Building A Custom Bike From The Frame Up

In this post we’ll share everything you need to know for building a custom bike from the frame up, including step by step instructions and a list of all parts and tools needed to make it happen. This bike is a Niner Bikes JET 9 RDO, built up with Shimano XTR and Fox suspension.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Install headset bearing cups using bearing press (tool #1)
2. Install dropper post internal routing using internal routing kit (tool #2) and cable cutters (tool #3)
3. Insert dropper post into frame — don’t worry about connecting it to the cable yet 3. Place bike in stand (tool #4)
4. Install shock
5. Install crown race on fork with race setter (tool #5)
6. Measure steer tube length (make sure to include the headset, spacers and stem) and mark with a paint pen (tool #6)
7. Remove fork
8. Cut fork steer tube with pipe cutter (tool #7)
9. File steer tube with flat file (tool #8) and/or pipe reamer (tool #9)
10. Install star nut with star nut setter (tool #10) and hammer
11. Install headset, fork, spacers and stem (grease on everything except stem)
12. Install handlebars (with carbon prep if carbon)
13. Install from brake caliper
14. Measure (mark with paint pen — tool #6) and cut front brake line with brake cutter (tool #11), insert new bark (tool #11) and reattach to lever with adjustable wrench (tool #12) — don’t forget the rubber cover, nut and new olive
15. Do same for rear brake
16. Install rear derailleur housing
17. Install chain guide (if you have one)
18. Install bottom bracket (tool #13)
19. Install chain ring with chain ring tool (tool #14) and centerlock tool (tool #13)
20. Install crank with crank arm tool (tool #15)
21. Install rear derailleur, shifter and cable
22. Install rotors (tool #13), cassette (tool #16 and adjustable wrench) and tires (don’t forget your tire insert and sealant) — check out this video for a trick to seat tubeless tires with a floor pump ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tE3h4nmDdOo )
23. Install your wheels
24. Measure, cut (tool #17) and install (tool #18) your chain
25. Adjust your rear derailleur ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DI9pNaV-rQ ) 26. If necessary, cut down your handlebars (tool #19)
26. Install grips, saddle and pedals
27. Bleed your brakes (tool #20)
28. Center your brakes
29. Set your saddle position
30. Set your suspension sag (tool #21)
31. GO RIDE (don’t forget to burn in your brakes and lube your chain)

Here are the tools and parts we used

(links are affiliate links – by clicking them, you support this channel and it DOESN’T change the price for you)!

General tools:

Hex keys: https://bit.ly/2DC4x9Q
Pliers: https://bit.ly/3h459Cw
Cutters: https://bit.ly/358o8to
Screwdrivers: https://bit.ly/3lUlkWV
Hammer: https://bit.ly/2Gw0QU5
Tire levers: https://bit.ly/358wQrN
Carbon paste: https://bit.ly/3bAaBvV
Grease: https://bit.ly/2F1cuGc
Measuring tape: https://bit.ly/3igOJZj
Sharpie: https://amzn.to/3aGkI1g
Blue towels: https://amzn.to/2GgfVpu
Brake cleaner: https://amzn.to/30PMK6a
Floor pump: https://bit.ly/2ET1FpL
Rag (use an old t-shirt)
String

Specialty tools:

1. Bearing press: https://bit.ly/2R0SMg2
2. Internal cable routing tool: https://bit.ly/3jQJTlL
3. Shimano TL-CT12 cable cutter: https://bit.ly/3lSREJG
4. Feedback sports bike stand: https://bit.ly/31ZZqts
5. Crown race install tool: https://bit.ly/3hbxdnX
or section of 1.5″ PVC pipe: https://amzn.to/2NV1j3f
6. Paint pen: https://amzn.to/2TR1G2o
7. Pipe cutter: https://amzn.to/2RGGaL4
8. Flat file: https://amzn.to/37nORAG
9. Reamer: https://amzn.to/3aFsusk
10. Star nut install tool: https://amzn.to/3aFsJ6I
11. Shimano TL-BH62 brake cut and set tool: https://snp.link/5dd5ab6c
12. Adjustable wrench: https://amzn.to/2RP84EC
13. Shimano TL-FC36 BB/center lock tool: https://snp.link/210e6d0b
14. Shimano TL-FC41 chainring install tool: https://snp.link/8a8a902d
15. Shimano TL-FC18 crank arm tool: https://ebay.to/38Em3Uv
16. Cassette tool: https://snp.link/9f9b8766
17. Chain break tool: https://bit.ly/2F1Zv7c
18. Quick-link chain tool: https://bit.ly/3jRpDAA
19. Hacksaw with carbon cutting or carbide blade: https://snp.link/90f2d4e9
20. Shimano TL-BT03 brake bleed tool: https://bit.ly/3m2wWaz
21. Shock pump: https://snp.link/1c5fabea

Parts:

Niner JET 9 RDO frame: http://bit.ly/2TYFbbI
BB: https://bit.ly/32YZrNq
Chain guide: https://bit.ly/3h0oS6d
Crankset: https://bit.ly/3lXvyWi
Chainring: https://snp.link/b062a401
Cassette: https://snp.link/ee85f60f
Chain: https://snp.link/ccaad617
Brakes: https://snp.link/16f4eba7
Brake adapters: https://snp.link/c5361874
Dropper post lever: https://snp.link/4b94a9c0
Shifter: https://snp.link/3a8028ac
Derailleur: https://snp.link/c6c65ba1
Cable set: https://bit.ly/2Z8UNeC
180mm rotors: https://snp.link/48dac0ef
Centerlock rings (usually come with rotors): https://snp.link/efd751f0
Wheels: https://snp.link/27aa2ae9
Pedals: https://amzn.to/2RkHJzq
Dropper post: https://snp.link/aacb0a0e
Fork: https://snp.link/06f3eb6c
Shock: https://snp.link/b34b8048
Saddle: https://amzn.to/2TSt6oM
Grips: https://amzn.to/2tKNayB
Stem: https://amzn.to/2GgetU4
Handlebars: https://amzn.to/37mKohJ
Headset: https://bit.ly/3563ev7
Headset spacers: https://snp.link/be2ae1d8
Valve stems: https://snp.link/076f1bcf
Sealant: https://bit.ly/2Zdqvrb
Tires: https://bit.ly/2Zdk1IZ
Power meter: https://bit.ly/359daUt
Thru axle: https://snp.link/8b7a028f
Seat collar clamp: https://snp.link/12d14363
Bottle cage: https://bit.ly/3jR4I0g