I agree with the general sentiment of the rest of the posts, but I'd like to
add a few points.
I just went through a full build of my wonderful A Homer Hilsen myself,
though I've done a few dozen builds and overhauls before, so the decision
was easy for me..
As others have said, RBW installs the headset for you and prepares ("faces")
the bottom bracket sell and cleans out ("chases") the rear derailler hanger
threads, the parts requiring the most expensive tools and skill.
There is really only one thing that I can think of that you could seriously
mess up bad enough to harm the bike, and that would be to cross thread a
braze-on on the frame. If you were to start putting a screw in crooked,
and tried to force it in, you'd cut new threads at an angle and mess up the
hole, requiring more major repairs, possibly serious ones. This isn't a
problem if you're careful and never put much force on a scew except for the
final tightening -- if it won't go in smoothly, something's usually wrong!!
Related to that, you should probably also ask then to clean out ("chase")
all of the other threads that you intend to use (rack and fender eyelets,
etc), as a newly painted frame will have paint in all of the holes, making
the screws not go in well. Some people just force the screw in over the
paint, but it significantly increases the chance of the problem that I
mentioned above. Chasing threads is very easy, and the tool is cheap, but
there's a high risk of cutting at an angle or breaking off the tool, which
is made from hardened metal, which is more brittle, and can't be drilled out
to extract it! I'd ask them to check all of the threads, even the ones that
don't have paint because my AHH had one DT shifter boss that needed to be
chased as well as I couldn't put a screw into it without significant force
(luckily I was comfortable using a tap to clean it out).
I'm not sure how much they'd want for doing this step for you, but I can't
imagine that it'd be much, and it's cheap insurance.
-Rex
On Aug 7, 2011 10:15 AM, "Noel M." <emarcel...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi eveyone, this is my first post.
>
> I don't own a Rivendell just yet; I'm still in the process of
> (patiently) saving up for an AHH or a Sam. I'm constantly on their
> website to explore and learn. I'm not too keen on the various
> components so I'll take whatever the folks at Rivendell suggests..when
> the time comes to order. Currently, I ride a Trek 7100 (hybrid) which
> I bought about a year ago...I love to ride!
>
> For those who have done it, how easy/complicated was it to assemble
> your Riv yourself?
>
> I'm somewhat mechanically inclined and armed with just basic tools.
> The only other bikes I've assembled was my daughters' bikes and my
> wife's Schwinn bike ordered from LLBean. I've also watched Riv's
> Youtube video (several times) of one of their bikes being assembled.
> They make it look easy..but then again, the guy's a pro!
>
> Would assembling an AHH/Sam be any more complicated than assembling,
> say, my wife's Schwinn bike?
>
> Also, will the folks from Riv instruct me as to the proper height of
> the saddle and stem?
>
> I'll would be greatful for any insight and information on this
> subject.
>
> thanks all!
>
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