Build a Bike for You
Build Your Own Bike – Hands-On Learning at Standard Bike Repair
At Standard Bike Repair, we believe there’s no better way to understand your bike than by building it yourself. Our Build Your Own Bike sessions let you take part in the full process—from frame to finished ride—using professional tools and guidance right here in our Boulder workshop.
You’ll work alongside an experienced mechanic in a relaxed, no-pressure setting. We’ll walk you through each step, answer your questions, and make sure every component fits perfectly. Whether you’re piecing together a custom commuter, upgrading an old favorite, or learning the basics of bike mechanics, this is a fun and empowering way to learn.
Bring your own parts or source them through us. Sessions are scheduled by appointment and move at your pace—no rushing, no upselling, just honest help and real hands-on experience.
Ready to start your build?
Call or text 720-837-8984, or stop by 7123 Arapahoe Ave, Boulder to plan your project.
About the Build Process
Every bike we help create tells a story—and yours starts with a short meeting. During that first session, we’ll talk through what kind of bike you want to build: commuter, gravel, mountain, or something one-of-a-kind. We’ll cover how you plan to ride, what features matter most to you, and how to get the best performance for your budget.
Once we have a plan, we collect a down payment to secure your spot and begin ordering or sourcing the parts you’ll need. You can bring in components you already have, or we can help you choose everything—from the right frame size and drivetrain to wheels, cockpit, and finishing touches.
When all the parts arrive, the real fun begins. We’ll schedule a series of hands-on sessions where you’ll bolt everything together yourself under our guidance. You’ll learn how each component fits and functions—how to set up a bottom bracket, route cables cleanly, adjust shifting, and get proper torque on every bolt.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
It is best to bring $3,000 to the table. Sometimes, if we/you already have the frame, it can be done. However, building a bike from scratch is not “the cheaper option.”
Why would I want to build my own bike?
If you are planning a “bike tour,” building your own bike could be a HUGE advantage. Not only will you be able to fix it when something happens, you will know your bike well enough to “notice things before they happen.” The amount of empowerment that you gain from building your bike is life changing in the world of bike ownership.
As mentioned above, building a custom bike is not cheaper, so why would I want to build my own bicycle?
If you are making a decision purely on cost, then a “Build your own Bike,” is not for you. That said, there are cost related perks to building your own. For instance, assuming you have a repair stand, you could learn enough to never need a mechanic again. That means “no waits” while your bike is getting repaired during the warm months too.
How much is the deposit?
We ask for a minimum of $1000 to start the project. Ryan makes a detailed spreadsheet of the parts needed. You will see the wholesale cost and MSRP.
How long does it take?
There are 1-2 consultations. And there are 2-3 build days. I usually recommend limiting the first session to one hour. There are a LOT of decisions to make. I try to temper it and make you feel seen and heard throughout the process. That said, in the two most recent builds, it took a second consultation before we started ordering parts.
What is the labor charge for the project?
Ryan requests $700 for the build. That covers 6 – 10 hours of Ryan’s time. The shop does make a lil money on the margins between wholesale and MSRP. If there is any room to negotiate on total cost, it is best to do it in the arena of the margin on part cost. Usually, Ryan is willing to do this, because you are buying a lot of parts, and that in itself gets you “economies of scale,” and other wise, it would not be financially feasible for most people.