Should You Build Up A Bike Frame? A Couple Tips, Tricks, and Watchouts For Building A Frame

Building a mountain bike from the frame up. That’s what we are here to talk about and my goal is stir the pot and give you some basic tips to be successful. Again, this is not going to be a perfect overview, but its a good way to save some cash in mountain biking while also scoring some premium rides. This is very rewarding way to build a customized bike.

First you need to pick a frame, determine your size and wheels size. Base this on your local trails, your ride goals, and predict if the bike will stay relevant in the next couple years should be factors. Don’t forget to ensure you have a local dealer that can help with the warranty and service. This is good for new or used bikes and potentially using used components you might already have.

Next pull out those manuals or contact the manufacturing and find out these specs 1) headset 2) bottom bracket 3) rear axle spacing (right now boost 12/148), 4) tire compatibility 5) external/internal cable routing 6) brake mounting compatibility 7) seat post diameter and insertion 8) shock sizing (eye to eye X stroke length) 9) Chain guide compatibility. This is a good start.

Check list

Suspension (Fork)
• Travel compatible to the bike
• Fork offset
• Wheel size
• Hub spacing
Rear shock
• Eye to eye
• Stroke length
• Serviceable by bike shop
Headset
• Size for the frame (press fit likely)
• Do you want stack?
• Bearing type (aluminum or stainless)
• Headset Spacers
• Top cap
• Crown race
• (many headset packages may come with top cases and crown races)
Bottom Bracket
• Bottom Bracket compatible with frame? Press fit or Threaded
• BB to work with desired crank arms?
• Bearing Type
Cranks
• 1X Crank or more (need correct Front derailleur for 2X or 3X)
• Crank arms to desired length?
• Crank arms compatible with BB?
• Chain ring compatible to crank?
• Chain ring compatible with desired chain?
• Crank arm protection
• Bashguard/chain guided needed
• Correct offset for Chain ring (boost vs. non boost)
• Front Mech (if applicable) matching front mech with mountain for frame
Dropper/ Seatpost
• Seat post diameter compatible with bike?
• Desired Travel length?
• Insertion compatible with bike?
• Internal or Externally routed cable?
• Includes Dropper Lever?
• Fitting included with Dropper Lever?
Wheels
• Includes proper hub spacing
• Correct inner width to Tire Spacing
• Complete wheelset?
• Center lock or 6 bolt brake rotors
• Note spokes and type of spokes for reference
Hubs
• Correct spacing
• Correct free hub for desired Drivetrain?
• Relevant in the future?
• Adapter needed (Front hub)
• Center lock or 6 bolt rotors?
• Adapter for hubs (Center lock to 6 bolt only)
Drivetrain
• Compatible with Free hub and cassette?
• Correct speed for gearing?
• Correct speed chain?
• Correct Rear Derailleur and shifter?
• Shifter compatible with Brake mounts/ or isolated clamp?
Brakes
• Compatible with min brake post mount
• Brake post Adapters?
• Levers: I-Spec II compatible (shimano)
• Matchmakers? (Sram)
• Shifter adapters like Problem Solvers?
• Include compatible brake pads
• Decluttering on Sram, Shimano, TRP etc.
• Dropper lever compatible mounts?
. Tubeless
• Sealant
• Tubeless air valves
• Rim Tap or Bontrager strips
• Tubeless compatible tires
Misc.
• Grips
• Handle bar and stem (must be compatible with steer tube of fork and each other)
• Saddle
• Pedals (if clipless compatible shoes)
• Cables and housing
• Tires (compatible with rims)
• Chain guide/bash guard (compatible with frame)

Check out

Ruby Canyon Cycles: https://www.rubycanyoncycles.com/

You can support me with my affiliates!

Worldwide Cyclery: https://www.worldwidecyclery.com/?aff=18

Competitive Cyclist: http://bit.ly/2DkkkrJ

Jensen USA: http://bit.ly/2B86mns

Loki Gear: https://www.lokiusa.com