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The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Dream Mountain Bike with Jenson

27/05/2025

Building your dream mountain bike is more than just assembling parts — it’s about crafting a ride that fits your style, your terrain, and your ambitions. Whether you’re aiming to tackle aggressive downhill trails, flow through singletrack, or conquer epic backcountry rides, Jenson has everything you need to customize the perfect bike.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every component you’ll need to build your own mountain bike from scratch, using the high-quality gear and competitive prices available on JensonUSA.com.

🚴‍♂️ Why Build Your Own MTB with Jenson?

Building your own bike offers several benefits, and Jenson makes it easy for both beginners and experienced riders:

  • Customization: Choose every component to fit your riding style and body geometry.

  • Value: Take advantage of Jenson’s frequent sales and price match guarantees.

  • Education: Learn how each part of your bike functions, making future upgrades and repairs easier.

  • Community Support: Jenson offers top-tier customer service and a dedicated team of bike experts to guide you through the process.

🧩 Step 1: Choose the Right Frame

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Your frame is the foundation of your build. It determines geometry, compatibility, and the kind of terrain you’ll conquer.

Popular Frame Types at Jenson:

  • Hardtail: Lightweight and efficient — great for cross-country.

  • Full Suspension: Ideal for downhill and enduro trails.

  • Carbon vs. Aluminum: Carbon offers lighter weight and vibration damping, while aluminum is durable and affordable.

Top Picks from Jenson:

  • Santa Cruz Tallboy

  • Yeti SB130 Frame

  • Norco Fluid FS A1

📌 Tip: Use Jenson’s product filters to narrow down by travel, wheel size, and price.

⚙️ Step 2: Select Your Drivetrain

These bikes are still available at the Jenson USA Annual Bike Sale, up to 50% off - Singletracks Mountain Bike News

Your drivetrain powers the bike and includes your cranks, cassette, chain, and derailleur.

Drivetrain Options:

  • 1x Systems (single chainring in the front): Simpler and lighter, perfect for trail riding.

  • 2x Systems: Offer more gear range, useful for climbing and technical terrain.

Bestselling Drivetrains on Jenson:

  • SRAM GX Eagle 12-Speed Groupset

  • Shimano XT M8100

  • SRAM NX Eagle Kit (budget-friendly)

🛒 Search “drivetrain kits” on Jenson for bundled discounts.

🚲 Step 3: Suspension Fork & Rear Shock

Jenson USA launches Jenson Suspension Service for FOX, Öhlins, Cane Creek & more - Bikerumor

A good suspension setup is critical for performance and comfort.

What to Consider:

  • Travel Length: Short (100–120mm) for XC, Medium (120–150mm) for trail, Long (150mm+) for enduro/downhill.

  • Adjustability: Look for air spring systems and rebound/compression settings.

Top Picks on Jenson:

  • Fox 36 Float Factory Grip2

  • RockShox Pike Ultimate

  • Marzocchi Bomber Z1 (value-friendly option)

🔧 Jenson includes installation guides and compatibility details on each product page.

🛞 Step 4: Wheels and Tires

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Your wheels and tires impact traction, durability, and ride quality.

Key Decisions:

  • Wheel Size: 27.5” for nimbleness, 29” for speed and rollover.

  • Tire Width: 2.3”–2.6” for trail; 2.6”+ for downhill grip.

  • Tubeless vs. Tubed: Tubeless setups are preferred for lower pressure and fewer flats.

Bestselling Wheels on Jenson:

  • Industry Nine Enduro S

  • DT Swiss XM 1700

  • Stan’s NoTubes Flow MK4

🧰 Jenson sells tubeless kits and accessories to complete your wheel setup.

🛑 Step 5: Brakes & Stopping Power

SRAM Level Disc Brake | Jenson USA

Braking is your lifeline on the trail — don’t cut corners here.

Top Brake Choices:

  • Shimano XT or SLX Hydraulic Disc Brakes

  • SRAM Code RSC for aggressive trail/enduro riders

  • Magura MT7 for premium performance

Jenson Tip: Always pair your brake choice with matching rotors and appropriate adapter mounts.

🧼 Step 6: Cockpit & Controls

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Handlebars, grips, stem, and saddle — this is where comfort and control meet.

Popular Components:

  • Handlebars: Race Face, Renthal, and OneUp offer quality alloy and carbon bars.

  • Grips: ODI and Ergon make top-rated ergonomic grips.

  • Dropper Posts: Essential for modern trail bikes — check out the PNW Loam or OneUp V2 on Jenson.

  • Saddles: WTB Volt and Ergon SM are bestsellers with comfort-focused designs.

💡 Bundle cockpit parts together on Jenson to save on shipping and qualify for free tools.

🎯 Final Touches: Pedals, Chain Guides & Accessories

Changing Bike Pedals: How to Remove & Install Bike Pedals | Jenson USA

These finishing touches can elevate your ride:

Add-ons from Jenson:

  • Flat or Clipless Pedals: Crankbrothers Stamp, Shimano SPD

  • Chain Guide or Bash Guard: Prevent chain drops on rough trails

  • Multitool, Tube, and Pump: Always be trail-ready

🏁 Check Jenson’s “Ride Ready” accessories section for recommendations based on your build.

🛒 Why Buy from Jenson?

Here’s what makes Jenson one of the most trusted names in cycling gear:

  • ✅ Price Match Guarantee

  • 🚚 Fast Shipping and Easy Returns

  • 🛠️ In-House Bike Tech Team

  • 🎁 Jenson Rewards Program

  • 🧠 Extensive How-To Guides and Product Reviews

You’re not just buying parts — you’re investing in a top-tier experience backed by cycling pros who care.

💬 Final Thoughts: Ride Your Own Creation

Building your own bike might seem intimidating at first, but with Jenson by your side, you have the guidance, products, and support to make it happen. You’ll not only end up with a customized ride tailored to your exact needs, but you’ll also gain a deeper understanding of your bike — making you a more confident and capable rider.

So what are you waiting for?

🎯 Start building your dream mountain bike today at JensonUSA.com.