When starting to create bicycles with their own hands, craftsmen should evaluate how often and for what purposes they plan to use homemade bicycles. A self-made two-wheeled structure is rather an experiment, an opportunity to prove to myself: I can do more than others, because assembling a vehicle from scratch is a troublesome business. Many parts cannot be made on their own, so you have to run around special stores for such components.

Another important point is to understand very clearly why each bike node is needed, which components cannot be abandoned, otherwise it will suffer or it will not travel more than 2 m.

Components of a homemade bicycle

Frame

If there is a frame left from an old, leaky bicycle, it’s great, the main thing is that it be in good condition and not have rust. If there is no frame, it does not matter either, purchase steel, aluminum or titanium narrow pipes.

The basis is a drawing, which displays all the components of the bike. It is better if the sketch is made in 3D mode on a computer, you can immediately assess the actual dimensions of the necessary parts and get an impression of the proportionality of each. Welding remains the preferred method of connecting functional components, if it is additionally planned to fix the trunk to the frame or, provide recesses for the bolts. Holes are also left for bolts for attachments.

front fork

It's hard to imagine homemade functioning bikes without a front fork. If you plan to ride a bike, sliding down the mountain and climbing up, it is better to build in a soft shock absorber. BMX forks should not be mounted in mountain models - they are too heavy. When making a plug with your own hands, calculate the following parameters:

• fork travel;
• method of fixing the brakes;
• preferred wheel diameter.

Transmission and brake

Transmission nodes are selected based on the amount allocated for this part of the bike. Experts do not advise assembling the chain with your own hands or creating a speed switch, just waste your time, you still won’t achieve good quality. Arriving at the store, choose a classic transmission, the placental format has a number of significant drawbacks.

They are divided into rim and disc. If cycling is done in dry weather, rim brake pads are suitable, they are inexpensive and greatly facilitate the design. Extreme travel rim brakes will not stand up - equip disc brakes. With the latest, riding safety and comfort for the cyclist are ensured.

The wheels, of course, should be bought ready-made, however, as well as the saddle. If you prefer a sporty style of riding - pay attention to rigid and elastic saddles that take into account the anatomical features of the cyclist.

It would seem that it is easier to choose pedals. Beginners in cycling believe that, apart from the classics, the designers have not come up with anything else, but they are mistaken. Upgraded fittings keep your feet firmly in place so your feet don't slip off so you don't have to make unplanned stops. This also increases the risk of injury on the road.

How to make a bike with a comfortable steering wheel, experts suggest. It must meet the basic requirements:

• ergonomics;
• reliability;
• strength.

The steering wheel is bent according to a pre-made sketch, while do not forget that it has important control components that control the activation of the brakes, knobs that switch speeds, a horn, a headlight. In modern bikes, you can equip an on-board computer.

The steering wheel is fixed to the stem, preferably the last component is adjustable. To assemble the steering wheel, use durable materials that will not let you down: steel, titanium or carbon.

Step-by-step instructions for making a bicycle yourself

Frame creation

How to make a bicycle with your own hands, starting from the frame, craftsmen tell. It is unlikely that you can do the work yourself, so enlist the help of a friend. For the frame, prepare 7 pipes, 2 of them should be short, 4 medium - they are placed for the rear feathers, the long ones remain for the seat component.

Follow this frame assembly sequence:

1. Attach the lower main pipe to the bottom bracket using a welding machine.
2. It should be fixed to the lower edge of the steering tube located in front of the bike. The position of the helmsman is relative to the perpendicular of the bottom bracket shell.
3. Following the parallel of the head tube to the glass, weld the seat tube to the down tube, taking into account the desired angle of inclination.
4. Then weld the seat tube and front tube to the main top tube. The front frame is complete.
5. Proceed to welding the lower stays to the glass of the carriage. The angle to the seat profile must match the angle of the main bottom.
6. Join the top end of the seatpost to the edge of the chainstay to form the chainstay.

