r/Bikebuilding

I am new to bike wrenching. My wife asked me to upgrade the components on her bike. This is a fantastic community with tons of very helpful advice. Add in YouTube university and I know I’ll be able to successfully wrench on the bike.

My major question is what is the best resource for new components? Where does everyone get parts from? Like is there a bicycle version of Rock Auto?

I’ve found parts on Jenson USA, and on Performance Bike. But I don’t know if I’m overpaying from those outlets.

Is there something better?

I have this project bike, and the first big thing I want to tackle beyond the obvious is converting these friction shifters to more modern thumb shifters. Anybody have any guidance or can direct me to resources on this?

Hi folks,

I have a frame with which I'd like to build my bike.

Previously I've just built by swapping parts from an existing build but by bit, hence I had a real life experience with the existing geometry and what I might want to change there.

Now without this try and change I'm a bit lost how to pick the geometry relevant parts - especially fork, but also the rest.

I have the frame and another bike I rode and liked and would like to emulate as good as possible geometry wise on the bike stats webpage.

But that's where I'm stuck - what now? How to learn what fork angles etc.?

Could you give me a little spin into the right direction?

That'd be amazing!

Thank you so much!

Hey.

my brain is set on building my own bike, be it a proper frankenbike.

What's wrong with the physics of attaching 2 forks to a plate, with a center column in the middle, attached to the handle bars.

Most 2 front wheeled things have some sort of independence or lean ability to the wheels.

Why can't I just keep them separate and turn together?

I can't wrap my head around it. Rather not spend the time if it's just impossible.

Specifically without a butterfly on it.

🚲 KLUNKER BUILD — FINAL PARTS LIST

🧱 FRAME

State Bicycle Co. Klunker Frame (steel)

27.5” compatible geometry

Single-speed dropouts

🛞 WHEELS + TIRES

27.5” wheels (standard klunker size)

CST Patrol tires (27.5 x ~2.4–2.6)

Medium tire pressure setup (street + dirt balance)

⚙️ DRIVETRAIN

Single-speed setup

Gear ratio: 36 / 16 (stock State Klunker ratio)

1/8” BMX-style single speed chain (strong + simple)

💪 CRANKSET

MTB-style crank (efficiency-focused)

Single chainring setup (compatible with 36T)

🦶 PEDALS

Flat platform pedals

Metal pin grip style (BMX/street style)

🪖 HANDLEBARS

BMX-style handlebars (wide, aggressive control)

Stock height setup (balanced feel)

✋ GRIPS (your request)

You wanted Vans-style — here are the exact type:

🟢 Best match options (all same style family)

ODI Vans V2.1 Lock-On Grips

ODI Cult x Vans Flangeless BMX Grips

ODI Cult x Vans Flangeless Grips Red

✔️ What you’re actually choosing:

“Vans waffle sole” pattern

Soft rubber grip feel

BMX lock-on system (recommended)

👉 Your exact vibe choice: Black Vans-style waffle lock-on grips (clean + classic)

🪑 SEAT

Comfort cruiser seat (wide + padded)

Anti-“genital destruction 4000” design approved 😭

📏 FIT + SETTINGS

Bar height: stock

Tire pressure: medium

Riding style: street + light dirt klunker build

🛑 BRAKES

Rear brake only (single brake setup)

This was made with chatgpt

I really like Royalgel seats but so I need a seat cover with those?

My spouse has a nice bike that she very rarely use but have seen better days, and I hate working on her 3x setup since .. well.. I am not a fan of them. The kid got a new bike with Cues, and I have to say I liked it. looks great and works great. So I thought, why not make all their bikes cues so if I can buy spares and it'll fit all.

But here is the question. Cues comes with a 170mm crank as minimum. She is 155 or thereabout so for her to have the best enjoyment, I thought why not go for a crank with 160mm crank. I have seen shorter cranks as well, 155mm? 150mm?

I like a crank that has replaceable cogs. I would like it in black matching the cues. Now, any got any suggestions?

Hey all, I am just starting my first build of a bike. I have some maintenance background and am comfortable with auto mechanics so wanted to try my hand at a bike.

I currently have the frame from a early 90's GT Outpost Trail but I want to do a more road style build on it with either Shimano Tiagra or 105 components. + a set of carbon rim brake wheels.
I know I need to get the whole groupset but am a bit perplexed at whether or not i NEED a press fitting if that is already in the bike as it came as well as how to go about making the change to threaded if possible.

I would appreciate any and all help people can offer from reputable sources to tips on my specific issue or even just general advice for making this go well for me!