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.
Ready to get your bike sorted?
Book online or call us on 07951 125 843. Based in Putney and Wimbledon, South West London.
Book a Service →Bike Clinique workshop approach
Before recommending parts, we inspect the bike and explain the practical options. That means checking what is worn, what is compatible, what is safe to keep and what will actually improve the ride. Riders in Wimbledon, SW17 and South West London bring us road, gravel, MTB, commuter and e-bike work because they want diagnosis before spending money. The aim is a bike that rides properly, not a parts list for the sake of it.
Why fit comes before parts
A custom build can use beautiful parts and still be wrong if the fit is wrong. Frame size, reach, stack, bar width, crank length, saddle choice and cleat position all affect how the bike feels. If those decisions are made after the frame and cockpit are bought, the rider may be forced into compromises that could have been avoided.
Bike fit does not have to mean a full laboratory session before every build, but we do need the key dimensions and the riding goal. A fast road bike, endurance bike, gravel bike and city build should not all be set up the same way. The contact points should support the rider's body, not just match a photo of a pro bike.
What we want to know before building
- Current bike size and what feels good or bad.
- Riding type: commuting, road, gravel, MTB, racing or endurance.
- Any pain points: hands, neck, back, knees, saddle discomfort.
- Preferred tyre size, handlebar style and gearing needs.
- Flexibility, confidence and expected ride length.
Once the fit direction is clear, the parts list becomes much safer. Stem length, bar width, seatpost setback and crank length can be chosen with purpose. That prevents expensive changes after the build and makes the finished bike feel like it belongs to the rider from the first proper ride.
Bike Clinique workshop approach
Before recommending parts, we inspect the bike and explain the practical options. That means checking what is worn, what is compatible, what is safe to keep and what will actually improve the ride. Riders in Wimbledon, SW17 and South West London bring us road, gravel, MTB, commuter and e-bike work because they want diagnosis before spending money. The aim is a bike that rides properly, not a parts list for the sake of it.
We also separate urgent safety work from performance upgrades. Brakes, steering, tyres, wheel security and structural faults come first. Drivetrain wear, bearings, cables and setup come next. Only after that do we talk about upgrades. This keeps the recommendation honest and makes the finished bike more reliable on real roads.
If you are comparing options, bring the bike in or send clear photos of the drivetrain, brakes and the problem area. We can then advise whether the sensible route is adjustment, service parts, a deeper rebuild or a properly planned upgrade.