Pressing the fork and making dropouts

The fork is pressed in in a horizontal position. How to make a bicycle yourself with your own hands at the stage of pressing the fork, step by step instructions masters provide:

1. Mount bearings.
2. Attach the cones to the balls
3. Put the washer on the shock absorber rod.
4. Tighten the locknuts firmly, but do not over-tighten so as not to break the connection.

1. Take a metal plate and cut out some pieces.
2. Armed with a jigsaw, make recesses in the details, the size of which should fit the diameter of the wheel axle and fixing nuts.
3. The part is welded to the frame, applying the side devoid of holes.

Landing recesses are placed at the same level, otherwise the wheel will not sit on the dropouts. The step between the mounting holes is equal to the tightening of the nuts to the maximum.

Mounting the remaining components

A fully functioning great bike requires the installation of working units on the skeleton. The most difficult thing is to install on your bottom bracket and debug the cranks and pedals. And again, you can’t do without a guide on how to make a bike with your own hands:

1. Secure the steering wheel mounted in the shock absorber housing with a bolt. The plug must be well lubricated before starting work.
2. Insert the seatpost vertically into the tube and secure it with a metal clamp with a nut.
3. Install the carriage into the glass using a squeeze.
4. After installing the chain, install the wheels.

Conclusion

Now you have the knowledge of how to make a bicycle with your own hands almost from scratch. The work begins with the creation of a drawing, and after that the idea of ​​​​the master is gradually being realized. Some components you can make yourself, others are better to buy, so be prepared for expenses. The made bike will become a real attraction of the area, for sure everyone will want to ride on such a device.

Man is always striving to do something better. The cyclist is no exception. Almost everyone at least once, but the idea came to mind to make their bike better and more original.

Just before you do the tuning of the bike, you need to learn a number of very important points.

There are various reasons that encourage you to improve your bike. Regardless of the purpose of tuning, the main thing to remember is an important rule - after the end, the bike should become better.

It is not advisable to start this painstaking process if there is no complete certainty that it will be possible to complete the tuning. In every city there is at least one, but there is a bicycle master who can pull both partial and capital ones.

In extreme cases, you can contact specialized centers that can definitely make a real candy out of an old bike.

One of the reasons tuning is great is the desire to make it special and extravagant. There are many different ways to make a bike cool, but more on that later.

Someone just gets tired of riding the most ordinary bike, which does not stand out from the gray mass. It all starts with stylish ones, and ends with a major overhaul of the frame and the installation of a stylish body kit.

The next thing that can push you to tune a bike is to improve its technical characteristics. In this case, the bike may not change much visually, but grow functionally. Often it all comes down to installing new components on an old bike.

Such tuning of the bike is justified only if the main elements of the bike, such as the frame, High Quality, and the suspension is already outdated. Otherwise, it is much easier and cheaper to purchase a new pre-built bike.

The next type of tuning today is becoming increasingly popular. Increasingly, enthusiasts are taking on.

Often, exhibits in the extreme fall into the hands of masters. But the output is bicycles, which not only improve technical characteristics, but also remain.

Such tuning is very costly and painstaking. Its main difficulty lies in its rarity. It is not uncommon for vintage bikes to simply be fitted with modern parts.

Starting with the frame

It is very difficult to find the right tires so as not to spoil the overall style of the bike, but, unfortunately, there is no alternative.

A good option would be to cover the entire frame with luminous ribbons. It will be very effective at night.

Another interesting solution would be to install enhanced lighting at the bottom of the frame so that it shines on the asphalt under the bike. It is also quite beautiful and resembles neon lights on cars.

Additional accessories

Do not forget about a number of accessories that will not only improve the appearance of the bike, but can also be very useful:

• rear view mirrors,
• glove compartment or
• sound signals,
• bottle holders

In this case, everyone will decide for himself whether he needs this or that accessory or not.

So, for example, for someone, a bike computer is an integral element, but it simply won’t fit into the design of another bike and will be so superfluous. Someone loves minimalism, while someone, on the contrary, wants to hang as many different trinkets on their bike as possible.

Admit it, your bike looks a little boring, it's time to pump it up!

Unfortunately, we cannot send Xzibit, the host of MTV's legendary Pimp My Ride show, to everyone who reads this article. But we can give you a couple of tips on how to personalize and upgrade your bike yourself. SPOILER: Some of them are absurd, others not so much.

