Building my own full suspension MTB: How to I select a frame? - Project Sports
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Building my own full suspension MTB: How to I select a frame?

5 min read

Asked by: Cindy Hudgins

How do I choose a mountain bike frame?

The easiest way to determine your frame size is by height, but many riders find that they are between sizes. Choosing to go up or down a size depends on your personal riding style and body proportions. A bike with a longer reach will have a longer wheelbase. That makes it more stable, especially on high-speed descents.

What parts do you need to build a full-suspension mountain bike?

You will need the following parts to assemble a mountain bike:

  1. Frame. …
  2. Front and rear wheel (26″, 27.5″/650b, or 29″) …
  3. Tires. …
  4. Tubes. …
  5. Stem. …
  6. Handlebars. …
  7. Grips. …
  8. Derailleur/Derailleurs – the mechanisms that move the chain to select the gear that you are in.

Does frame size matter on a mountain bike?

A larger frame will give you a larger wheelbase (the distance between your two wheels is greater). This will make your bike feel more like a monster truck than a precise scalpel fit for carving up the trail.

Is it hard to build a MTB?

More than anything, the technical challenge stops many cyclists from building their own bike. Buying a complete is easier. But building a bike is really not that hard! It just takes patience, perseverance, and the right tools.

How do I determine frame size for a bike?

You can measure it by finding the height of the rear axle and the height of the bottom bracket, then subtracting one from the other. It’s another key measurement quoted by bike brands on their geo charts.

What size 29er frame do I need?

Many 29ers are therefore available in medium, large and extra-large frames, with small frames and women’s specific frames just starting to catch on. If you are under 5’6” tall, a 26-inch mountain bike is still likely to be a better fit. If you’re 5’6′ or taller, you should be able to find a 29er model to fit you.

Is it cheaper to build your own mountain bike?

A custom build will cost more than a prebuilt bike but it will be exactly what you want. If you have the time and the money you will be better off building it with the parts you want. You can buy a pre built but then you will be spending more money when you want to upgrade.

Is it cheaper to assemble your own bike?

As a rule of thumb, if your budget is under $1000 or even $1300, component- and quality-wise you will get a much better deal buying an assembled bike. Especially if it’s a previous-year model. In fact, comparing an assembled bike to a DIY build will result in a pre-built option being cheaper in 99% of cases.

Where do you start when building a mountain bike?


Quote from video: Starting with the bottom bracket.

What happens if my bike frame is too big?

Due to the issues with handling and posture, bikes with larger frames are likely to cause discomfort. You may feel the strain on your back, neck, knees or shoulders. Stretching your arms to reach the handlebars also puts strain on your wrists and arms.

Is it better to have a larger or smaller bike frame?

Neither a smaller or bigger frame is better for everyone and generalizations in frame sizing are almost always risky. If your riding position is established first the best decision for you will likely become much more clear. Consider bike fit the holy trinity of comfort, power, and efficiency.

How do I know if my bike frame is too big?

We are going to look at the 5 most common signs your bike is too big:

  1. Struggling in Tight Turns. …
  2. Lack of Front Wheel Grip. …
  3. Challenging to Lift the Front Wheel. …
  4. Feeling Like a Passenger. …
  5. Not Comfortable. …
  6. Feeling Squashed. …
  7. Feeling Unstable at Speed. …
  8. Not Comfortable.

What bike frame size do I need for my height?

What’s the right road bike size for me?

Rider Height Suggested Road Bike Size
Feet & Inches Centimetres Frame Size (cm)
5’3″ – 5’6″ 160cm – 168cm Small (51cm – 53cm)
5’6″ – 5’9″ 168cm – 175cm Medium (54cm – 55cm)
5’9″ – 6’0″ 175cm – 183cm Large (56cm – 58cm)

How do I find my ideal stack and reach?

This is pretty easy. Just get your bike upright, on a level surface. Measure the ground to the top of the headtube, then measure the ground to BB center. Subtract the BB height from the HT height and that is your stack.

How do I know my stack and reach?

Quote from video: Похожие запросы

What is the right size mountain bike for me?

What size mountain bike do I need?

Bike size Frame size Rider height
Extra-small 13-14in 152cm-162cm (5ft-5ft 4in)
Small 14-16in 162cm-170cm (5ft 4in-5ft 7in)
Medium 16-18in 170cm-178cm (5ft 7in-5ft 10in)
Large 18-20in 178cm-185cm (5ft 10in-6ft 1in)

What bike size should I get for my height?

Fitness And Hybrid Bike Size Chart

Rider Height Suggested Frame Size
Feet and Inches Centimeters Inches
5′ 1″ – 5′ 5″ 155 – 165 15 – 16
5′ 5″ – 5′ 9″ 165 – 175 17 – 18
5′ 9″ – 6′ 0″ 175 – 183 19 – 20

Is a 28 inch bike good for what height?

Road bike sizing chart

Rider Height (feet/inches) Rider Inseam (inches Bike Frame Size (centimeters)
5’0″-5’3″ 26.5″-28″ 48-50 cm
5’2″-5’5″ 27.5″-29″ 50-52 cm
5’4″-5’7″ 28.5″-30″ 52-54 cm
5’6″-5’9″ 29.5″-31″ 54-56 cm

What size person is a 26 inch bike for?

26-inch bikes are a common size for adults. Riders with a height of 5′ and above are typically tall enough to comfortably fit on bikes with 26” wheels. However, riders taller than 5’5” may be better suited to the slightly larger 27.5” or 29” models that offer better traction and stability.

What is the weight limit for a 26-inch bike?

For a 24- or 26-inch bicycle, the maximum capacity is 250 pounds. This includes cruisers, all-terrain, BMX-style and mountain bikes.

Is a 27.5 inch bike good for what height?

27.5 inch bikes are suitable for adults between 5’2” and 5’10”. That said, adults of all heights can ride this wheel size. Some brands claim that 27.5” wheels are especially useful for riders 5’7” and under.