Ridley MTB Build
Discussion
Morning,
While removing the BB from my Specialized Hardrock a few weeks ago it managed to strip all the threads out of the frame. I took it to my LBS who said they might be able to repair it but didn't think it would last long and maybe I should either replace the bike or get another frame and swap all the components over. Seeing as I enjoy a challenge I bought a new frame, but decided to go for something that I could build up with the parts I wanted rather than swapping the knackered old crap over from my ageing Specialized. I didn't want to spend a stupid amount of money seeing as the bike will only get used occasionally for family bike rides and I may use it to ride to work every so often. After a bit of searching around I came across a Ridley Blast MTB frame which was very reasonably priced and seemed to get good reviews. I had never heard of Ridley but was assured by people on here and another forum that they were a decent brand, so I bought it.
I now have the task of buying the components to make myself something nice. Today I have bought the first bits, a Shimano SLX M675 Groupset and a Thomson Elite Seat Post so I can at least clamp the bike onto my stand! I have been sitting here trying to compile a list of things I will need to buy and can only seem to think of front forks, headset, stem, handlebars, grips and a saddle. I am tempted to use the wheels and hubs from my Specialized for now seeing as there was nothing wrong with them.
I will post some pictures up as and when I start building the bike (only ever built an old Raleigh Burner before so it should be a steep learning curve!)
These are some generic pics of what I have so far:
Cheers
Sammo
While removing the BB from my Specialized Hardrock a few weeks ago it managed to strip all the threads out of the frame. I took it to my LBS who said they might be able to repair it but didn't think it would last long and maybe I should either replace the bike or get another frame and swap all the components over. Seeing as I enjoy a challenge I bought a new frame, but decided to go for something that I could build up with the parts I wanted rather than swapping the knackered old crap over from my ageing Specialized. I didn't want to spend a stupid amount of money seeing as the bike will only get used occasionally for family bike rides and I may use it to ride to work every so often. After a bit of searching around I came across a Ridley Blast MTB frame which was very reasonably priced and seemed to get good reviews. I had never heard of Ridley but was assured by people on here and another forum that they were a decent brand, so I bought it.
I now have the task of buying the components to make myself something nice. Today I have bought the first bits, a Shimano SLX M675 Groupset and a Thomson Elite Seat Post so I can at least clamp the bike onto my stand! I have been sitting here trying to compile a list of things I will need to buy and can only seem to think of front forks, headset, stem, handlebars, grips and a saddle. I am tempted to use the wheels and hubs from my Specialized for now seeing as there was nothing wrong with them.
I will post some pictures up as and when I start building the bike (only ever built an old Raleigh Burner before so it should be a steep learning curve!)
These are some generic pics of what I have so far:
Cheers
Sammo
ndg said:
You'll be needing:
Frame - GotForks
Star washer/stem cap
Headset
Stem
Bars
Grips
Cranks - Got
Rear Mech - Got
Shifters - Got
Cassette - Got
Chain - Got
Front Mech - Got
Brakes (hydraulics) - Got
Brake Adaptor Rear
Front rotor - Got
Rear rotor - Got
Stem spacers
Wheelset
Tubes or tubeless
Tyres
Seat post - Got
Seat post clamp
Saddle
Pedals
Edited by Sammo123 on Friday 11th July 12:47
Thomson post means Thomson stem, so thats that bit sorted. Have a look at a Charge Spoon saddle. Mine are great on my MTB's and a £20 bargain. Buy 'cheap -ish' means buying twice, although there are decent bits for sensible prices. Reba forks can be had at a sensible price as well and work very well.
Justin S said:
Thomson post means Thomson stem, so thats that bit sorted. Have a look at a Charge Spoon saddle. Mine are great on my MTB's and a £20 bargain. Buy 'cheap -ish' means buying twice, although there are decent bits for sensible prices. Reba forks can be had at a sensible price as well and work very well.
Funnily enough I have a Thomson stem sitting in my shopping basket at the moment. Just need the bank account to look slightly healthier then I can buy the next lot of bits 
Good stuff
wrt swapping the wheels over, that's fine, but I expect the old front wheel is std 9mm QR, whereas there is (apparently) more stiffness from a 15mm maxle, that most forks come with these days. That would also be more upgradeable / saleable in the future.
