For those who have ever wanted to tour the world on two wheels, creating your own touring bike is a great way to make sure you have the perfect ride for your travels.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to build a touring bicycle, from selecting the frame to fitting the bike to your body.
With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you’ll be able to craft your own custom ride and set off on your grand adventure.
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Building a touring bicycle requires careful consideration of the components you will need to build a bike that will carry you and your gear over long distances.
You will need a reliable frame that can support the weight of your gear, strong and comfortable handlebars, and a good drivetrain such as a mountain bike-style crankset and shifters.
You’ll need to choose the right wheels and tires for the terrain you plan to ride, and be sure to include fenders, lights, and reflectors for safety.
Finally, add a saddle and other accessories that will make your ride more comfortable.
Basic Tools Needed
Building a touring bicycle from scratch requires certain tools and supplies, but with a few essential items, you can get started.
To begin, youll need a frame, wheels, tires, handlebars, a drivetrain, and brakes.
You will also need some basic tools, including an adjustable wrench, a set of Allen keys, a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, and a torque wrench.
Make sure you have plenty of lubricant such as WD-40 and a good lubricant spray to keep the bike’s components in good working order.
Youll also need a stand or support for the bike so that you can properly assemble the bike and make sure everything is secure.
Finally, you may want to invest in a bike-specific tool kit, which includes items such as a chain breaker, a spoke wrench, and a crank puller.
With these essential tools, you can get started building your touring bike.
Selecting the Frame
When it comes to selecting a frame for your touring bike, there are a few key factors to consider.
First, you’ll want to make sure you choose a frame that is strong enough to handle the weight of your equipment, as well as any terrain you may encounter.
Steel frames are often preferred for their strength, durability, and ability to withstand harsh conditions.
Aluminum frames are also a great option, as they are lightweight and more affordable than steel frames.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure the frame has enough clearance for wider tires, as well as mounts for racks and fenders.
Finally, be sure to choose a frame size that is appropriate for your body size.
A frame that is too small or too large can lead to an uncomfortable and inefficient ride.
Adding the Wheels
When building a touring bicycle, one of the most important components are the wheels.
The wheels are responsible for carrying the load of the rider and their gear, and they need to be strong and reliable.
When selecting wheels, its important to make sure that they are compatible with the frame and the type of riding you plan to do.
Touring wheels usually have a higher spoke count than regular road wheels, which makes them stronger and more capable of handling heavier loads.
You also want to make sure that the wheels you select are designed for the type of terrain you plan to ride on.
For example, if you are planning to ride on gravel roads or trails, you may want to opt for a wider wheel with more aggressive tread for better grip and traction.
Once you have selected the wheels, you will need to attach them to the frame.
This usually involves bolting the wheel to the frame using a specific type of hub, such as a quick release hub.
Make sure to follow the instructions provided by the wheel manufacturer and use the proper tools when installing the wheels.
With the wheels in place, you can start to add the other components to your touring bicycle.
Installing the Drivetrain
Installing the drivetrain is an essential step for building a touring bicycle.
The drivetrain includes the chain, chainrings, crankset, cassette, shifters, derailleurs, and cables.
Installing the drivetrain can be a complex task, but with some patience and attention to detail, you can have a bike with a smooth, reliable drivetrain.
The chain is the key element of the drivetrain and needs to be compatible with the chainrings, crankset, and cassette.
It’s important to use a chain that is the right size for your drivetrain components.
When you install the chain, you’ll need to make sure that it is not too tight or too loose.
Too tight, and it will rub against the chainrings; too loose, and it will make shifting difficult.
Once the chain is installed, you’ll need to install the chainrings, crankset, and cassette.
Chainrings come in different sizes, so it’s important to choose one that is the right size for your bike.
The crankset should also be compatible with the chainrings.
The crankset is the part of the drivetrain that connects the pedals to the chainrings.
The cassette is the set of gears attached to the rear wheel.
It should also be compatible with the chainrings and crankset.
The next step is to install the shifters, derailleurs, and cables.
The shifters are the components that you use to change gears on your bike, and you’ll need to make sure that they are compatible with the derailleurs.
The derailleurs are the components that move the chain from one gear to another.
You’ll need to make sure that the derailleurs are properly adjusted and lubricated to ensure smooth shifting.
The cables connect the shifters to the derailleurs.
Finally, you’ll need to make sure that the bike is properly fitted to your body.
