Workshop specialHow to make your custom BIKE a success

Stefan Loibl

 · 19.12.2011

Workshop special: How to make your custom BIKE a successPhoto: Robert Niedring,BIKE Magazin
Workshop special: How to make your custom BIKE a success
A bike is more than the sum of its frame, parts and accessories. For many bikers, it is even more than an inanimate piece of sports equipment. It conveys values, individuality and lifestyle. Of course you can buy a mountain bike off the peg, swap a few parts with the dealer and have a lot of fun with it. But if you want to avoid the uniform colourfulness of the catalogues, the only option is to build it yourself.

Around 20 per cent of our readers not only like to grab a screwdriver and Allen key, they also dare to build their own personal dream of the perfect bike. The short winter days are particularly inviting for tinkering in the workshop. And what could be nicer than surprising your training mates in spring with a bike you've built yourself? What's more, you can be proud of YOUR bike on every ride because you have screwed on and adjusted every part yourself.


This screwdriver special is also a benefit for the remaining 80 per cent of our readers. This is because all chapters and individual steps can also be carried out separately. This gives you a step-by-step guide from cutting the steerer tube to the perfectly adjusted disc brake. And this is also helpful for off-the-peg bikes.


You can also download the entire special as a PDF - you will find the link at the bottom.

BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger shows you how to press in a new headset and fit the bottom bracket.

BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger shows you how to hammer on a new fork cone, shorten the steerer tube and hammer in a claw for the Ahead headset.

From fitting the brake lever and caliper to shortening the cable and adjusting the brake: BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger answers all your questions about fitting disc brakes.

Fitting the rim tape, inserting the inner tube and fitting the tyres: BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger shows these routine tasks in the video.

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Different axle standards increasingly require hub conversions: BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger converts a rear hub from quick-release to X12 system and mounts the brake discs.

Changing shift cables costs little and has a big effect on shifting performance. Workshop professional Hans-Peter Ettenberger shows you how to change the cables and outer casings.

The gearstick is the centrepiece of the drive. Adjusting it requires a lot of sensitivity and experience. BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger gives valuable tips to ensure that the chain shifts smoothly and quickly over the sprockets.

The right riding position without pain and pinching: BIKE lab manager Hans-Peter Ettenberger shows how to find it on the bike and adjust the saddle and cockpit.

Have fun screwing!

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