Changing a frame... Is it difficult?

[Matt..]

I would like to change the frame on my Specialized Rockhopper, to a small one as i'd prefer a different geometry. I'm looking at changing to a Cove Handjob. How difficult will it be to move all the components from the Rockhopper frame, to the Cove?



Thanks

[chrisispringles]

It's very simple really, just make sure you have all the tools you are going to need before you start. You'll need allan keys, spanners, a crank puller, a BB cup tool and a chain splitter. For the headset I'd say it would be much simpler to buy a new one and get your local bike shop to fit it for you, unless you have a headset press and know how to use it, because they are pigs to remove and I wouldn't recommend whacking the cups in with a hammer.

[Flippin' Kipper]

Also you may want to get your new frame faced by someone who knows what they are doing, unless it comes pre-faced.

[chrisga]

As others said its realtively easy to switch all the components over but before starting I know it sounds stupid but compare sizes of stuff on the frames you are switching between. And i dont just mean the overall frame size. Stuff that can catch you out are seat-tube diameter, internal and external as if they are different it might mean you may need new seatpost, seatpost quick release clamp and front mech (depending on the way it connects to your bikes, most have a band that wraps around the tube). Other thing to check is headtube length, in your case going from larger to smaller frame you should be ok, but the other way round may mean the steerer length on your fork is too short and you wouldnt be able to attach the stem properly then.
Sorry if you know this already.

[shalmaneser]

If you're fairly handy with a spanner (or allen key in this case) it's fine, but you do need some specialist tools to do it.

Fitting the headset can be done with a hammer and a block of wood but it's not ideal.
fitting the cranks does need a special tool to remove the cranks and undo the BB, depending on what type you have.
as mentioned above you'll probably need a different seatpost.

You'd be silly not to fit new cables while you're at it. you need proper cable snips to do this really.

You may need a chain link tools if you've not got a quik link style chain.


The change will be well worth it though, handjob is a lovely frame.

[anonymous-user]

As touched upon the Front Forks tend cause the most problems when swapping components between and frames, the head tube length can vary enormously. So unless your prepared to fit new forks make sure your new frame has the same or smaller head tube length and the frame geometry is set up for the same length of travel. Your LBS can cut the steerer if needed, however it can't lengthen it. Smaller stems, less stack height can correct small issues, but if it is too small it is very difficult and somewhat ill advised to get a new steerer installed.

Other than that hydraulic cables may need shortening and that is not easy on some.

Edited by anonymous-user on Sunday 28th November 22:36

[tjdixon911]

I swapped most my parts from My Cove Stiffee to my Hustler in about 2-3 hours (never done anything like it before!), I had a new headset so didn't have to remove the old one, getting the headset in was a bit of a pain without the right tools (I used a block of wood and a rubber mallet).

The only "non standard" tool I used was a BB spanner.