This is essential to ensure a comfortable ride.
You’ll want to adjust the seat and handlebar position so that they are at the right height and angle for your body.
You’ll also want to make sure that the pedals are at the right distance from the seat.
Installing the drivetrain is an essential step for building a touring bicycle.
With some patience and attention to detail, you can have a bike with a smooth, reliable drivetrain.
By following the steps outlined above, you can have a touring bicycle that is ready for the open road.
Mounting the Handlebars
When it comes to building a touring bike, one of the most important steps is mounting the handlebars.
This is because the handlebars determine your comfort and control while riding, and they provide you with the best possible ergonomics for long-distance touring.
To mount the handlebars, youll need to start by selecting the right type of handlebars for your bike.
For a touring bike, its best to choose flat handlebars, which provide more stability and control.
You can also opt for drop handlebars for a more aerodynamic ride.
Once youve selected the handlebars, youll need to measure the stem length, clamp diameter, and handlebar width to get the perfect fit.
Next, youll need to attach the handlebars to the stem.
To do this, youll need to loosen the stem bolts and then slide the handlebars onto the stem.
Make sure the handlebars are centered on the stem and then tighten the stem bolts.
Once the handlebars are securely mounted, you can adjust their height and angle to your preference.
Finally, youll need to attach the handlebar tape.
This tape wraps around the handlebars and provides extra grip, cushioning, and comfort.
To attach the tape, start at the end of the handlebars and wrap it around the bars in a spiral motion.
Make sure the tape is snug but not too tight.
Once the tape is securely in place, use a pair of scissors to cut the tape at the end of the handlebars.
Once youve completed these steps, your handlebars will be ready to use.
With the right handlebars and a properly fitted bike, youll be ready to hit the open road.
Installing the Brakes
Installing brakes on a touring bicycle is a crucial step in the process of building a bicycle from scratch.
The key to ensuring a safe, comfortable ride is to make sure that the brakes are properly fitted and adjusted.
When installing brakes, the first step is to determine the type of brake youll be using. There are two main types of brakes commonly used on touring bikes: rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes use a rubber pad that presses against the wheels rim to stop the bike, while disc brakes use a metal disc that presses against the wheels hub to stop the bike. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, and which type you choose will depend on your individual needs.
Once youve chosen the type of brake youll be installing, the next step is to make sure that the brake is properly fitted to the frame.
The brake should be centered on the wheel, with the brake pads aligned parallel to each other.
The brake should also be adjusted so that the pad is not too close to the wheel and the brake lever can be easily actuated.
The last step in installing brakes is to make sure that the brakes are properly adjusted.
Adjusting the brakes involves adjusting the tension of the cable, the position of the brake pads, and the angle of the brake lever.
Depending on the type of brake, additional adjustments may be necessary.
When the brakes are properly adjusted, you should be able to stop the bike quickly and easily.
Installing brakes is an essential step in the process of building a touring bicycle.
With the right tools, some patience, and attention to detail, you can have a touring bike that is ready to take on the open road.
Fitting the Bike to Your Body
When it comes to building a touring bicycle, one of the most important steps is making sure that the bike is properly fitted to your body.
A bike that is not correctly fitted can lead to discomfort and even injury, so its important to take the time to get it right.
To begin, take some basic measurements of your body to determine your frame size.
You can use a tape measure to measure your inseam, torso length, and arm length, or you can consult a bike-fitting chart to determine your frame size.
Once you have your frame size, you can find a frame that matches it.
The next step is to make sure that the bike fits your body comfortably.
Adjust the saddle, handlebars, and brake levers so that they are comfortable for you.
You may need to adjust these components as you ride, so make sure to take the time to get it just right.
Finally, make sure that your bike is equipped with the appropriate components for your riding style.
If youre going to be carrying a lot of gear, you may want to look into getting a frame with attachment points for racks and panniers.
If youre going to be riding long distances, consider getting a frame with a longer wheelbase for added stability.
Fitting the bike to your body is a crucial step when it comes to building a touring bicycle.
By taking the time to get it right, you can be sure to have an enjoyable and comfortable ride on your next adventure.
Final Thoughts
Building a touring bicycle from scratch is a great way to explore the world.
With the right tools and some patience, you can create a bike that is tailored to your individual needs and fits your body perfectly.
Now that youve learned the basics of building a touring bicycle, why not give it a try? Get out there and start your next adventure today!