Hi all,
I was getting bored over spring break and spent some time in CAD designing a bike frame. I race XC and I designed a hardtail 27.5+ bike with a 160mm travel fork for training and fun. It's similar to the designs of Chromag bikes. Now, I want to actually have this bike. I can TIG weld, so that would be the plan and I have looked at the designs of some really expensive frame jigs, yeah no on those. I found a few DIY options that I like.

What is the bare minimum I will need to build a straight frame? I am willing to build things but I won't be constantly building frames so I don't want to spend much on it.

Good builder wheels, good eyes, drop out paralleling tools, some files, bench vice, tubing clamping blocks, good lighting in the shop space for a start.


While it is possible to TiG every bit, including cable stops and bottle bosses using a torch and brazing is what a lot do for the small stuff. Andy