How to Build a Cruiser Bicycle

Cool cruiser bike!

Build your own cruiser bike? But of course! What better way to get the best of all the parts available that can make up your bike. Cruiser bicycles are a stylish and comfortable form of biking, and putting one together can be fun and exciting. Let's pedal our way through the steps to get you your bike.

Things You'll Need

• Bike parts
• Wrench set
• Allen wrenches
• Screwdriver
• Pliers
• Tire pump

Instructions

1. Buy a frame. The frame is the central core of any bike, and unless you are an expert welder, It is recommended that you buy a pre-built frame from a reputable bike parts dealer. A weak weld anywhere on the frame could spell serious injury. Buy the proper frame size for the height of the rider or the average height of all who will be riding it.

2. 

   Add the front fork. First off, it's probably best to get all the parts for your bike from the same dealer when it comes to stuff that fits in to the frame. You want to make sure the front fork is compatible with the frame in how it attaches to it and in the size of the tubing.

3. 

   Attach the crankset. Again, be certain the parts are compatible with the frame. Assemble the crankset through the frame. Cranksets can differ from one brand to another. Refer to your dealer or instructions that come with the part for installation. Then attach the pedals to the crankset.

4. 

   Assemble hubs. If your wheels are not pre-assembled, you need to attach the hubs for both front and back. On the basic cruiser, the coaster brake is in the rear hub, so you're done with the brake business unless you want to upscale the bike with hand brakes--but why complicate things?

5. 

   Construct the gear assembly. Most cruiser bikes have just a single gear since they are really designed for the casual rider. This is simple, and unless you have experience in assembling a gear set, you should stick with the single gear. Gears and all that is associated in making them work properly are finicky contraptions. If you want more than one speed, it is recommended that you have a professional put the gears together for you. The single gear attaches to the rear hub. Add the guides and you're done.

6. Attach the bumpers. Bolt the bumpers to the frame and hubs.

7. Mount the chain. Wrap the chain around the front gear and then string it over the rear gear as you put the rear wheel on. The chain length will be determined by the frame and wheel sizes. Next, attach the chain guard, then mount the front wheel.

8. Apply the kick stand. Now that the tires and wheels are in place, you can bolt the kick stand to the bottom of the frame. Finally the bike can stand on its own so you can work on the top side more easily.

9. 

   Insert the seat stem. The seat stem simply slides down the tube in the middle of the frame, but first attach the clamp to the top of the tube. Most modern stem clamps are quick release so you don't need to get a wrench out every time to change seat positions. Once the stem is secured, you can mount the seat.

10. Insert the handlebar stem. The stem slides into the top of the front fork assembly. Make sure it is well secured at a ball park height so you can then attach the handlebars.

11. 

    Mount the handlebars. They are typically secured with hex bolt clamps. Adjust to your comfort level. Then slide the grips on each end. As long as your tires are filled with air, you are ready to go cruising on your brand new do-it-your-self cruiser bicycle!

Tips & Warnings

• Have another bike close at hand to have a real time example of how things are put together. If you don't have access to one, you can always take photos of a bike very similar to the one you're building down at the bike shop. These will be a handy guide.

• Always test the bike on a very slow ride close to home. Test the brake first!

• You will definitely need to make slight adjustments on alignment after a few test rides, so be prepared.