How to Commission a Custom-Built Bicycle

You had a BMX in elementary school, a 10-speed in high school, and something you found in the trash during college. Now it's time for a machine designed and built just for you.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

1. Go for a ride on your current bike. Consider its performance. How does it steer? Is it stable on downhills? How does your body feel after riding it for an hour? Take notes if necessary so you can discuss your needs with a builder.
2. Decide on a budget. The most inexpensive custom frames (not a complete bicycle) are about $1,500. Exotic materials and special paint jobs can raise this price to over $5,000.
3. Decide what you want from your custom bike. Your goals will be a big factor in selecting a builder. Concentrate on the elements of design that truly matter to you.
4. Locate prospective builders through a bike magazine, a local shop or the Internet. Ask questions. There's no need to pretend you know everything, but the more research you do about the basics of frame design, the more readily you will understand their answers. Ask about their design philosophy, what materials they use and why, and their fitting system. How do they transform your subjective statements into actual frame measurements? Will they build a complete bike, ready to ride, or will you need to supply your own components?
5. Make sure you are in love with your bike's final appearance. You will enjoy riding more if you smile every time you look at it.

What to Look For:

• Design philosophy and passion
• High-quality materials
• Skilled craftsmanship
• Attention to detail

Tips & Warnings

• Even a casual cyclist can benefit from a unique, top-quality bike built to match his or her specific measurements.