Just Curious

[TyDow]

I'm just wondering, how long did your first build REALLY take? I know most of the instructions say 2-3 hours, but it seems like it takes way more time than that. I'd love to hear from folks with little or no mechanical experience.

Thanks in advance!
Ty

[4wdingman]

well my first build i had no idea so it took me somewhere between 10 to 15 hours,

Brad

[hill climber]

i am pretty mechanical and it took about 6 1/2 hour. did the sprocket twice in that time.

[Bikeguy Joe]

I'm on build number 7 and they ALL have taken me about 12 hours, some waaay more. I have been working on mechnical this since I was 7 and I'm 47.

You can slap one together in a few hours, but then spend hours more making it right and reliable.

[Large Filipino]

My first build I finagled my sprocket to a 32 spoke rim. That took a while.
Most of the work is getting that sprocket going true and I learned that a 36 spoke wheel does much better. I actually got this tip from Revo Boy and it makes sense in that just put in a movie in your living room and have that wheel on your lap with that sprocket and just take your sweet time getting it on straight. Everything else to me was gravy work.
All in all I would say about 12 hours and I actually did rush it using a sledge hammer to get that front tube less fat man that was fun.
It seems like so long ago.

[Dan]

Don't really remember just how long it took, Better part of the day. It was a small MTB so went on easily. Not sure if I was more worried it would start or that it wouldn't. But man! First time it fired up! Great high.

[Pablo]

Originally Posted by TyDow

I'm just wondering, how long did your first build REALLY take? I know most of the instructions say 2-3 hours, but it seems like it takes way more time than that. I'd love to hear from folks with little or no mechanical experience.

Thanks in advance!
Ty

I agree. But I just don't rush it (nor do I have a that big of a block of time). I take it like building a model or art or learning a song something. Just some bits at a time and if I'm at it too long and get frustrated or anxious, I put down the chalupa and step away. This is supposed to be fun and relaxing!

[Walter F.]

Originally Posted by Pablo

I agree. But I just don't rush it (nor do I have a that big of a block of time). I take it like building a model or art or learning a song something. Just some bits at a time and if I'm at it too long and get frustrated or anxious, I put down the chalupa and step away. This is supposed to be fun and relaxing!

Exactly what he said!!!! Technically I'm still on my first build and I started in June 08-but it's exactly what I want. I have more fun building than I do riding. Walter F.

[old motorbike]

Mine took 3 days to build and a day to get it to start. The bad spark plug had me going as it had spark, but no start.
The embarrassing part is I'm a retired auto mechanic and a part time motorcycle mechanic.
I always complicate things.

[Creative Engineering]

Originally Posted by TyDow

I'm just wondering, how long did your first build REALLY take? I know most of the instructions say 2-3 hours, but it seems like it takes way more time than that. I'd love to hear from folks with little or no mechanical experience.

Thanks in advance!
Ty

Ty,

I know you asked for comments from those with little or no mechanical experience..."that's not me",
but I will say that there is not a chance that these can be assembled in 2-3 hours...

Unless:

1) you were always using the same bike as a base. After several builds you could develope a rythm.

2) You had an aftermarket kit specific to that bike, so that nothing would have to be fiddled with, It's the adjusting that is so time consuming.

3) You have a large work bench, and air tools.

4) nothing goes wrong!

Given the above you could assemble a bike in a leisurely 2-3 hours. As far as the factory claim goes, it's just advertising. It's not a total lie, because it could be done...it's just a lie for 99.9% of the sales.

Jim