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

No matter the 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 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.

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About Us
Jenson USA, JensonUSA.com, is one of the largest, oldest, and most trusted online bike retailers in the US. We sell everything from mountain bikes, road bikes and gravel bikes, to newest selection of eBikes and kids bikes. We not only sell and ship full and ready to ride assembled bikes, but one of the biggest selections of bike components, apparel, foot wear, helmets, and everything in between. At Jenson USA, our passion for cycling sprouted back in 1994 and has since taken root and grown into a community of people devoted to living life to its fullest. We're building a culture of people who respect each other, set the pace, and lead through service. We strive daily to better serve our customers, our fellow employees, and our community. Over the years we’ve found that happy people are hardworking people, and that the time we spend on two wheels together builds the greatest profit of all.



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[MrDonnieBrook]

FINALLY!!! I finally understand Boost and Super Boost. Which just saved me from making a huge mistake. I was about to pull the trigger on a 1x12 XT groupset for my 135mm rear dropout width frame. Thank you!

[believe]

Great job. I built my own Evil Calling and couldn't be happier. Everything is custom to me and perfect. So nice.

[BobRossRulez]

Awesome video! Informative and inspiring.

[eddier]

Starting another project myself, a 2023 Propain Tyee whoop whoop!
And yip' it's about the same price as building it on your own. Typically the first things to go right away are grips, pedals, seat and maybe handlebars. After a year of dedicated riding the crappy tires and even crappier dropper go too! Poof' go your savings 😂 Build it right for you the first time and just concentrate on keeping the maintenance up 👍

[agrskr]

I was so close to purchasing this frame last month. But after seeing how much money I was going to need to just get the bike rideable, even with salvaging the drivetrain, bars and dropper from my old bike (26er hardtail), it still would've taken me another 6 months to come up with it. I needed a full squish for my trip coming up in 4 weeks. This frame is on a killer deal right now and completely worth it. I ended up spending $500 more for a cheap complete bike with a solid frame that I will upgrade over time while being able to ride it. If you have the money, this Evil frame is a steal. Maybe I'll pick it up down the line if they're still available.

[funnrun]

I appreciate it I'm buying a frame kit and few of them as well to build a few mtbs I can sell I need a new mtb I work on minimum wage and I have to work within my budget

[marklasalle]

Thank you for this guide. It is super helpful. I have one question. It seems like today's bikes have super specific suspension for each bike model/brand. How can I get the correctly tuned shock/fork for my build?

[boogiedownbronx]

The frame alone cost more than my budget permits. This is really for high end spenders not the average rider. In the end you looking a 3k+ easily. For that i buy a complete bike.