Gold chain - from $30

If you want to add some bling to your bike, but don't want to go overboard or go overboard with styling, then swap out your plain silver chain for a chic gold one! KMC and SRAM have matching chains, with prices starting at $30. You can also add gold or black stars to the picture for even more effect!

If gold is not for you and you are afraid that your bike will be stolen by gypsies or carried away by magpies, then you should think about a colored chain.

Cool grips - from $20

Not only do grips help keep your hands free of blisters and control your bike, but they can also be a stylish addition to your bike. Anodized clips or rubber inserts alternative to black will easily set you apart from the crowd!

Steep pedals - from$50

A pair of cool, anodized pedals will perfectly harmonize with the chain and grips, since now it’s not difficult to choose them at all, many manufacturers produce pedals in an extensive range of colors.

Stickers - less$10

You won't need to spend a lot of money to make your bike unique. Stickers are a great way to stand out and show your preference for certain components, or affection for a particular brand. In addition, a bunch of bicycle glands already come with stickers. Just try to make sure that the bike does not drown in these stickers, or at least they look harmonious.

Custom painting - $200+

If you really want to stand out and are ready to fork out, then you should get confused with custom painting. There are professionals who can give your bike a unique color or at least paint it in some interesting color. World cup level riders often indulge in this (or rather, their sponsors), timed with a custom paint job for some kind of anniversary race or world championship.

You can also get creative and make something of your own, put on white wall tires or use colored shirts for the cables. In general, do what you like. The main thing is not to be afraid to experiment.

As a creative being, a person is always trying to give his things an individual style, add features and simply make it more convenient to use. The personal bike is no exception. Tuning is actively gaining momentum and does not bypass anyone: sooner or later, any cyclist will want to add his own flavor, to make the bike not like the others. Some are limited only to additional canopies, others go further and transform the appearance of their two-wheeled transport beyond recognition.

In any case, bike tuning has a place to be, and in the "club" environment, it generally becomes almost a tradition.

It is important to remember one thing: a redesigned bike should look better than before, be more comfortable and not cause an unhealthy smile from colleagues, passers-by or car drivers.

Often, bike tuning is a necessary measure when you need to update an old favorite bike. But even here the effect of "separation from the mass" will not go anywhere. For example, the Soviet signal speed, repainted in bright orange and equipped with new accessories, is hard to miss. Tuning includes replacing wheels and tires, changing the design features of the suspension fork, lighting design, and more, for which there is enough imagination.

Styling frame, wheels and fork

A simple option for re-registration is great - this is painting it in a different color, which is determined by the supporting structure - the frame. Repainted rims also contribute, provided that the wheels are not replaceable.

Painting a frame is a laborious process, but quite feasible at home. To change the color scheme, you need a little:

• solvent;
• primer;
• sandpaper for cleaning scratches and chips;
• spray cans with paint of the desired color.

The frame is thoroughly washed, the old layer of paint is removed with a solvent. Then, with the help of sandpaper, all defects are evenly sanded. After that, the frame must be degreased and dried.

The primer is a mandatory step before spraying the paint, otherwise it will not last long. The optimal number of layers is up to three, each layer must be allowed to dry. After priming, we proceed to painting the bicycle frame from a spray can. All work is done in a well-ventilated area, drying time - up to two days.

Two tone frame

This frame tuning does not end there. With the help of special stencils, you can add original drawings. Stencils are self-adhesive films with cutouts. You can buy them or make your own. The second option is even better, the main thing is to turn on the fantasy to the maximum.

A separate area is wheel tuning. You can go several ways:

• repainting rims;
• installation of new tires;
• installation of plastic shields or hauling film;

The color of the wheels is the same as the frame. To protect the spokes, a thin film should be glued to each of them and the sleeve must be protected from paint ingress.

Installing tires of a different type is rational on hybrid bicycles. So, for example, instead of "average" tires, you can put aggressive tires from a mountain bike. Among fans of home tuning, there are craftsmen to drag the wheels with a dense colored film or install blades made of plastic or plywood. A radical solution is to put new wheels, better than a fundamentally different design - casting.

