How to Build Your Mail Order Analogue Bike

A Guide to Assembling Your New Bicycle

We have produced this guide to help you unpack and assemble your new bike. If at any point through the assembly process you require guidance, please call us on 01274 588 488 and we will be happy to help further. Please make sure you keep the box and packaging at this point, as if there are any issues you will require them to return your bike.


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Unpacking Your Bicycle

Your bike will arrive packaged in a cardboard box. Please note that, depending on factors such as size, box condition, or additional items in your order, we may use a different box than the original associated with your bike model.

Carefully open the box and remove the bike, along with the smaller cardboard box containing your bicycle manual, reflectors, and pedals (if included). When unpacking, take care to remove all packaging gently. If needed, use scissors to cut away any packaging that cannot be removed by hand. Do not use knives or blades, as these could damage your bike.

Fitting the Handlebars

  1. Remove the bolts from the front of the stem and take off the face plate.
  2. Position the handlebar centrally in the stem clamp area.
  3. Refit the face plate and install the bolts by hand.
  4. Tighten the bolts evenly to the correct torque setting, as marked on the stem.
  5. Ensure there is equal spacing between the top and bottom of the stem face plate.

Impartant Note: If any bolt begins to tighten with resistance while threading in, stop immediately, remove the bolt, and restart carefully. Take care not to cross-thread the bolts, as this can damage the stem.

Fitting a Wheel with V-Brakes

  1. Disconnect the V-brake by lifting the brake noodle out of the carrier to allow enough clearance for the tyre to pass between the brake pads.
  2. Guide the wheel into the fork dropouts, ensuring the axle is fully seated.
  3. For quick release wheels, tighten the adjusting nut and close the lever firmly. The lever should close securely without excessive force.
  4. For bolt-on wheels, tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.
  5. Ensure the wheel is centred between the fork and spins freely without rubbing.
  6. Reconnect the V-brake by refitting the brake noodle into the carrier.
  7. Squeeze the brake lever several times to confirm the brake is operating correctly and the wheel is secure before riding.

Fitting a Bicycle Wheel with Caliper Brakes

  1. Open the caliper brake quick release to allow enough clearance for the tyre to pass between the brake pads.
  2. Guide the wheel into the fork dropouts, ensuring the axle is fully seated.
  3. For quick release wheels, tighten the adjusting nut and close the lever firmly. The lever should close securely without excessive force.
  4. For bolt-on wheels, tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.
  5. Ensure the wheel is centred between the fork and spins freely without rubbing.
  6. Reconnect the caliper brake quick release.
  7. Squeeze the brake lever several times to confirm the brake is operating correctly and the wheel is secure before riding.

Fitting a Bicycle Wheel with Disc Brakes

  1. Remove disc brake spacer in caliper.
  2. Carefully guide the disc rotor between the brake pads while positioning the wheel into the fork dropouts.
  3. Ensure the axle is fully seated in the dropouts before tightening.
  4. For quick release wheels, tighten the adjusting nut and close the lever firmly. The lever should close securely without excessive force.
  5. For thru-axle wheels, tighten to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.
  6. Check that the disc rotor runs centrally through the brake caliper and does not rub excessively when the wheel spins.
  7. If the brake rubs continuously, the caliper may require adjustment before riding.
  8. Squeeze the brake lever several times to ensure the brake is functioning correctly and the wheel is secure before riding.

Important Note: Never pull the brake lever while the wheel is removed, as this may cause the brake pads to close together and prevent refitting of the wheel. Disc Brakes need bedding in and might rub for a short period of time.

Fitting Pedals

First, identify the right (blue) and left (red) pedals and match them to the corresponding stickers on the chainset. The right pedal fits on the drive side, and the left pedal fits on the non-drive side. Before installation, ensure the pedal threads are lightly greased.

Note that the pedals have directional threads: the right pedal tightens clockwise, while the left pedal tightens anti-clockwise.

Carefully insert each pedal into the crank arm and begin threading it by hand. If you feel any resistance, stop immediately, remove the pedal, and start again. Never force a pedal into the crank arm, as this can damage the threads.

Once both pedals are properly installed, use a 15mm pedal spanner or 6/8mm allen key (depending on pedals) to fully tighten them. This helps prevent the pedals from loosening or coming off during use.

Important Note: Some bikes require pedal washers these will be attached to the cranks if required/supplied with the bike.

Watch Our YouTube Video - How To Fit Pedals

Fitting a Standard Seatpost

  1. Insert the seatpost into the frame, ensuring it passes the minimum insertion mark on the post.
  2. Adjust the saddle height to the required position.
  3. Align the saddle so it is straight with the bicycle frame.
  4. Tighten the seat clamp bolt or quick release to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.
  5. Do not overtighten the seat clamp, as this may damage the frame or seatpost.
  6. Check that the seatpost cannot twist or slip before riding.

Fitting a Dropper Seatpost

  1. When raising or lowering the dropper post in the frame, carefully feed the cable from the front end of the bike into or out of the frame to avoid kinking, trapping, or damaging the cable.
  2. Adjust the saddle height to the required position.
  3. Tighten the seat clamp bolt to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting. Do not overtighten the seat clamp, as this may damage the dropper post or frame.
  4. Check that the dropper post operates smoothly using the remote lever.
  5. Check that the seatpost cannot twist or slip before riding.

Your Bike is Now Built!

Before every ride, check that the bolts on the stem, cranks, and seatpost are secure. Ensure your tyre pressures are correct (recommended pressures can be found on the tyre sidewall), and confirm that your gears and brakes are functioning properly. If you notice any issues, stop riding immediately and contact customer services.

All of our bikes are assembled and inspected by Cytech-qualified mechanics. However, in rare cases, damage may occur during transit. If your bike does not appear to be running smoothly, please contact customer services for assistance.

Important Information
We recommend servicing your bike after 4–6 weeks of use, as new bikes go through a bedding-in period. During this time, bolts may need rechecking, and cables can stretch, which may require adjustments to gears and cable-operated brakes. While we ensure everything is set up correctly before dispatch, regular servicing by a local bike shop or qualified mechanic is strongly advised.