The Expert's Guide to Building a Mountain Bike from the Frame Up - Evil Offering V1 | The Bike Dads

All you need to know about starting your custom MTB build

No matter what type of cycling you enjoy, buying a complete bike is easy and can sometimes save you money in the long run, but there is just something extra special about building a bike from the frame up. A custom build lets you pick the exact parts you need/want and get everything sized just right for you; the perfect handlebars, cranks, forks, saddle, seatpost, pedals, and more just how you want them. Plus, you can customize your bikes looks to match your style.

We teamed up with The Bike Dads to show you how to build a mountain bike from the frame up. Colin shares why a frame up build is a good idea, ways to save money on your frame and components, and the important items, tools, and measurements you'll need to get the job done right. If you ride road or gravel bikes, these helpful tips still largely apply to your custom bike build. If you're ready to start your build, use the links below to shop and directly support The Bike Dads and help them make even more informative cycling content.

In this video, we’ll teach you about:

• Why you should build a mountain bike from a frame up
• How to save money on your build
• What you need to get your build started
• 6 Key steps in building up your frame
• Understanding bike Standards

Start your build using the links below to shop and directly support The Bike Dads

Shop:  Mountain Bike Frames

EVIL OFFERING V1 FRAMESET OE

OFFERING THE TRAILS A NEW CHALLENGE

Mountain bikes are ever-evolving. Every year mountain bikes get beefier, lighter, and stiffer. Technology progresses rapidly leaving previous generations in the dust. The Evil Offering V1 Frameset is an all-new mountain bike from Evil that has long travel and 29" wheels so riders can conquer everything that is placed in front of them. It starts with a carbon fiber frame that has the DELTA system, or better known as Dave's Extra Legitimate Travel Apparatus. The DELTA system provides a supple feel early on in the travel with a bottomless ramp at the end of the travel. The frame also has a flip-chip that allows riders to be able to adjust their frame's geometry on the fly by flipping the chip. This chip flip leaves the leverage rate curve unchanged. All you're changing is the bottom bracket height and head angle.

FEATURES

• Carbon frame that is lightweight and highly durable
• Internal/external cable routing keeps things looking clean
• Integrated frame protection keeps your frame protected from rocks
• DELTA system provides a supple feel early on in the travel with a bottomless ramp at the end of the travel

Shop: The Offering V1 OE Frame  |  Mountain Bike Frames

EVIL OFFERING V1 FOX FRAMESET

OFFERING SO MUCH FUN

Mountain bikes are ever-evolving. Every year mountain bikes get beefier, lighter, and stiffer. Technology progresses rapidly leaving previous generations in the dust. The Evil Offering V1 Fox Frameset is a mountain bike from Evil that has long travel and 29" wheels so riders can conquer everything that is placed in front of them. It starts with a carbon fiber frame that has the DELTA system, or better known as Dave's Extra Legitimate Travel Apparatus. The DELTA system provides a supple feel early on in the travel with a bottomless ramp at the end of the travel. The frame also has a flip-chip that allows riders to be able to adjust their frame's geometry on the fly by flipping the chip. This chip flip leaves the leverage rate curve unchanged. All you're changing is the bottom bracket height and head angle.

FEATURES

• Carbon fiber frame featuring the DELTA System link
• Internal/external cable routing keeps things looking clean
• Fox 36 Factory GRIP2 fork provides an exceptionally smooth ride
• Integrated frame protection keeps your frame protected from rocks

Shop: The Offering Fox Frameset  |  Mountain Bike Frames

EVIL WRECKONING LB ROCKSHOX FRAMESET 2019

CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF

From the mind of mountain bike revolutionary, Dave Weagle, Evil’s aggressive 29er, The Wreckoning, is here to change the game. This bike is as fun as it is versatile, able to climb, slash berms, rip chutes, and blast gaps with ease. As the wheel size of trail and enduro bikes continues to change, Evil decided to experiment with a 29er that could do it all. The result is a 160mm travel lightweight carbon frame with the outstanding DELTA System, and low, slack, geometry. Short, responsive chainstays and an adjustable bottom bracket height make this a bike that can suit a range of riding styles.

