Cycle Repairing and Adjusting
With a Chapter on building a Bicycle from a Set of Parts

CHAPTER VI Building a Bicycle from Standard Fittings Now that cycle fittings are standardised and can be pur- chased with all machining and drilling ready done for fitting up, the question of building one’s own cycle is not nearly such a formidable task as it used to be. Any amateur mechanic with average ability and the necessary tools should, assisted by the following instructions, be able to build a really first-class machine. Probably the first questions that will be asked are : What tools will be re- quired, and what will be the cost ? Tools Required.—As regards tools, the least that can be done with are a vice, light hammer, mallet, two or three files, rule, spoke-nipple key, hack saw, some means of drill- ing the brazing peg holes, and a straightedge. If the brazing is to be done at home, of course some means of brazing the various lugs, etc., must be available, either a powerful blow- lamp, not a small plumber’s lamp, but a powerful brazing lamp, or, better still, a brazing forge with blowpipe. In the absence of brazing facilities, the joints may be done by a cycle repairer or smith. The first cycle ever built by the writer was brazed up by a blacksmith for a few shillings. Cost.—Regarding the cost, probably the main item with many, the great difficulty with amateurs is to get the proper fittings and materials at a reasonable price. Very 86