It’s time to return to writing about assembling a bicycle. I left off after having attached the wheels to the bicycle frame.Part deux is composed of adding the stems (a Quill stem, seat post) and the handlebar (a Velo Orange Porteur Handlebar). This is when it starts to get a little greasy–literally. As mentioned in the first part, I used Phil brand waterproof grease.
From Jim Langley
1. Take the quill stem–the part which holds the handlebars in place–and slides into the fork. The handlebar actually is held in place by tightening up the stem faceplate (basically, just a tube that you thread the handlebars through). On the other end of the Quill style stem (which is L-shaped) there is an expanding wedge on the bottom, which when tightened, moves (expands) to jam itself against the inside the fork, securing it in place. I used an Allen Key to tighten the parts. On the expanding end of the stem, there is a small notch, which is the minimum depth that the stem needs to be in the fork. Using a small amount of waterproof grease, lube up the bottom of the stem up to the notch. It might be handy to have a piece of tissue or rag handy because you will get greasy.
Mmmmmm grease
Making sure I can see the notch
Tightening the bolt
3. Once that is in place, it is time to slide the handlebars through. The handlebars I have can face “up” or “down”–ultimately whichever way they face will affect the body position on the bike. Slide the handlebars through the groove between the stem and stem faceplate. Then, to center the handlebars, it is easier to stand in front of the bike and make sure the middle of the bars is basically in a straight line with the stem and top tube. Using the Allen Key, tighten the bolts in the faceplate, which will secure the handlebars in place.
Tightening bolts
Total Concentration
4. Now, time for the seatpost. My seatpost already came assembled with a saddle clamp and bolts needed. This step is similar to the insertion of the Quill stem. There will be a notch (the manufacturer’s line indicating minimum recommended height) on the seatpost. Using grease, lube up the seatpost.
5. Now, slide the seatpost into the seat tube. The height of the post is not important, since the saddle has not been placed yet. But, slide the post until you see the manufacturer’s line. Then, tighten, tighten!
It's easier to stand behind so you can try to keep the post in line with the top tube
Tighten away
Et voilà, your bike is now ready for a saddle…and the rest of the parts still needed!
What still needs to be added
It's coming along!
It helps when you have a good teacher
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
–Mark Twain
A Rendezvous with Sneakers 
Jan 31, 2012 @ 11:22:08
so far, so good! a wonderful challenge. 🙂
Can’t wait to have you teach me how to change a bike tire.
xox
Feb 01, 2012 @ 15:20:29
Ohh, i’ll be able to do everything…It’s only a matter of having the parts!