i’m buying direct - WHAT WILL I NEED TO ASSEMBLE MY BIKE AFTER DELIVERY?

Bicycles should only be assembled by a competent mechanic. While many cyclists enjoy working on their own bikes, not everyone has the skills and/or tools to properly assemble a complete bicycle, especially those with “high end” components that often have very strict torque specifications to prevent damage. Because improper assembly will void any frame or component warranty we strongly recommend having your local bike shop do any assembly or component installation you are not confident in doing yourself.

ALL ORDERS - After the cosmetic finish/decals are applied, the final step in our process is the application of a frame surface sealant to prevent smudges and fingerprints — the bare titanium is literally squeaky clean and accumulates oils from handling the same as a clean mirror. When your frame/bike is delivered the frame material will be sealed and ready to handle, often have a thin film of excess sealant that can simply be wiped clean with a soft towel.

FRAME/FORK/BEARING SETS - Frame set orders ship out with headset and bottom bracket installed.

FULL BUILDS - Generally all REN bike orders ship partially assembled, with at least the handlebar/stem, seatpost/saddle, and front wheel/brake rotor removed. For final assembly after shipping, install parts to the manufacturer’s torque spec, which is often printed on the parts themselves or otherwise available from the manufacturer’s website.

Every cyclist should carry a multi-tool with at least 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex keys (also known as Allen wrenches) for on-the-go adjustments, and these are the most common sizes for bicycle component fasteners and are required for initial assembly of most shipped bicycles. Additionally:

  • Some components such as Thomson stems require a 3mm hex wrench for installation.

  • Most pedals require either a 15mm flat wrench or a 6mm or 8mm hex key to install.

  • Disc brake rotors require either a T25 Torx key (IS 6-bolt mount) or a cassette or bottom bracket tool (Centerlock mount) to install.

PLEASE NOTE: NEVER clamp a frame in a repair stand. REN and other frames often have butted tubing that is deceptively thin and can easily be dented or otherwise compromised by the force leveraged by the overlock on most repair stand clamps.

WHAT TOOLS AND LUBRICANTS ARE BEST FOR ASSEMBLY AND MAINTENANCE OF MY BIKE’S PARTS?

Titanium is a non-ferrous material that is famously durable and does not rust, but like all machines your bike does require some regular maintenance. Most all of the recommended lubricants, assembly compounds, and cleaning supplies can be purchased from your local bike shop or online via RADHAUS.

PLEASE NOTE: Standard grease is not an effective contact lubricant for titanium materials and should not be used. To preventing components and fasteners from seizing in place a waterproof anti-seize compound should be used on all threaded and press-fit contact points, such as Finish Line Ti Prep™, Finish Line FiberGrip™, Loctite Threadlocker Blue 242™, Dumonde Tech Liquid Grease™, or similar. Regular petroleum or Teflon based grease will degrade over time and allow thread galling.

  • BOTTOM BRACKETS - Apply a thin coat on threads before installation in frame. Only use anti-seize compounds. Do not use grease.

  • HEADSETS - Apply a thin coat to the inside of the head tube before installation in frame. Only use anti-seize compounds. Do not use grease.

  • SEATPOSTS - Apply a thin coat to the inside of the seat tube before installation in frame. Only use anti-seize compounds. Do not use grease.

  • WATER BOTTLE, FENDER, and ACCESSORY MOUNTS - Apply a thin coat on threads before installation in frame. Only use anti-seize compounds. Do not use grease.

WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED PROCESS FOR CLEANING AND MAINTAINING MY BIKE’S COSMETIC APPEARANCE?

We recommend Pedro’s Bike Lust™ for cleaning and maintaining all titanium finishes on frames and components.

PLEASE NOTE: It is very important to prevent any type of lubricant or cleaner from over-spraying onto braking components (brake pads, brake rotors, braking surfaces on rims) or cockpit controls (handlebar grips and tape). We recommend removing or completely covering these parts when cleaning your frame.