Which Parts Do You Need To Build A Mountain Bike?

Building your own mountain bike can be a daunting task, but with some patience - plenty of Youtube videos and the right components, mountain bikers can design and build a mountain bike which perfectly suits their requirements and needs - proudly showing off their creation out on the trails.

At Westbrook Cycles, many of our customers come to us for a range of mountain bike frames and components which are then used in either the ground up design of a mountain bike build, or as part of a program of MTB upgrades.

Below, we list and comment on some of the most important parts and components that need to be purchased by anybody with dreams of building their own mountain bike.

Mountain Bike Component List

Below is a list of all of the parts you need to build your own mountain bike:

Frame

The starting point of your bike build, the frame can be either hardtail or full suspension - and can be purchased in a range of sizes. There are also many different frame materials available, including carbon fibre, steel and aluminum/alloy. The geometry of the frame will also need to correspond with the type of riding you want to do, with downhill mountain bike frames providing different performance characteristics to cross country mountain bike frames. 

Rear Derailleur Hanger

This connects the derailleur to the frame. Most commonly made from aluminium. 

Wheelset 

Plenty of wheelsets to choose from, which arrive fully made and ready to use. 

Wheel Axle

Thru Axles VS quick release. 

Headset

Bearings which allow your forks to turn and rotate. 

Front Fork

Usually a suspension fork, different ranges and amounts of travel are available to suit different riding requirements. 

Rear Suspension

Rear shock can be either spring or air operated, often included in the purchase of a frame. 

Stem

Connects headset to the handlebars. 

Handlebars

Consider riding requirements and personal preferences. 

Brake Levers

Can be purchased individually as well as in group sets. 

Grips

Grips for handlebars, again personal preference. 

Brakes and Brake Pads

Disc Brakes are the only real option for serious Mountain Bikes. 

Seatpost

Seatpost will be required to fit MTB frame, can be dropper or standard. Also available in a range of materials including carbon fibre for weight saving. 

Seat Post Clamp

Clamps seat post in place, can pay more for lighter options. 

Seat

Personal preferences - needs to be comfortable but not too heavy. 

Chainrings

These are the front cog of the bike, driving the chain. Can be purchased individually or as part of a set. 

Crank Arms

Can be purchased as part of a groupset. 

Bottom Bracket

Can be purchased as part of a groupset, and needs to be compatible with an MTB frame. 

Cassette

Cogs at the rear of the bike, usually purchased as part of a groupset. 

Chain

Again usually purchased as part of a groupset, popular brands include Shimano and SRAM. 

Front & Rear Derailleur

Plenty of options here depending upon performance requirements. 

Cables 

Can be internal or external, can also require cable guards. 

Tyres

Can be purchased according to terrain ridden and riding requirements. 

Mountain Bike Components

At Westbrook Cycles, we stock and supply an excellent range of mountain bike components - covering everything you will need to build your dream mountain bike. You can view the complete collection across the site and if you have any questions about your mountain bike build, please get in touch and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.