Building a boardman bike

mikerd4

Anyone bought a board man bike unbuilt? I could buy it built but in the time frame I have buying it unbuilt is the better option.
My only question is what's involved?
I've never built a bike before, is a relative novice able to follow the instructions and do it?

Diarmuid

1. I don't think you can buy a Boardman frame on its own
2. Why would you build a bike? It more than likely will be more expensive
3. Are you used to overhauling your drivetrain, wheels, brakes etc? If not, I would suggest you are jumping in at the deep end. Learn the basics first

C3PO

Really shouldn't be a big deal but I'm not sure I'd be expecting "instructions" in the box!

mikerd4

Sorry, I meant buying it in assembled, as opposed to assembled in the shop.
I honestly don't believe it would be that difficult to do but wanted to check first.

Lumen

Unbuilt probably means just unassembled, no? As in, built and then a few bits detached but with all the cables set up.

Morgan

mikerd4 wrote: »

in the time frame I have buying it unbuilt is the better option.

If you're in a hurry to get the bike then it would probably be quicker to get an experienced mechanic in the shop to assemble it. Then again, Halfords......

ThisRegard

It's easy enough to do, I bought an unassembled one last year and with help from youtube it's quite easy. The hardest part I found was getting the headset and forks adjusted correctly. And it's a good learning experience too.

mikerd4

ThisRegard wrote: »

It's easy enough to do, I bought an unassembled one last year and with help from youtube it's quite easy. The hardest part I found was getting the headset and forks adjusted correctly. And it's a good learning experience too.

Cheers this is what I was expecting to hear, think I'll go ahead with an unassembled one so

ThisRegard

Don't blame me though if the cables and drive train aren't already hooked up though ! From what I can gather they usually are though.

dave_o_brien

What level of experience do you have at bike maintenance?

If you aren't used to changing cables, setting limits, making minor adjustments, then this will definitely NOT be a quicker solution, if that's what is important, even if the shop is backed up by a day or two.

If you are used to doing those things, or time isn't an issue, then building from a box is relatively straightforward. Generally chainset's in, headset's fit, and it's a case of attaching the handlebars and stem, setting up the gears and brakes, saddle, pedals and off you go.

If you are expecting instructions in the box, generally, you will not find any.

kingoffifa

ThisRegard wrote: »

It's easy enough to do, I bought an unassembled one last year and with help from youtube it's quite easy. The hardest part I found was getting the headset and forks adjusted correctly. And it's a good learning experience too.

+1

The comments on the halfords page and general opinion vary greatly. You get the right young fella in there, you get the perfect guy to put your bike together. You land in at the wrong time, get the wrong guy, and they could mess something up on you. So have a lash of it yourself. It is very much a case of assembly and as said above "youtubing" search terms like "how to adjust front derailler"

mikerd4

Well I picked the bike up last night and built it this morning before breakfast. Seriously it could not have been any easier! I have one clip Im not sure about so Ill post a pic in a minute. Hopefully the wife will be pleased when she sees it later!

mikerd4

Heres the pins and clip bit that came in a seperate bag, any ideas?

Lumen

Those "pins" are cable ends.



No idea about the S-shaped thing. If it's plastic it can't be safety-critical. :pac:

mikerd4

Brilliant stuff, I wasnt sure if they were pins for something.

As I said the bike was a dodlle to put together and I think it looks bloody good!

lennymc

the s clip might be for clipping the cables at the front of the bike where they cross. It wouldnt be critical. bike looks well. Does she like it?

mikerd4

She hasnt seen it yet, and doesnt know about it.

Have to say I enjoyed putting it together, I think thats what the S clip is for myself tbh

monkeyslayer

The S clip is probably for clipping the two cable housings together as they come off the bars and meet go on down the head tube, stops em banging off each other

ThisRegard

mikerd4 wrote: »

She hasnt seen it yet, and doesnt know about it.

Have to say I enjoyed putting it together, I think thats what the S clip is for myself tbh

It's always good when you finish something and don't resent it afterwards.

Now all you have to do is sort that mouse problem out!

mikerd4

The good news is she loved it! The bad news is the weather was shocking and she couldn't take it out for a spin.

Well spotted on the mouse traps, I think our unwanted guest is gone, my wife isn't so sure lol