Biking is a fun activity to share with friends and family, but also a way to keep fit. Customizing the look of your old "two-wheeler" and improving its performance is an inexpensive way to spice up your rides. There are many ways to modify your bike, whether you want to conquer new terrain, get some exercise or just add some color to life.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Change the Appearance
Step 1. Apply colored tape to the handlebar
This is a perfect way to make this part of the bike stand out and improve grip at the same time.
Buy a colored one at a bicycle accessories store and wrap it around the handlebar as long as you want, making sure it is flush with the end. Typically, only one layer of tape is sufficient
Step 2. Change the steering stem cap
Each model has a cap on the top of the handlebar, where it connects to the head tube. This element simply covers the bolts and is typically an anonymous color. You can replace it with one in custom colors or with decorative motifs to make this otherwise ordinary element of your bike a little more special.
The cap is available in different sizes. The best way to know the size is to consult the manual that was delivered to you with the bicycle or to contact the shop assistant. Installation is pretty simple, just screw or unscrew the cap
Step 3. Add an original saddle bag
This accessory allows you to have more space available to carry objects such as your phone, water bottle or anything else you need. Instead of buying an anonymous one, choose a model with a particular color or invoice, to personalize your means of transport.
You have many different bags available, according to your preferences. There are those for luggage racks that are mounted behind the saddle, those for handlebars that are installed like a basket or those that attach under the frame
Step 4. Buy some decals
They represent a simple and effective method to revive the bike frame, without investing time and money to repaint it. You can apply the inscription with your name, that of your favorite band or even funny stickers that recall your interests and hobbies, for example the breed of dogs you like best!
Step 5. Change the seat
There are many different models that improve the comfort and appearance of the bicycle. Changing the saddle material and padding is a simple customization.
- Gel padding: adapts to the body and provides a lot of comfort for people who do not use the bicycle often.
- Foam padding: perfect for long rides and for people who weigh more than 90kg. It is ideal for long rides because it offers much more support to the lower back without sacrificing comfort.
- Leather saddles - they are gaining popularity. While it takes some getting used to, they allow you to stay cool even during the longest journeys and are second to none in terms of duration. They are perfect for those who use the bike a lot.
Step 6. Apply a new coat of paint
This job is quite long and requires more effort, but it makes the bike look like new.
Thoroughly clean the bicycle eliminating traces of rust and wear imperfections. Then buy a primer and bicycle specific paints to transform the old frame into a luminous work of art
Step 7. Add accessories
Maybe you want to change the look of your means of transport without changing its frame or the entire structure. You can purchase several great accessories and just take them off when you get tired of them.
- Bells and horns. They are perfect when it comes to safety, allowing you to signal your presence to other people, but they can also add a personalized touch to the front of the bike.
- Water bottles and bottle cages. Cycling is a strenuous sport, so it's important to stay hydrated. You can add bottle cages and the bottles themselves to the frame, to improve the aesthetics of the means of transport and at the same time keep you healthy.
- Lights. If you plan to use the bike even in the late evening, visibility is a fundamental component. You can buy solar powered or battery powered lights which are also available in different colors. This way you will not only be visible in the dark, but you will also stand out among your friends.
Step 8. Change the handlebar
You have to make sure that this customization does not change the performance of the vehicle much; however, a new handlebar always cuts a good figure.
- Straight handlebar. It is the most common model, it is simple, light and offers excellent control of the vehicle. However, it is not ideal for cyclists who like high speed or stunts.
- Handlebar riser. In practice, it is a straight model, raised in the central portion and generally wider than standard straight handlebars. It offers excellent control of the vehicle, does not tire the wrists, but also makes the bicycle less aerodynamic and therefore slower.
- Ox horn handlebar. It's not ideal cornering but perfect for high speeds and uphill rides. A curved profile follows from the center forward and upwards.
- Curved handlebar. This model features a straight midsection with the ends curving down and forward relative to the rider. It is a great handlebar, but not very suitable for frequent tight turns.
Method 2 of 3: Building a Road Bike
Step 1. Choose a hoop
Whether it's a used model bought online or a new frame bought in a shop, you can replace the one on your old bike with something more suitable for high speeds, such as a carbon or aluminum model that guarantees lightness and resistance.
- You need a lightweight model, but generally the frame size depends on your weight and height.
- The total weight of the vehicle should not exceed 10 kg and the frame affects in an important way. You should consult with some expert who works in a bicycle shop if you have any doubts about the weight and strength of a frame.
Step 2. Buy a lightweight fork
The wheels are connected to the frame through the fork. Choose one built with carbon, to guarantee your vehicle all the lightness a road bike needs.
Step 3. Choose road wheels
They're pretty thin and aren't built to withstand the roughness and rugged surfaces that mountain bikes face. You have to get touring or racing wheels.
- There should be a number on the tread indicating its size. Generally, a model with a width of 700 is recommended, therefore the tire should be marked as 700x23. The first number indicates the external diameter of the wheel expressed in millimeters, while the second the width, also in millimeters.
- Most road bikes use tubes and tires that can be replaced in the future as needed.
Method 3 of 3: Off-road cycling
Step 1. Get a sturdy frame
You need a light structure, but with excellent suspensions that are able to absorb the shocks transmitted by the stones and the irregularities of the path. You should opt for an 18 or 19 inch frame with an approximate weight of 3.5-4kg. Shock absorbers can be complex structures, there are different strengths to resist impacts of varying violence. In addition, spring or pneumatic shock absorbers are available.
Step 2. Buy a comfortable seat
If you plan to ride on very rough terrain, you need to be sure the seat is well padded and offers plenty of support. Carbon fiber is the most commonly used material and is not as rigid as the plastic seat shells.
A wide, molded saddle is perfect for mountain bikes because it provides a good footing
Step 3. Make sure the tires are sturdy
If you plan to ride on bumpy roads, you need to be sure the tires are wide and the tread offers plenty of grip. They also need to be thicker than road tires, to avoid ending up with a flat tire.
You can find reinforced tires that provide more support when riding off-road. Choose those that are 29, 26, or 27.5 inches. The dimensions are shown on the shoulder of the tire itself. As for the width, mountain bike tires generally respect values between 1, 8 and 2, 2 inches (4, 5 and 5, 5 centimeters)
Advice
- To find old bikes, you should go to a municipal landfill or junkyard.
- An oxyacetylene flame torch is perfect for cutting frame parts.
- Remember to keep the small pieces in one place.
- Verify that the various parts coincide; they are useless if they have different interlocking systems.
- You can also use leftover pieces to build other bikes.
- Go for an "old school" look and fit tennis balls between the spokes of the wheel. Kids used to do it a long time ago. However, be aware that this will damage the wheels.
- Safety comes first. Having a nice bike is great, but always make sure it's safe before you get on the bike.
Warnings
- Be careful not to inhale the spray paint when using it.
- If you ride a bike in the evening, you need to fit the headlights and reflectors.
- Performing the customizations proposed in this article invalidates the manufacturer's warranty on the bicycle.
- Know that if your bicycle breaks, you could be injured.
