 You don't need to be an 'investor' to invest in Singletrack: 6 days left: 95% of target - Find out more
Hello! I'm new here so I'll start with that at least! My name's Callum, I'm from Haworth, UK.
I've received an old specialized stumpjumper in exchange for an old car that I've been trying to get rid of.
Bike needs a bit of work, bottom bearing, brakes, gears need tuning, I've got some wheels for it that are better suited.
My question is, what am I best staring with?
Should I get all the gearing sorted with the new wheels, then move onto brakes? Other way round? I've found I have a habit of just fitting whatever is closest to me in the garage, then realising I probably should have fit xyz first.
How much do you enjoy grabbing hold of a spinning wheel with your hands to stop it spinning?
I think if you start with the gears you will wish you started with the brakes.
Depends if you mean
1) where do I start for an overhaul that will be finished before I ride it?
2) I want to ride it now what's the most vital bit to fix?
If 1) I would start stripping most of it down and for preference I would start with any frame related stuff (e.g. headset and bottom bracket), then wheels (check bearings and straight) then drivetrain and then move on to brakes (it doesn't really matter which of brakes/gears first if you will do both before riding it as they don't really overlap and I do gears first out of habit), then last finishing bits. The idea for me is to find any big issues with frame etc. and then work outwards.
If it is 2) then it depends what is most urgent. I'd start with the brakes if they are ropey. If they're ok start working through everything methodically but focus on one area at a time, brakes, wheels, drivetrain etc.
My question is, what am I best staring with?
Your eyes!
Everything.. Buy all the bits you need and collect them in a little box until you have them all. Then get at least 4 of your favourite beers and bring your bike and the bits and your tools inside the house.. Get rid of all your family for the afternoon. Put on some nice music, open a beer and enjoy putting your bike together slowly and with pleasure.
I'd start with the bits that make you stop.
I'd start with the bits that make you stop.
Bottom bracket and headset - get those smooth, then start on the stuff that makes you go/stop - gears then brakes...gears are likely to be an easier job than brakes but ideally the brakes will work so can be played with after.