The Build Process

  • Learn if Custom is Right for You

    Not everyone needs a custom build. Come in to learn whether custom is the best option for your needs. You can learn a bit more about the benefits of custom here.

    Seven Cycles at Durham Cycles

  • Come in For Measurements

    Precise measurements and thoughtful discussion of your needs will ensure that your custom bike will fit and handle better than any bike you’ve ridden before.

    Dave Lo fits customer on a bike

  • Pick the Build

    Every detail of the bike can be selected to your preference or you can choose one of our carefully designed preconfigured groupsets.

    Choose your componenets for your custom bike

  • Confirm Details

    After choosing a frameset (or designing a frame with one of our partner brands), we bring you back for some final measurements.

    Picture of a bike fitting with Durham Cycles

  • Final Adjustments

    Depending on the degree of customization, you will receive your bike in 2-12 weeks. On pick-up, we’ll dial in your measurements to the millimeter.

    Bike Fitting a Custom Seven Cycles Bike

  • Ride On!

    Ride with confidence, knowing all our frame distributors carry at least a 5-year warranty (most are lifetime) and that all basic adjustments are covered for the first year.

    Client John happy with his custom bike build

Every purchase of a custom frame or complete bike follows the same 5 step protocol to ensure a perfect fit and exact execution of the rider’s dream build.

1. Comprehensive Fitting
Every purchase begins with a comprehensive fit session during which we’ll take precise measurements to ensure that your bike will fit and handle like nothing you’ve ever ridden. Be advised, the fitting and interview usually takes 3 hours and will require some exertion on our Fit Cycle.

2. Rider Interview
We interview you about your riding history and goals for the future. We narrow down your preferences regarding bike stiffness, handling, and compliance, digging deeply into what you’ve liked, disliked, and wished for with your previous bikes. The engineers at our partner companies will use this information to calibrate a balance of features that that are only attainable with a custom product.

3. Fitter/Engineer Consultation
After receiving a computer aided design of your new bike based on our measurements and your fit interview, Durham Cycles will consult the frame builder to ensure that all your needs, both practical and aesthetic, are met. Changes will be made as necessary. Step 3 will be repeated as often as required.

4. Confirmation Fit
After the frame design is finalized, we’ll bring you into the studio for a confirmation fit on our size cycle adjusted to exactly match the frame dimensions of your new bike. We’ll confirm all the fine details of your bike, from pump-peg to paint, take a deposit and get your bike into production.

5. Final Fit
You’ll receive your bike typically 6 to 12 weeks after it heads to production. Once your frame arrives, it will be inspected and built by the best mechanics in the business. On pick-up, we’ll dial in your measurements and go over all the particulars of your new dream bike. Every comes with complementary gear, brake, and bearing adjustments for the first year and a comprehensive tune-up at the 1 month and 12 month marks.

More questions about Custom? Contact Dave in our fitting department.

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