MTB Teardown in Under 7 Minutes – Vacay Frame Swap (Pt. 1)

Strip It Down: Your Complete MTB Teardown Guide

Part 1: From Old Frame to Fresh Start

Before you can build your dream bike, you need to master the art of the teardown. In this first installment of our Vacay Frame Swap series, Cam Zink demonstrates how to efficiently strip your current mountain bike down to its components — preserving every part for your upcoming build while avoiding costly mistakes.

Why Start with a Proper Teardown?

A rushed teardown can lead to damaged components, lost hardware, and headaches during reassembly. Taking the time to do it right means every part stays in perfect condition for your new frame, and you'll know exactly where everything goes when it's time to build back up.

Vacay Frame Specifications

Before you begin tearing down your old setup, let's confirm your parts will transfer smoothly to the Vacay frame. Here's what you need to know:

Suspension Compatibility

• Rear Shock: 230mm with 22mm front hardware and 40mm rear hardware (8mm bolt)
• Fork Travel: Flexible from 150mm to 180mm
• Sweet Spot: Designed around 150-160mm mullet setup (27.5" rear, 29" front)

Frame Standards

• Headset: ZS 44/56
• Seatpost: 31.6mm diameter (up to 200mm insertion on medium frames)
• Rear Hub: 148mm Boost spacing
• Bottom Bracket: Threaded 73mm (GXP compatible)

Geometry Adjustability

The Vacay's three flip-chip positions give you incredible flexibility to tune your ride. Whether you're running a 180mm fork for aggressive freeride or a 150mm for trail riding, the frame adapts to your style. Just remember: longer forks (180mm) pair best with 27.5" wheels, while 150mm forks open up more wheel size options.

Teardown Best Practices

Organization is Everything

Set up your workspace with labeled containers or bags for:

• Brake hardware and adapters
• Derailleur hanger and bolts
• Headset spacers and top cap
• Cable housing and ferrules
• Small bolts sorted by component

Component Removal Order

1. Wheels and tires - Start simple and create working space
2. Drivetrain - Chain, derailleur, cassette, and cranks
3. Brakes - Keep rotors with their respective wheels
4. Cockpit - Bars, stem, and controls as a unit when possible
5. Seatpost and saddle - Mark your height before removal
6. Fork and headset - Save this for last to maintain frame stability
7. Rear shock - Final component before bare frame

Pro Tips from Cam

Protect Your Investment: Use proper tools for every job. That worn multi-tool might work in a pinch on the trail, but use quality tools in the garage to avoid stripping bolts or damaging components.

Document Everything: Take photos of cable routing, brake hose paths, and any unique setup details. Your future self will thank you during reassembly.

Clean as You Go: This is the perfect opportunity to deep-clean components that are usually hard to reach. A clean part is easier to install and performs better.

The Mullet Setup Advantage

Cam runs his Vacay as a mullet (29" front, 27.5" rear), which has become the go-to configuration for aggressive all-mountain and freeride riding. This setup provides:

• Better rollover up front for charging through rough terrain
• Quicker acceleration and maneuverability from the smaller rear wheel
• Lower bottom bracket for improved stability
• More clearance for the rear tire on big compressions

What's Next?

With your old frame stripped and components organized, you're ready for Part 2 where we'll build everything onto your new Vacay frame. The beauty of this process is that you're not just swapping frames — you're getting the opportunity to refine your setup, optimize cable routing, and dial in every detail.

Ready to Join the Vacay Crew?

The Vacay represents freedom on two wheels — freedom to choose your riding style, freedom to run various configurations, and freedom to build the bike that matches your vision. Whether you're into technical trails, bike park laps, or backcountry epics, this frame adapts to your needs.

Check out zink.bike to get your own Vacay frame and start your transformation journey.

Stay tuned for Part 2 where we'll take these carefully removed components and build them into your dream bike. Subscribe for more MTB builds, maintenance tips, and freeride inspiration from Cam Zink and the crew.