic adventure.

25-27.03.19. Three National Parks in three days. Ribble Bikes. PIC © Andy Lloyd www.andylloyd.photography

Groupset

Do you opt for a 1x set up which is best suited to off road riding, a double chainring set up for which is ideal for road riding or a mix of road or off-road. There are many options available which can be tailored to suit your requirements. It is important to consider the following factors when buying your groupset;

• Bottom Bracket – Make sure it is the correct type for your frame.
• Front Derailleur - Is it braze on or clip on and if clip on what size?
• Rim Brakes - If it is a rim brake frameset does it take standard drop 49mm or deep drop 57mm brakes. Are they a standard 1 bolt fitment or the newer 2 bolt ‘direct mount’ type?  
• Disc brakes – Most road bikes take flat mount disc brakes but other types of bikes may be post mount

The choice of Pro racers, Shimanos premier groupset Dura Ace.

Wheelset

It can be argued that after the frame and fork the wheels are the next most important piece of kit. Tubeless, standard clincher or tubular?

A good set of wheels really impact upon the performance of the bike.

Finishing Kit

The finishing kit is essentially everything else, Bars, stem, bar tape/grips seatpost, saddle and tyres/tubes.

You don't have to match everything up but it does look better!!

Tools required

No build project is possible without the right tools, below we list the bare minimum of tools such a project will require.

• Workstand - A build is nigh on impossible without one.
• Allen Keys – We recommend a selection that includes 2-6mm but larger sizes may be required for the fitting of your pedals.
• Torque Wrench – An absolute must for torqueing bolts to the correct settings.
• Scissors – To cut the bar tape**.**
• Cable Cutters – As their name suggests they cut cables and will also crimp the cable end caps.
• Chain Tool – If the chain does not have a quick link. If it does have a quick link you may require chain link pliers to attach it the link correctly.
• Cassette Lockring Tool – Used to tighten the lockring.
• Tyre Levers – Ideally best avoided when fitting tyres, but some manufacturers tyres are tighter than others.
• Pump – No explanation required here.
• Phillips head screwdriver – For gear adjustment.
• Hacksaw – If you choose to cut down the forks yourself.
• File - If you choose to cut down the forks yourself.

Can you even have too many tools?

Think an electric bike is cheating,? Think again, our 'Electric Bike is it right for you' blog explains why.

Thinking of attending the NEC Cycleshow? Save 10% on your ticket prices here.

Road Carbon Frame or Gravel Carbon, which one is right for you? Find out here.