How to build a bike (in a weekend)

Whether you want to ride it to work, on day trips, or for multi-day tours, this book's clear, step-by-step instructions will guide you through the labyrinth of frames, wheels, gears, and brakes. You don't need the experience of a bike mechanic—all you need is enthusiasm, imagination, and a bit of patience. With complete control over the design, size, weight, and specification of your custom-built model, you can create a bike that perfectly suits you and matches where, how, and how often you want to ride.

You can build a bike to carry luggage, shopping, or children, and instantly simplify your daily routine. Or you can build a minimalist, ultra-lightweight model for fast, sporty rides, or a bike with comfortable gears and thick tyres for off-road excursions and tackling hills.

Another factor is price. If you build a bike for long-term use from high-quality components and a well-chosen frame, you'll find that building it yourself offers much better value for money. You'll need to invest in the bike, but the final result will be worth far more than just the sum of its parts. Understanding how a bike is made and how it works will make you a better cyclist.