Ever contemplated building your own bike?
This was a question I asked my other half recently. How many of you have wondered about building your own bike? I’m probably not alone when I look at some bikes and think: “I really like it but If I could only change that bit, and do that with that bit, then I would just LOVE it!”
I’m not remotely scientifically minded, so when it comes down to actual components I need the advice of Mr OCG (or google) but I do know what I like when it comes to colours and frame design, handle bar finishes and stylish saddles. I’m quite a creative person and secretly, I think I’d quite like to be involved in the design side of building bikes. What a cool job that would be! (Commissions and consultations very welcome! Ha!)
Wondering how much cheaper it would work out if I was to take some time building my own bike rather than buying one, I’ve been doing a little research. I’ve seen some super stylish fixies of late and I do think they look pretty cool when you see them out and about, so I’ve been researching about buying all the separate components and putting them together myself.
Whilst doing that, I came across this little video, ‘She Builds’, which has made me think building your own bike doesn’t look as tricky as I first thought! I could be wrong of course and Bek Chew, who’s featured in the video building her first bike, might just be doing a very good job of making it look pretty simple! The process is really interesting to watch and it’s a beautifully shot video…and there’s a fluffy kitten or two toddling about in the background of the bike build to cheer up a dreary Monday too, so I thought I’d share it with you all.
Sit back, be inspired and contemplate building your own bike.
She Builds from Jon Chew on Vimeo.
How many of you have built your own bike?
I haven’t built a bike from scratch as such but I have upgraded just about every component on my bike as they wore, to Dura-Ace and love it as its the way I want. Still got the shifters to upgrade from Ultegra but with my new, second hand but new to me, Ultegra Di2 bike the shifters may never gwt upgraded.
It’s amazing how easy it is to fix or replace components on your bike when you have the right tools and know what you’re doing.
I say go for it!
Good Luck with your project if you decide to give it a go.
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