How to Build a Mountain Bike Frame
Mountain biking is an exciting sport that provides hours of enjoyment and exercise. The initial investment of mountain biking can be quite substantial, as buying a quality bike can cost quite a bit. But if you can build your own mountain bike frame, a considerable expense can be eliminated. Bicycle frames are light, strong, and straight, and any home welder can build his or her own bicycle frame out of lightweight steel tubing to meet these needs.
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Things You'll Need
- Welding equipment
- Steel tubing
- Grinder
- Sand blaster
- Paint (primer, color, clear coat)
- Cardboard box
- Permanent marker
- Builder's square
Instructions
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Take the measurements of a bike you like and fits you well. Lay the frame on the flattened cardboard box and trace around all of the tubes using the marker. Use this newly made form as a guide to cut the number and length of tubing pieces you will need to form your bike.
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Start with the top tube and lay all of your tubing in its respective place on the cardboard. Make sure the measurements are correct and trim the tubing as appropriate.
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3
Weld the tubes together at the head tube first, then the seat tube. Move clockwise around the frame, completing each weld until the entire frame is completed.
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4
Check the alignment of the frame with the square. If any parts are not aligned properly, cut the tubes apart and re-weld them.
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Grind each weld smooth and then sand-blast the entire frame. Paint it with one coat of primer, three coats of the color of your choice, and three coats of clear coat. Allow the frame to dry for 48 hours before building it up with the components.
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Tips & Warnings
Build a "jig" that holds each piece of your frame together at a specific angle while you weld, ensuring that all of your angles and the straightness of your frame is maintained throughout the project.
