Parts and tools list to build from a frame only

tobiasgarrud

Hypothetically, if one were to source a bare frame only (hard tail for simplicity's sake) quite cheaply, what would the list of parts and tools be to complete a functional mountain bike?
Start with the frame as an entity, that leaves:
Forks,
wheels and tyres,
steering (headset and bars),
breaking,
drive train (inc the BB assembly).

It would appear to be sim ple enough a task, but having no workshop and no tools beyond very basic, how much investment in tools would be needed and what would be the realistic parts list for a complete build? Obviously, it's more involved than buying from a shop, but you can choose (compatibility allowing) the set up you want.

The more subjective lead on question would be is this route likely to get you a cut price good spec bike vs mass market complete bikes (granted, there is also the aspect of choosing your components and of course second hand, and the value vs risk of getting one with totally f-ed components or a warp or crack).

I'm posting this to get a good reference point / handle on how much investment and cost would be involved, not a specific project, but i thought it might be helpful if there's others like me who know a little bit and are wondering.

JBA

Off the top of my head:

Allen keys
Cassette tool
BB tool
JIS screwdrivers for setting gears
Headset tool
Chain splitter for shortening chain if required
Cable cutter
Hose cutter
7mm spanner for brake bleed nipples and 8mm spanner for brake hose reservoir nut
Tyre levers
Tubeless valves
Tyre sealant
Appropriate greases
gripper paste for seat post
Coffee/tea

I have probably forgotten something very obvious.

p.s I assume you meant 'braking'.
If you really meant 'breaking' then a great big hammer will do.

dcwhite1984

Its always the small little bits i normally forget such as:

Brake mount adapters
Top Cap and Bolt - if not included with headset
If not getting a new dropper or shifters then factor in new cables aswell

Other than that, i dont think theres anything.

Also under tools i would say a torque wrench, the x-tools one is pretty good for most applications.
If something says they recommend between 35nm-50nm then tighten as much as you can by hand.

wilberforce

Here is the build list I used my last HT build

You can get deals on complete drivetrain and which sometimes includes brakes also

Frame
Fork
Headset
Stem
Bars
Grips
Chain
Crankset
Chainring (if buying separate narrow/wide)
Bottom Bracket (may come with crankset)
Front & rear brakes (levers, hoses and calipers)
Brake adaptors (if required)
Rotors
Front Derailleur & cable (if required)
Rear Derailleur & cable
Shifters
Cassette
Pedals
Wheels (or component rims, hubs, spokes)
Tyres
Tubes (if required)
Saddle
Seatpost
Seatpost clamp
Headset spacers
QR or thru axles

tobiasgarrud

How many hours does a hardtail build take?
Would you pretty much double that for the learning process?

I know there's plenty of bits that are just "fit to the bike, do up the bolt" and more fiddly things like adjusting derailleurs, but is everything pretty much "average Joe could figure this out with a bit of work" or are there some bits that require a bit more in depth mechanical skill?

lesfirth

I am not into MTB like I am road bikes but certainly with road bikes the most cost effective way ( no way is cheap) to buy is a complete used bike. This is not the best time of year to be buying and the best time to buy is when you dont really need another bike. You will only be tempted then with a real bargain.
Collecting parts from sales and Ebay and building a bike is very satisfying but it is not the cheapest. The cost of the little bits soon add up.

wilberforce

The build process itself is pretty simple and there are tons of guides on line. Google is your friend.
The longest part is accumulating the parts if you are looking for sales and specific parts.
The Kinesis frame I built up was screw in BB and integrated headset so no pressing in of bearings. Biggest concern for me was installing crown race and cutting fork steerer but taking your time it is not too difficult.
I did my build as parts arrived but would have been able to easily complete in a weekend.
Great benefit of building your own is choosing exact parts and then knowing how to fix it all.
Six years on and nothing has fallen of the bike (except the rider!).

The Rookie

Build all my own bikes, and those for that family as well.

The list of parts is pretty long, I have 38 parts listed for my MTB, ranging from the frame, forks, headset top cap, brake adaptors, gear cable, tubeless valve and tape etc.

No particular job is hard, more modern bikes need more specialist tools that older ones but you can get all the tools you need for circa £30.

tobiasgarrud

I think it's something I'd enjoy.

I might start a project on it when I feel I want to upgrade from my current bike.

Cheers.

david37

tobiasgarrud said:

How many hours does a hardtail build take?
Would you pretty much double that for the learning process?

I know there's plenty of bits that are just "fit to the bike, do up the bolt" and more fiddly things like adjusting derailleurs, but is everything pretty much "average Joe could figure this out with a bit of work" or are there some bits that require a bit more in depth mechanical skill?

How long?

I take about 3 hours, that is a bare frame and fork that needs cutting down. I tend to grease, and do more frame preparation than most. I build about 1 bike a week from a bare frame and boxes/bags of bits. It used to take me all day at least.

Experience means I know what things should look like, I dont measure three thousand times, I have an organised workbench and tools come easily to hand and I know which to use and how to use them, Ive made loads of mistakes and learned from them already, I know how to rectify the mistakes I do make, I'm more relaxed.

Every time i set out I expect to be done in less time than it actually takes. Sometimes at least an hour more.

My advice for what its worth is that if youre new to it or do it every few years then you must anticipate stopping and starting throughout the process whilst you source the correct parts you didnt anticipate, it will cost way more than you first thought, buy only the very best tools you can afford or borrow the right ones. Ask a suitably experienced and competent friend for help and advice but make your own decisions.

Most importantly settle into it and enjoy the process. It isn't a race.