The BikeFit Before The Build — Why We Won't Build Without Knowing Your Dimensions

The Mistake That Costs £2,000

A customer came in with a custom build they'd commissioned from another builder. Paid £3,800. The bike looked spectacular. The groupset was exactly what they wanted. The problem: the bike didn't fit. The stem was too long, the saddle was in the wrong position, the reach was too long and they were riding with their hands crossed over the bar. They'd spent £3,800 on a bike they didn't enjoy riding. This happens more often than it should. And it happens when builders don't insist on fit data before ordering a single component.

What We Do Before We Order Anything

We measure you. Not just your height — your proportions, your flexibility, your riding position, your injury history, your goals. From that we generate a position that works for you — then we spec the frame, stem, saddle, and crank length around that position. The fit data drives the spec. Not the other way around.

What We Measure

Height, inseam, torso length, arm length, shoulder width, flexibility assessment, current position on existing bike, riding style assessment, injury or discomfort history. From that: effective top tube, stem length, stem rise, saddle height, saddle fore-aft, handlebar width, crank length.

Why This Takes Time

A proper bike fit takes 60-90 minutes. We do it before we've ordered a single part. This is intentional — because ordering parts before you know the fit is backwards, and we see the results of that backwards approach in other people's builds all the time.

If You Already Have A Frame

Some customers come to us with a frame they've already purchased. In that case: we measure the frame against your fit data, tell you what works and what doesn't, and spec accordingly. Sometimes it means the stem needs to be longer or shorter than standard. We figure that out before ordering parts.

Why Fit Matters More Than Groupset

The difference between a correctly-fitted bike with 105 mechanical and a badly-fitted bike with Ultegra Di2 is significant. The Di2 shifts better. But the badly-fitted bike will hurt your back, cause numb hands, and make you not want to ride it. The 105 with the right fit will make you want to ride every day. Fit is the foundation everything else is built on.

Book A Build Consultation

If you're thinking about a custom build, start with the fit. We'll tell you exactly where you are, what frame sizes work for your proportions, and what the right spec looks like before you spend a penny. No commitment required — just the information you need to make a good decision.