Design: Generally these bikes are based around our tried and true sport road geometry – so you can sit in the saddle all day. Large profile tires? … no problem. With a Steelwool, you can save your carbon or Ti beast for racing, and ride a Steelwool custom road in comfort on your all-day epic.
If you are looking for a bike that will meet a special need, drop us a line to discuss.
Materials: We almost exclusively work with Columbus steel tubing. Blends of Zona, Life, and Spirit are used to tailor the ride specifically for you and your riding style. Carbon fork options are numerous and can be discussed when you place your order.
Production Time – Frame: Our custom bikes typically take 6-10 weeks to produce after you sign off on the final frame drawing.
Paint: We believe in using wet paint with a proper sealing primer on our steel frames. Many companies use powder coating because it is cheaper and easier to apply. However powder coat does not bond as well to the steel. Thus, it forms a coating which can allow rust form underneath. Wet paint primer adheres directly to steel and that helps to prevent rust from forming under the paint.Wet paint also gives us a wider and richer colour palette, and you know how important colour is!
The Process:
Step 1 – Preliminaries: Stop by or drop us a line to discuss your project. We want to make sure we are the best fit to produce your project. We will discuss the details arising from your intended use and the parts that you want to specify, and prepare a price quote for your bicycle shortly after that.
Step 2 – Fitting: Once we have the general details of your project decided upon, we get you to schedule a time for a fitting at the shop. It really helps if you can bring in an existing bike that you ride. If that fits you it helps. If it doesn’t, we’ll make sure this next one does. If you don’t have a bike please let us knows in advance and we will work something out. It is possible to give us your details over the net/phone but in an ideal world we would like you to come in. We require a $500 deposit before the fitting.
Step 3 - Design: We will design your frame and provide a CAD drawing for you. We will go over the details and make sure you are happy with design, any concerns can be addressed at this point and revisions can be made. Once you are happy with the design we will get you to sign off on the design and another $500 deposit will be required.
Step 4 - Manufacture: Your frame will be produced and, if you require it, we will assemble your bike and call you to say “come in your new bike is ready!” The remaining balance of the bicycle is due at this point.
Step 5 – Fine Tuning: We will make sure the bike is set-up to fit you properly before you leave the store. It may be necessary to stop in for follow-up adjustments, to bar/seat positioning etc. This is all part of getting the custom bike you expect, and we want to make sure that you are comfortable and happy.
Custom Road
Looking for straight stays? Or perhaps you want a carbon fork, traditional road brakes and maybe some shaped tubing? Don't worry. You're not alone, and we can meet your needs.
Pricing:
Custom Frames: start at $1200CDN
Complete Custom Bikes: start at $2300CDN.