How to Build Downhill Bikes

Building a downhill bike can be somewhat time consuming, but well worth it when the project is completed. A downhill bike is essential for anyone who rides steep or rocky trails. Building one helps make the ride even more fun because it also comes with a sense of pride.

Things to have on hand:

• Grease


• Bicycle work stand


• Downhill bicycle forks


• Downhill bicycle frame


• Headset


• Open end wrench


• Screwdriver


• Hex keys


• Seat


• Seat post


• Seat clamp


• Pedals


• Crank set


• Rear cog set


• Chain


• Handlebars


• Stem


• Grips


• Cables


• Levers


• Set of wheels


• Brakes


• Tubes


• Set of tires


• Set of tubes

1. Place your downhill bicycle frame securely on the work stand. Keep it in an upright position. Grease the headset bearings. Put the lower headset on the base of the steer tube.


2. Slide the steer tube through the head tube on the frame. Place the upper bearings from the head set on top of the head tube.


3. Slide the triple clamp over the steer tube. Slide the triple clamp over the fork stanchions. Tighten the hex head screws. This will secure the forks.


4. Remove the top of the stem. Put the handlebars in place and tighten the stem onto the handlebars.


5. Slide the brake and shifting levers onto the handlebars. Install the grips.


6. Arrange the brake and shifter cables so that you can place the brakes and rear derailleur in place on the frame. Include the inner portion of the chain guide to the frame.


7. Place the front and back tires onto the rims. Put the front wheel into the fork dropout. Tighten all of the hardware. Put the back wheel into the frame dropout.


8. Tighten the hardware. Turn the brakes until they grip the braking surface. Secure the brakes into position. Put grease on the bottom bracket. Tighten one side of the bracket into the frame.


9. Tighten the other side into the frame. Place grease on the ends of the bottom bracket where the crank arms will connect. Place the crank arm so that it faces the same side as the rear derailleur using the sprockets.


10. Tighten the other crank arm in the same fashion. Bolt the single front chain to the crank arm. Encase the front chain ring with the outer piece of the chain guide.


11. Put the seat on top of the seat tube. Tighten the rails. Tighten the hardware. Remove one link in the chain.


12. Wrap the chain around the cog set on the rear wheel and rear derailleur. Wrap the opposite end of the chain through the chain guide and around the front. Connect the link that you removed to make it functional. Put on the pedals.


13. Take the bike off of the stand. Test ride it and make any necessary corrections.