Running In

Just put together a new build, the first one I have done that hasn't been a beater. It's fully geared Holdsworth Pro, all Campag Chorus/Record etc, but I've never 'run in' a bike that's been built up from individual bits before. I think I've done a pretty good job, and taken care with torques and stuff, but not sure what I should be listening and feeling for, especially since a proper racing bike is a lot more skittish and highly tuned than the collection of relaxed old SS beaters I've been riding the last few years.

On my first few rides what should I check for and be ready to adjust if necessary? Any particular things I should be looking out for that might need adjusting/tightening, and how many shorter rides I should take before risking going on any rides that would involve a long, long walk home if something suddenly went bang?

Sam

tighten every as much as it will go. If it comes loose, tighten it again. If something rattles or creeks, tightening it more

but don't overtighten.

check it before and after each ride.
pedals, crank bolts, chainring bolts and bb cups all loosen, and cables all stretch. seatpost, stem and headset too.

I don't recommend tightening everything up to the max. Use a torque wrench if you don't have an experienced feel and look up the correct torques. I do recommend adjusting head bearings, wheel bearings if on cones, bottom bracket bearing if running on cups and checking the security of the wheels as these all settle in with first use.

Spokes should be okay if the wheel was built correctly but if they creak at all I would true them.