How to Custom Build a Road Bike

When building up a custom fit road bicycle most refer to having a frame custom built by certified bicycle frame techs to your bodies particular size. After the frame is selected add components to your liking and custom choice. For experienced bicycle mechanics, add the components to the custom made frame yourself to give the bicycle a home-made touch and intimate feel. Because the frame is custom built, select you material of choice for the construction of the frame.

Things You'll Need

  • Bicycle work stand
  • Fully equipped bicycle work shop - tools
  • Pump
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Instructions

    • 1

      Go to a high end road bicycle shop and get custom fitted for a frame. Measurements include arm length, leg length, inseam, bend at the back and lumbar region and height. Select the material you wish the bicycle frame to be constructed out of. Choices are carbon fiber which provides a "muted" and damp ride; titanium which is extremely lightweight and very strong; steel which provides shock absorbing characteristics; aluminum which is still and lightweight and is typically the least expensive option.

    • 2

      Order the frame and select the component group for your custom built bicycle. Options include component groups from Shimano or Campagnolo. Shimano produces a range of road bicycling components with Dura Ace being the apex of their offerings. Campagnolo, or "Campy" is found on many professional cycling teams' bicycles. Campy component high end groups include Record, the pinnacle of the Italian company's line.

    • 3

      Select your bicycle seat and seat stem options. Seats come with carbon fiber, titanium, steel and aluminum bars and are available in a variety of widths, lengths and hardness. Choose a stem that fits your bicycle frame and the seat of your choice.

    • 4

      Select the drop bars for your bicycle. As you have the custom built frame, consider having a set of drop bars custom made to your body and hand dimensions. Finish off the custom options by selecting the wheel set for your bicycle. Choose among wheels with carbon fiber or metal spokes or rims.

    • 5

      Mount the seat stem into the bicycle frame after all components and frame arrive. Mount the seat stem into the bike work stand so the frame is supported by the stand and stem Build the bicycle from the frame by starting with the drive train.

    • 6

      Mount the bottom bracket and cranks to the center of the bicycle frame. Place the deraiileurs on next and thread them with the cables that run to the shifters. Fix the drop bars --the handlebars-- to the front of the bicycle and thread the shifters and brake levers which are integrated onto the bars. Thread the shifters with the derailleur cables and attach the brakes to the frame. Run the cables from the brakes to the levers on the handlebars.

    • 7

      Add the wheels and thread the chain from the cassette -- the gears on the rear tire -- to the chain-rings at the cranks. Wrap the handlebars with the bar cork. Screw on your pedals to the cranks and adjust the brakes and derailleurs.

    • 8

      Inflate the tires and remove the bicycle from the work stand. Mount the seat to the seat stem and take the bicycle out for its inaugural test ride.