One of the most wonderful things about a bicycle is how endlessly customizable it is. The solid bike frame allows you to take a road bike and convert it into just about any kind of bike you’d like.

Do you want to turn your mountain bike into a roadster? Or maybe convert your roadster into a hybrid bike? You can likely do that with the bike you have now, or with virtually any frame you can find!

If you’re going to repurpose your bike, though, you’ll need the proper tools to do it, as well as the right kind of components.

Solid Tools

The first things you’ll need for doing any sort of modifications to your bike are good tools. If you are an avid biker, you likely already have a tire lever, but you may want to consider upping your tool game.

A solid multi-tool, one with an allen wrench attachment, will aid you tremendously in any repurposing you do with your bike.

Other handy tools to have, if they’re not included with your multi-tool, include a Torx wrench, a pair of scissors, a sharp knife, and a center lock tool. You will also want to have a bike stand, to keep your bike in place while you are modifying it.

Some other items you’ll need for assembly include grease for most thread connections and carbon-safe lubricant, to prevent future squeaking.

Good Components

Once you’ve secured the right tools for the job, you will want to get the individual bike components.

You will obviously want to secure the sturdiest parts you can; your bike will go through much wear and tear, and cheap parts will likely fall apart when you need them to remain intact the most. Be sure to check reviews for whatever products you consider; if other bikers are steering clear, you should consider following their lead.

Also; while aesthetics may not be the first thing you think when you’re modding your bike, you will want to make sure that the components don’t seem to have been put together pell-mell.

A good way to ensure that your bike has some continuity, aesthetics-wise, is to purchase all the components you can from the same vendor. Vendors who sell a wide variety of bike parts, such as The Pro’s Closet, will often have parts that look similar enough to each other to look pleasant.

Visiting the Bike Shop

Don’t be too proud to avoid going to the bike shop to check your work. If you don’t professionally assemble bikes, you might not have the experience necessary to ensure that your bike is built correctly.

Taking your modded bike to a shop and having a professional review your handiwork can reveal things you might not have considered, such as whether or not your headset has the appropriate amount of torque, or if your cabling is not set correctly.

Not to mention that developing a rapport with your local bike shop can help you in the long run, and net you some good advice for the future in regards to your bike.

Joining a Bicyclist Community

Though this likely doesn’t need to be said, you should consider joining a community of bicyclists, if you have not already. As bike modding is a popular activity among enthusiasts, you will find folks who have been in your situation and can offer you advice on how best to modify your bike.

These communities will likely inspire you with ideas that you never would have thought before meeting them. You could very well inspire someone else to come up with a brilliant new redesign of their bike, too.