New Bike Semi-Assembly

[Aiacha]

This is my second bike, but the first one I have to do any assembly on and I'm nervous that I'm going to break something. I was hoping I could ask a few questions...for the record, it's a 2008 Specialized Ruby Elite, used.

1) I'm having difficulty getting the quick release into the dropouts. I've e-mailed the shop I bought it from to find out if this was a problem for them. My Dolce does not have this problem and I was wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this.

2) I can't seem to slide the handlebars onto the stem. I figure this is a tight fit, but it doens't want to go on as well; I've even completely removed the two bolts so that it has the maximum possible movement. My questions here are how much pressure should I have to put on it to fit it on and is this a part that needs to be greased, like the seat post. (I think it does, but I'm not 100%)

The only other parts to be assembled is the saddle post, which shouldn't be a problem, and the pedals which are coming off the old bike. I know it would be easier to bring it to a LBS but I want the experience of doing it myself.

Thanks for any hints you can give me!

[Jo-n-NY]

I am not sure if this is a good idea as the Ruby is carbon and carbon bikes need to be assembled using special tools. Personally, I would bring it the LBS for safety reasons.

~ JoAnn

[Aiacha]

I actually just found some info that says "the stem will be attached to the bike" so it looks like they removed the wrong part for shipping. Well, half day today, and I was heading there anyway... <--(delayed gratification)

[Eden]

Carbon does not require special tools per se... you should not use too much torque though - you can break carbon parts, but you can break light weight aluminum parts just as easily.... so I'd recommend having a torque wrench for seat posts and handlebars.

[Jo-n-NY]

Eden, thanks for clarifying. I new it was something different when working on carbon bikes.

Aischa, I give you much credit for at least attempting to put it together.

When your bike is all put together, best of luck with her. I have an 07 Ruby Pro and love it. My future sis n law has the 08 Ruby Elite and her 2nd ride was the Montauk Century Ride last year and did great!!!

Happy & Safe Riding
~ JoAnn

[Andrea]

Some stems will be a pretty tight fit. You can use some grease. A coat of grease is good for just about any part during assembly!