Alloy wheels - the original modification of the wheel

Tuning a fork is a purely technical procedure. Modernization of the front shock absorber is:

• changing the length or installing a new spring;
• damper installation;
• removing the shock absorber and converting the fork to a rigid one.

This is done by the owners of bikes on which budget shock absorbers are installed. More advanced types of forks, for example, spring-oil ones, should not be tuned by yourself.

Bright rides in the dark

Fans of riding at night will definitely be interested in light tuning of the bike. A variety of solutions will allow you to turn the bike into a "Christmas tree", attract the attention of passers-by and motorists, and also ensure safety on the move. Varieties of bicycle lighting design:

• installation of the headlight and taillight;
• turning signals;
• frame, steering wheel and wheels with diode tapes;
• pasting with reflectors;
• phosphor lighting.

A bike tuned with front and rear lights is gradually becoming the norm. Everyone knows that driving "in the dark" means not seeing the road yourself and the risk of being unnoticed by the driver of the car. A headlight and a taillight are mandatory on a road bike.

Turn signals are a new device in the bicycle tuning environment. So far, this device has not been widely used, but the idea is not bad: extending your arm before giving a turn worsens the stability of the bike. Here, just press a button, and other road users are warned about the maneuver.

Wireless turn signals with remote control

LED strips, reflectors and phosphor lighting will help make the bike truly attractive. The first option is battery-powered lamp strips. Reflectors transform appearance bicycle only in the light of headlights or street lamps. But phosphorus makes the bike visible in complete darkness! All types of lighting play a key role in the design, but they increase the level of safety when riding in the dark.

LED strips on handlebars, frame and wheels

Separately, it is worth mentioning the tuning of the wheels. Like the frame, they can be pasted over with LED strips, reflective or phosphor stripes. You can go several ways:

• to tune only the rims with light;
• stick LED strips on the knitting needles;
• complete the wheel.

Especially for the wheels, animated records were invented. They are fixed on the spokes and when the wheel rotates, they show bright patterns, stripes and abstractions. Looks amazing, but the batteries only last a few days.

Glowing animator on the wheel

It is unlikely that animators will be able to tune the wheels on their own, so those who prefer tuning a bike with their own hands will choose diodes or luminous strips.

Additional accessories: stylish, comfortable, practical

You can also tune a bike with body kits. Accessories give the bike a special style, some of them play a significant role in the convenience and safety of movement. Common additional items include:

• bell or klaxon;
• rearview mirror;
• trunk and ;
• bottle holder;
• bike computer;
• step.

Most bicycles have a sound device, but if suddenly there is no bell, it's time to put it on. When driving on sidewalks among pedestrians, this is an invaluable thing.

The rear-view mirror allows you to control the situation behind, reduces the "blind zone" of the cyclist. It will come in handy for everyone who rides their bike on the roads.

Put a mirror - added confidence on the roads

Wings are a simple but effective mud protector. They can be put from scratch or replaced with others. So, for example, plastic fenders are widely dispersed as an alternative to metal ones.

A bike rack and a basket will prove useful for road workers who often carry small loads with them. In addition to being useful, these body kits will give the city bike a finished look.

Water is a necessary companion for a cyclist. It is very convenient to fix the bottle with a special holder on a vertical pipe under the saddle. Special capacious flasks are sold with the holders, which are not only more convenient on trips, but will also fit the design of the bike.

You can make a bottle holder with your own hands

A bike computer is a serious element of bike tuning. These compact devices allow you to record speed, distance traveled, travel time and much more.

With a footrest, the problem of putting the bike will be resolved once and for all. If it was already included with the bike, you do not need to remove it. It will definitely come in handy very soon!

A tuned bike (in moderation!) Looks nice and harmonious. It will give a positive mood to its owner, be more convenient and safer, attract the attention of other people and become an example to follow. Before updating, you should carefully consider what exactly needs to be improved and find a way to emphasize the main advantages.

A person is a creative person by nature, that's why he tries to give an individual, unique style to each of his things. This process is not ignored by the owners of bicycles - some simply add additional canopies, and many transform their two-wheeled transport almost beyond recognition.