FEATURES

• Carbon frame that is lightweight and highly durable
• DELTA System provides an outstanding ride quality
• Flip-chip for two geometry settings
• Aggressive geometry that is lower and slacker

Shop: Evil Wreckoning RockShox Frameset  |  Mountain Bike Frames

Wrench it yourself with Foundation Bike Tools! From pedal wrenches to repair stands, Foundation Bike Tools offers a collection of quality tools that are essential to keeping your bike in top shape and ready for adventure. Foundation Bike Tools is here to give you an extra set of hands for basic fixes, maintenance, repairs, and installations. The home mechanic's new best friend!

Shop Tools for Your Shop

FOUNDATION BIKE REPAIR STAND

Whether you're tuning things up in the garage or making adjustments between races, the Foundation Bike Repair Stand is here to give you a hand! The triangle base and aluminum construction provide a sturdy platform that doesn't rock during repairs, while the head clamp rotates 360 degrees for easy access to all parts of the bike. The included tool tray conveniently attaches to the main shaft of stand keeping all your Foundation Bike Tools for the job within reach. The Foundation Bike Repair Stand folds down quickly and easily for convenient storage and easy carrying.

• Lightweight yet strong tubular aluminum alloy construction with composite head 
• Quick-Release Head rotates 360 degrees 
• Easily collapsible yet sturdy with triangulated support legs
• Height can be quickly adjusted to work on your bike from any position
• Attachable tool tray for easy tool access (tools not included)
• Folds down quick and easy for quick transport 

Shop: The Foundation Bike Repair Stand  |  All Foundation Tools

FOUNDATION STANDARD BIKE TOOL KIT

The Foundation Standard Bike Tool Kit is the perfect kit for jump-starting your own bike tool collection. From tire levers to hub cone spanners, the Foundation Standrad Bike Tool Kit includes an arrangement of the most commonly used bikes tools for basic upkeep and cleaning. The custom-molded, nearly indestructible polycarbonate carrying case allows convenient storage and easy traveling. Never be without the right tool!

For Shimano use

INCLUDES 18 ITEMS

• Chain rivet extractor
• Flat 5mm /Philips screwdrivers
• Dust cap wrench
• Chainring nut wrench
• Tire levers
• Hex key wrench set
• 8mm hex key wrench
• Pedal wrench
• Freewheel turner
• Bottom Bracket Wrench
• Hub cone spanner 13/14/15/16mm set of 2 pieces
• Lockring Remover
• Crank puller
• Spoke wrench 0.127'' 0.130'' 0.136''
• Cartridge B.B. tool
• Flat screwdriver 3mm
• T25 Torx
• Patch kit

Shop: The Foundation Standard Bike Tool Kit  |  All Foundation Tools

FOUNDATION HEADSET PRESS TOOL

The Foundation Headset Press Tool addresses a common problem - how do you press a metal headset into a metal frame? Existing tools simply don't work and shouldn't be tried. The Foundation Headset Press Tool confronts this need with its shop-grade steel construction and proven design that accommodates 1" and 1 1/8" headsets cups. The extra-long handles offer additional leverage that makes headset cup installation a snap.

FEATURES

• Shop grade steel construction makes it incredibly durable and long lasting
• Extra-long handle offers comfort and leverage
• Heat treated to prevent bending and flexing
• Compatible with 1" and 1 1/8" headsets

Shop: The Foundation Headset Press Tool  |  All Foundation Tools

Now, we're at the fun part; picking all the beautiful and capable components that will make your dream build a reality! Once you've chosen the bike frame that will be the backbone of your build, you can select each and every bike component to make the complete bike uniquely yours; from MTB suspension, to brakes, drivetrains, and more. A frame-up MTB build (or any bike really) allows you to perfectly tailor the fit and finish of every part of your bike. Use the link below to start shopping and if you have any questions on compatibility or the best options for your build, our Gear Advisor Pros are ready to chat.

Shop Bicycle Components