Here are some details on a custom build with a Cube Stereo 140 frame.
I did not take pictures of all the steps, and some of the pictures are crap, but ... hey, I was too excited with the build to remember to photograph all the steps !
So, there are some "gaps" in the process, but any question or step you want to know about, just let me know in the comments section, and I can add more details on that.
The first component to arrive was the fork, a 2017 RockShox Reba 150mm.
First step on the build, to install the crown-race, to do this, either you have a specific crown-race setter tool or you use a PVC pipe with the same diameter as the fork bottom.
Perfect fit of the pipe !
Turn it upside down and bang it on the floor.
Presto ! .
The frame arrived a couple of days later !!
Let's start with inspecting the bottom bracket and headset holes, make sure everything is nicely faced and aligned, to get started inserting bearings.
One particular detail of the frame, is that the brake mount is already set-up for 180mm rotors, so no need to use adapters !
Now let's start with the tricky stuff !! Installing the headset completely from scratch.
It was my first time doing this, so I fill myself with confidence and got started.
The best way to do this, is (again) to use a specific tool that I also do not have.
I used a "hack" tool composed of a long bolt and washers to press the headset cups in place.
For the build I chose to use a Cane Creek 40 headset, simply because I have good experience with Cane Creek products and trust them to work.
Taking care and making sure it is going in straight along the way, and adjusting the bolt position here and there until the cup is flush with the frame.
Perfects !!! Cane Creek Geko looking good :)
Now, the same thing for the top cup.
Everything in place, pfffiiiiiiiuuuu what a relief !
Second step, the bottom bracket bearings !!
The frame uses a PF90 bottom bracket, so more cups to press.
For this, I chose the KCNC bottom bracket, so that it has nice aluminium cups that are pressed into the frame, with their o-ring design, so that it goes in nicely and DO NOT CREAK.
Additionally, for maintenance the cups stay in the frame, the bearings can be simply replaced, without the need to hammer out cups, and insert new ones.
More anti-seize, same tool as for the headset, turn turn turn.
Perfect !
Now that we have cups and bearings, we can get started on installing the crankset and fork !
Crankset is a Hollowtech II design, so it just goes in and done !!
For this build I am using an old triple Shimano Deore crankset with a single oval ring (34T) installed in the middle position.
For the fork, we need to insert everything, see what height you want to run, check with stem and spacers, measure twice and cut once !
After the fork tube is cut, insert the starnut.
and it can be installed in place, tighten up stem, handlebars.
It starts to look like a bike !!!
This is the easy part, everything almost simply bolts into place.
Let's get the chain ready. I chose to use a KMC gold chain (bling !!!) for this.
I tried KMC chains on the road bike a while back, and simply became a fan of them.
First step is to clean all the factory grease using a chain degreaser (Morgan Blue).
Install and lube with wax (Squirt Lube), so this is effectively the first and last time degreaser is needed, as it always stays clean ! (Or simply cleans with water).
Here it is with the chain in place !
I also replaced the rear shock with a RockShox Monarch DebonAir (to match the fork) and used Enduro needle bearing instead of the tradicional bushings !!!
What a difference ! (and cheaper too)
The keen eye among you will also notice that in the last picture, there is a Reverb dropper post installed.
I saved it for last, as it is easier to clamp the bike on the stand with a fixed post for most of the build.
Regarding the Reverb, installation is pretty simple.
Pump to 250 psi
Install new hose and fittings.
and, as this is a new build, I upgraded my Reverb to the new 1x remote !! It is amazing !
Bleed the thing (push - pull - push - pull - details here and here)
And up it goes !
As we are talking about bleeds, I used Jagwire Hi-Flow hoses for the brakes, they provide nice feeling on the lever, and come in a hole lot of colors, so I can use neon to match the frame paint job.
Also, the banjo bolt is GOLD !! ( more bike BLING ! )
Here she is !!!
Some small details missing, but enough to ride !
So far, I love the bike !!
The slacker geometry (from what I was using) and 27.5 wheels make everything look "easier" and little by little, I gain confidence and try some new trails and slightly larger obstacles !!!
More details and ride reports will follow shortly !
As I have a big challenge coming up !