An important principle of bike tuning is not to overdo it. Firstly, it should look better than in the original version and at the same time not lose its technical characteristics. Secondly, you should not tune a bicycle transport so that others openly laugh and marvel at the indefatigable imagination of its owner. To avoid any mistakes when tuning a bike, it is worth knowing the basic principles / rules of this process.

Bicycle frame tuning

You can paint the bike frame yourself at home, but you will need to prepare:

• solvent;
• primer;
• sandpaper (it cleans possible chips and cracks on the frame);
• spray cans with the selected paint color.

Step-by-step instructions for painting a frame at home:

Note:after the frame is painted, you need to wait for the paint to dry completely. As a rule, it takes about 2 days.

Frame tuning doesn't stop there! You can use sticky patterns and apply various images, symbols and even inscriptions to the frame. Patterns can be purchased in specialized stores, or made independently - this is where strictly individual tuning really turns out.

Bicycle wheel tuning

Such a transformation of the bike can be done in several ways:

• paint wheel rims
• change tires;
• install plastic shields;
• wrap the wheels with foil;
• put on new wheels.

Painting the wheels is carried out according to the same principle as painting the frame. The only feature is the protection of the spokes and bushings from the ingress of primer and paint. This can be done with tape or transparent film.

As for the installation of new tires, this idea is relevant for hybrid bicycles, on which, instead of classic tires, the owners put "aggressive" mountain models of two-wheeled vehicles. Fans of home tuning, a sort of local "kulibins" like to drag the wheels with a dense multi-colored film or install plastic / plywood blades. Experts say that in this case, the best option would be a complete replacement of the wheels.

Bicycle fork tuning

This is an exclusively technical modernization of this part of the bike, which implies:

Note:fork tuning should be done only by those cyclists who ride vehicles with budget shock absorbers. If a modern fork of a spring-oil type is installed on a two-wheeled vehicle, then experts categorically do not recommend doing independent tuning. .

Light bike tuning

Fans of cycling at night will certainly be interested in the possibility of light tuning their vehicles. There is such a variety of lighting "chips" for tuning on the market that, if desired, you can turn a bicycle into a "Christmas tree" - this is unlikely to be an indicator of competent light tuning. And what is generally included in the concept of "light tuning of a bicycle"? The types of such tuning include:

• installation of a rear flashlight and a headlight;
• backlighting with diode tapes of the steering wheel, wheels and frame;
• phosphor type backlight;
• installation of turning signals;
• use of reflectors.

Most often from the entire list, headlights and a taillight are used - these bicycle tuning attributes provide not only the beauty and individuality of the vehicle itself, but also the safety of riding at night. And for driving a two-wheeled vehicle on highways, the installation of a headlight and a taillight is mandatory under current law.

Turn signals are a novelty in the field of bicycle tuning, but quite practical. Agree, the lunge of the hand in the direction of the proposed turn weakens the stability of the cyclist, and the light signal about the potential maneuver will be noticeable / understandable to other road users, and will not cause inconvenience to the cyclist himself.

Diode tapes can be installed around the entire contour of the bike - they will be almost invisible during daylight hours, but they will play important role in the appearance of cycling and the safety of the cyclist in the evening (at dusk) and at night.

Separately, you need to consider the light tuning of the wheels - you can paste over them with phosphor stripes, diode and / or retroreflective tapes. Experts recommend choosing one way of light tuning bicycle wheels:

• glue only the wheel rims with diode / phosphor / retroreflective tapes;
• use diode tapes for light tuning of spokes;
• use the whole wheel in processing with various light strips.

Note:for light tuning of bicycle wheels, light plates were invented - they are mounted on spokes and, when the wheel rotates, “show” various pictures, multi-colored highlights, abstractions. The spectacle will indeed be amazing, but the batteries will only last a few hours. Tidying the wheels with animation (light) plates can only be done by specialists.

Additional accessories

Bicycle tuning can also be done by installing additional accessories - they will not only change the appearance of two-wheeled vehicles, but also become useful "chips".