Corben

Well I got most of the componets all clean and shiny new looking. And soon it will be time to put it all back together and set her free on the city roads. So is there any special order I should put her back togeter?

stien

I never do it the same way twice, I just start grabbing parts. Takes no time at all to be done.

ilikebikes

Doesn't matter how you get it back together as long as you get it back together. BTW, I hope thats a before pic.

bigbossman 

I like to start from the bottom and work up. BB, crank, derailleurs, chain, shifters, brakes, cables, etc..... Seems to flow in an orderly and efficient manner for me that way.

4Rings6Stars

Ouch.

Looks pretty good to me, except maybe the seat post but I bet that is going to be hidden anyway.

sykerocker 

I tend to run in a set order - I find that way I can head off possible problems:

1. Headset
2. Bottom bracket
3. Wheels (finished) and freewheel/cassette
4. Stem and bars
5. Brakes
6. Touch up wheel truing
7. Crankset
8. Derailleurs and levers (or, hook up brifters already installed)
9. Pedals
10. Adjust derailleurs
11. Seat and seatpost

Somewhere in there, I wrap the bars, usually before rigging up the brake cables. YMMV, but this orderly system works for me. Then again, I'm psychotically anal. I'm a bookkeeper, dammit.

mickey85

I'll put the headset together, put the fork on, flip the bike upside down, put on all of the "bottom" components and wheels, so it can stand up, then I put on the handlebars, brakes, shifters, cables, etc.

Bianchigirll 

since you seem to be done the HS and BB I would install 1 cranks, 2 deraileurs, 3 brakes, 4 bars, 5 wheels, 6 chain, 7 cables and adjust

as far aw wether these are before or after pics,... I thought the BB shell area looked kinda dusty


OH a bike should never be "slapped together", that is what the peice work contract builders at walmart do. a nice bicycle should be assembled with TLC and either '50s Jazz or Classical music in the background

cb400bill

The music played should be from the era the bike is from. That Centurion should be built up while jamming to some Duran Duran, Van Halen, or Huey Lewis and the News.

bradtx

So. The bicycle's guard dog gets no love with only half showing, eh? I work from the bottom up also, finishing off with handlebar taping once my preferred lever and handlebar angle is determined after a couple of short test rides.

"...either '50s Jazz or Classical music in the background" --Bianchigirl
You're obviously classier than I! '30 blues, big band era, Queen, Nickel Creek or Celtic for me.

Brad

norskagent

I wasn't aware of the musical protocol when I built my '80 Mclean back up to "rush - live in rio" blaring!

cb400bill

Rush. Another great 80's band!

dbakl

I agree with this, plus when assembling I put all the mounting bolts in for access from the drive side. That's just me. BB cable guide before cranks if there is one. I wrap bars with the cables installed. I always perfect rear wheel in frame its going to run in. Oh, rear derailler first and work out bugs, front last.

While you have everything off, good time to check dropout and derailler hanger alignment if you have the tools....

WNG

First, get your drink of choice. Second, as some already mentioned, favorite tunes playing...should be relaxing. Have a comfy seat handy.
If the frame and fork aren't attached, the headset assembly is always first task.
Then, I prefer to work from bottom --> up. ie. BB, crank, pedals, derailleurs, calipers/cantis, wheels, stem, bars, levers/shifters, cables, seatpost, bar wrap/grips, and seat. It seems faster and minimizes chances of errors or damage/accidents. What works for me, doesn't mean it may work best for you.

gaucho777 

And when putting in the seat post and stem, I usually start with them at the "max" line to start and then adjust incrementally downward when it comes time to fitting. No sense sticking those things in there too far and find you've added an unnecessary scratch when you pull it back up.

brockd15 

So to summarize, there's no right or wrong order, just preferences.

This is a good tip.

echo

Does this mean while I'm reassembling my 1979 Fuji that I should be listening to the Village People - In The Navy - 04-79 - (Casablanca) or perhaps The Blues Brothers - Soul Man - 02-79 - (Atlantic) ... Blues Brothers it is!

sykerocker 

Everything goes together better with a background of either Goth or Death Metal. And a cube fridge full of cheap bheer.

red sox junkie

I usually start with the headset and fork. I then put in the seatpost so I can clamp the seatpost in the stand. From there, I put the brake calipers and levers on and get the braking dialed in. Obviously, I need the wheels in the frame to do this. Then I move to the drivetrain. Once that is all done, I clean up the frame and make sure there isn't any random grease anywhere. Lastly I put the handlebar wrap on. Obviously, there are many ways to skin a cat.

Corben

Great advice. It didn't even dawn on me to play some 80's tunes. I only bought one album during the 80's . That was Men At Work. Meanwhile, I almost have her all assembled. I could have finished it all up tonight but decided to call it a night after cutting my finger between the crank's chainring and the front derailleur. Smarts! Tomorrow she will be finished.
And yes that is the "before" picture!

XR2

It's not a fixie.

jimmuller 

I got this far and wondered where you'd put the 3rd brake. It's not a tandem as far as I can see.

noglider 

I prefer Bach or Schubert when working on bikes.

Tom

thenomad

Oh crap. Thanks for reminding me. I was going to put my Mother in Law's Raleigh Sports together this week and I would have totally flubbed the assembly protocol. So what's the standard hat must be adhered to for a '66?
I'm thinking beer and Rolling Stones?

gaucho777 

^ '66 you say? My choice would be Dylan's Blonde on Blonde. Or if the build doesn't go as planned, you can resort to Freak Out from The Mother's of Invention (Frank Zappa).