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How to Build Giant Cruiser Bicycles

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By eHow Contributing Writer
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A Giant Cruiser Bike
A Giant Cruiser Bike
http://www.thickbikes.com, http://www.giant-bicycles.com

Let's get ready to build your own giant cruiser bike. What better way to get the best of all the parts available that can make up your bike. There are several ways you can make your bike a Giant cruiser bike. One is to get your parts from the Giant Bicycles Company and another is to literally build your bike giant. Cruiser bikes are a stylish and comfortable form of biking, and putting one together can be exciting especially when they're giant.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1
    A thick bike frame.
     
    A thick bike frame.

    Buy a frame. The frame is the central core of any bike, and unless you are an expert welder, buy a pre-built frame from a reputable bike parts dealer. A weak weld anywhere on the frame could spell serious injury. Consider the Giant Bicycle Company (see Resources). To make your bike truly giant, buy at least a 24 inch frame size. Of course to be practical, you need to be of sufficient height for the frame.

  2. Step 2
    Front fork waiting for it's wheel.
     
    Front fork waiting for it's wheel.

    Add the front fork. It's 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. Step 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. Step 4
    Front wheel hub
     
    Front wheel hub

    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. Step 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, 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. Step 6

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

  7. Step 7
    Bike with chain
     
    Bike with chain

    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. Step 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. Step 9
    Bike stem
     
    Bike stem

    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. Step 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. Step 11
    Handlebars
     
    Handlebars

    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 giant cruiser bicycle.

Tips & Warnings
  • Have another bike close at hand to have an 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. Be sure to test the brake first.
  • You will definitely need to make slight adjustments on alignment after a few test rides, so be prepared.
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