Why Do People Build Their Own Mountain Bikes?
Riding on a mountain bike, whether if it’s semi-casual riding or intense hillside exploring, can be adventurous and fun. There’s nothing that replaces the sensation of freely roaming about on a bike. Those with a bit of a deeper love for them tend to start building the bikes themselves at some point. But why, when you can order a custom bike for between $600 to a couple thousand?
Simple, that’s not exactly affordable. Many enthusiasts aren’t able to afford bikes at those prices so they tend to start purchasing parts independently to build the bike themselves. Anyone can build a mountain bike themselves with the proper tools, know-how, and resources.
What parts will you need?
It is imperative to determine how you’re be using the bike in the first place (cross county, downhill, all mountain). This will help you decide what parts you’ll need. Secondly, consider your budget. Suspension is usually the way to go. It’s a great way for new riders to get the hang of the handling and will save a lot of money.
Secondly, make sure to take note of your sizes. Everything will need to be ordered to specific prices for everything to work correctly. Purchasing items blindly is a horrible idea.
What you’ll need:
- A frameset (which includes the fork and the frame)
- The headset
- Wheels
- Stem
- Handlebars
- Seat
- Brakes
- Suspension Parts
- Chains and Crankset
- The Bottom Bracket
- Pedals
- Derailleurs
How difficult is the process
Some of these parts will require specific tools to put them in place. There is an order to follow with everything. For beginners without much experience, it’s highly recommended to go to a local shop for assistance in this case. In that situation, it’s a learning experience and a professional is helping.