How To: Assemble a bike

Riding a bike is a great way to get exercise and as means to getting around but incorrect bike assemble will make for a bad time. Double check all your work and make sure everything is lubed up and fastened before taking your bike out for a spin.

If your new bicycle comes in a box, it won't be ready to ride. With a few tools and some elbow grease, you'll be off and riding in no time.

You Will Need

* Bicycle lubricant
* An air pump
* An Allen wrench set
* An adjustable wrench
* A kickstand or wall (optional)

Step 1: Unpack

Remove the bike frame and all the parts from the box. Make sure everything is unwrapped and accounted for.

Be careful not to rest the bike on the sensitive parts such as the derailleur and gear sprockets, so they won't bend or warp.

Step 2: Attach front wheel

Squeeze bicycle lubricant on the front wheel axle. Set the wheel in position between the front brake pads. Slide the axle in, replace the spring and cap, and tighten.

Step 3: Attach rear wheel

Repeat the procedure with the rear wheel, and then gently pull up on the chain, setting it on the gears' teeth.

Set the bike on its kickstand if it has one, or lean it against a wall for the rest of the assembly.

Step 4: Inflate tires

Use an air pump to inflate the tires to the pressure recommended on their sidewalls.

Step 5: Attach seat

Drop the seat post into the seat post tube and tighten the clamp. Make sure the seat is aligned with the frame's top bar.

Step 6: Attach handlebars

Slide the handlebar stem into the vertical handlebar tube. Adjust the position of the handlebars until they are perpendicular to the front wheel and tighten the neck with an Allen wrench.

Be careful not to loosen the headset too much or the handlebar nut may drop into the tube.

Step 7: Attach left and right pedals

Find the pedal labeled "L." Tightly screw it into the left crank by rotating the nut counter-clockwise with an adjustable wrench. R