If budget's tight perhaps a decent used QR Reba etc for now which you could sell on without losing much/any + your old wheels, then a possible decent upgrade of both in the future.
wrt swapping the wheels over, that's fine, but I expect the old front wheel is std 9mm QR, whereas there is (apparently) more stiffness from a 15mm maxle, that most forks come with these days. That would also be more upgradeable / saleable in the future.
If budget's tight perhaps a decent used QR Reba etc for now which you could sell on without losing much/any + your old wheels, then a possible decent upgrade of both in the future.
richardxjr said:
Good stuff
wrt swapping the wheels over, that's fine, but I expect the old front wheel is std 9mm QR, whereas there is (apparently) more stiffness from a 15mm maxle, that most forks come with these days. That would also be more upgradeable / saleable in the future.
If budget's tight perhaps a decent used QR Reba etc for now which you could sell on without losing much/any + your old wheels, then a possible decent upgrade of both in the future.
Yeh I'm not sure what to do with regard to forks yet. Having a look around but I have looked at Reba's a few times now.wrt swapping the wheels over, that's fine, but I expect the old front wheel is std 9mm QR, whereas there is (apparently) more stiffness from a 15mm maxle, that most forks come with these days. That would also be more upgradeable / saleable in the future.
If budget's tight perhaps a decent used QR Reba etc for now which you could sell on without losing much/any + your old wheels, then a possible decent upgrade of both in the future.
Quick update after ordering some more bits 
Sammo123 said:
Frame - Got
Forks
Star washer/stem cap - Got
Headset - Got
Stem
Bars
Grips
Cranks - Got
Rear Mech - Got
Shifters - Got
Cassette - Got
Chain - Got
Front Mech - Got
Brakes (hydraulics) - Got
Brake Adaptor Rear
Front rotor - Got
Rear rotor - Got
Stem spacers
Wheelset
Tubes - Got
Tyres - Got
Seat post - Got
Seat post clamp
Saddle - Got
Pedals
Forks
Star washer/stem cap - Got
Headset - Got
Stem
Bars
Grips
Cranks - Got
Rear Mech - Got
Shifters - Got
Cassette - Got
Chain - Got
Front Mech - Got
Brakes (hydraulics) - Got
Brake Adaptor Rear
Front rotor - Got
Rear rotor - Got
Stem spacers
Wheelset
Tubes - Got
Tyres - Got
Seat post - Got
Seat post clamp
Saddle - Got
Pedals
Edited by Sammo123 on Friday 11th July 12:47
I managed to get a couple of bits fitted after work on Saturday and even remembered to take some pics.
Here is the frame fresh out of the box:
Up on the stand with the seat post and clamp fitted. I didn't want to scratch the seat post so wrapped it in a rag and then took the picture!
Bottom bracket and rear mech fitted. Annoyingly I didn't have the correct tool to tighten the BB up so that should be arriving today.
I am waiting for the brackets to arrive to attach the rear brake caliper and for the front forks to arrive, then I can get on with the rest of it.
This might seem like a daft question but how can I tell what size axle my rear wheel will need?
Here is the frame fresh out of the box:
Up on the stand with the seat post and clamp fitted. I didn't want to scratch the seat post so wrapped it in a rag and then took the picture!
Bottom bracket and rear mech fitted. Annoyingly I didn't have the correct tool to tighten the BB up so that should be arriving today.
I am waiting for the brackets to arrive to attach the rear brake caliper and for the front forks to arrive, then I can get on with the rest of it.
This might seem like a daft question but how can I tell what size axle my rear wheel will need?
richardxjr said:
Measure it or look it up 
Headset Type/Size: 1 1/8” Zero Stack (Not Included)
BB Shell Width: 68mm
Seatpost Ø: 31.6mm
Seat Clamp Ø: 34.9mm
Front Mech Clamp Ø: 34.9mm
Drop Out Width/Type: 135mm QR
Hehe yeh I knew that would be the answer once I had pressed submit! Now I am not up on bike terminology so I understand the quick release part but is that the width between both parts of the frame? Basically all I want to know is if I can use the wheels from my Specialized or will I have to get different wheels. Headset Type/Size: 1 1/8” Zero Stack (Not Included)
BB Shell Width: 68mm
Seatpost Ø: 31.6mm
Seat Clamp Ø: 34.9mm
Front Mech Clamp Ø: 34.9mm
Drop Out Width/Type: 135mm QR
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