Learn Bike Assembly On Your Own – Complete Guide

When Covid-19 has made it tough for us to go out of our houses during these difficult times, online shopping has become all the rage. Why not, though? The online market has way more variety of things than our local store. This is why many people buy their bikes online. It has so many advantages. But buying your bike online means that no one will perform bike assembly for you. So that you are ready to go in a few minutes. This means that you will have to put the bike together yourself. 

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Now, we know that the idea of bike assembly alone sounds tiresome and daunting. But believe me, it is not that difficult once you have a proper guide on how to do it, and this article is exactly what you’re looking for. So, without wasting more time, let us get right into it.

Step 1: Unbox the Parts For Bike Assembly

Remove the lid of the bike box by laying it flat on the ground and then set aside. The frame and the rear wheel are covered with cardboard platforms to keep them safe and secure. Set aside any parts of the bike which are not covered in cardboard. Leave your bike in the bike box to begin the assembly. The bike box will provide a barrier between the floor and your bike.

Step 2: Get Your Tools Ready

The exact tools you’ll need for assembling the bike will depend on the level of assembly your specific bike will require. But in general, you will need the following tools-

• Allen keys
• A small torque wrench or torque key
• Grease
• Carbon assembly paste
• Pumps
• Zip tie-cutters
• Bike Multi-tool

Step 3: Find the Manual For Bike Assembly

Once you open the box, you should do the following:

1. Set its protective wrapping aside.
2. Search for the owner manual and refer to it regarding the steps you need to take for the bike assembly of your particular one.
3. Check the manufacturer’s website for instructions if you don’t find a manual in the box.

Of course, you can always go to your local store owner for help.

Step 4: Check For All The Parts

Before beginning, make sure that you have everything your need for your bike assembly. Double-check the contents of the box with the contents mentioned in the owner’s manual. If you find that any part is missing, contact and notify the manufacturer. Do not throw any of the packaging or things away. The smaller parts might be hidden with them. 

Step 5: Lubricate the Parts of the Bike

Read the manual to check which parts of your bike should be lubricated and with what type of lubricant. Choose the best of lubricants for your bike. Next, check your bike to locate any metal parts that will directly contact other metal parts. Then, lubricate such parts to prevent friction and corrosion damage. Such locations are likely to comprise components such as the Axles Quill stem, Seat tube, Seat post and Thread.

Locate the minimum insertion mark on the seat post. This mark indicates how far this should be inserted into the seat tube to achieve the maximum safe height for your seat. Before slipping the post into the tube, grease the seat post with any waterproof, hi-temp grease. Push the post in unless the minimum insertion mark is inside the tube. Depending on the built and model of your bike, there would be either a bolt or a quick-release mechanism on the outside of the seat tube.

Once you’ve inserted the post to the proper depth, tighten it. Secure the seat post to prevent it from moving while riding. Move up to the saddle of the seat after the post is secure. Adjust its position as per need so that it is at the center over the post. Then tighten the bolts to secure it.

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Step 7: Attach the Handlebar

Give yourself some space to access the stem so you can attach the handlebar. Either move your bike to a bike assembly stand or, if you don’t have one, leave it on the box until you attach the rear wheel. Use an Allen wrench first to remove the front of the handlebar mount. Place your handlebars within it, and then replace the front of the mount over the top. Secure it using the torque wrench. This will ensure that the handlebars are held with the right amount of force. Be sure not to overtighten the handlebar.

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Some of the latest bikes have integrated cockpits, with the handlebar and stem in one piece. If that’s the case for you, check your manufacturer’s manual before installing the handlebar to ensure you fit it correctly.

Step 8: Insert the Front Wheel

Most bikes will come with the back wheel already installed. So, all you need to do is remove the front axle, place the front wheel inside the fork, and then reinsert the axle and tighten. What makes this step difficult is the fact that there are two types of axles on a bike. Thru-axle – It differs in diameter and length depending upon your bike type. A thru-axle secures the wheel to threads in the fork or frame.

Quick-release skewer –It’s a narrow skewer that passes through the wheel. A nut on the threaded end holds the skewer in place. After threading the skewer into the nut, utilize the lever to impart the final tension, fastening the frame onto the hub’s axle. Closing the lever requires much force. Make sure the wheel is straight because misalignment in the dropouts can cause brakes to rub. 

Step 9: Inflate the Tires

Inflate the tires of your bike and, as a starting point, check the pressure against the recommended range marked on the tire sidewall. Need to know the best pumps for your bike? Click here!

Step 10: Install Pedals

Keep in mind the fact that the pedals of the bike are right and left specific. Mostly, they have a label with an ‘R’ and an ‘L.’ In case they are missing on your bike’s pedal, you can make out which one is which by looking at the thread direction, which also indicates the direction of instalment. For example, the right pedal tightens clockwise, while the left pedal is a reverse thread. Since the design is to be left and right specific, they go on the corresponding bar and easily tighten into place.

Step 11: Final Check After Bike Assembly

This is the final step in bike assembly. Your bike’s manufacturers and merchants should have set up the brakes and gears before shipping, but perform a last safety check and ensure the gears are properly indexed. Check that the bike’s wheels are properly fastened. Squeeze the brake levers to check the brakes are working correctly.

Conclusion

Take a step back to enjoy the view of the hard work you’ve put in to make your masterpiece, your very own bike. Then, after taking a proper look at it, go out and enjoy a wonderful ride! Let us know how this  complete guide on bike assembly was helpful to you.

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