What Is a Custom Bike Build?
A custom build is where you choose every component on your bike: frame, wheels, groupset, cockpit, finishing kit: and we assemble it to your exact specification. Unlike buying off the shelf, nothing is compromise. You get exactly the bike you want.
At BikeClinique, we build from our Wimbledon workshop [Learn more]. Every build is handled by Freddie: who specs, sources, and builds every bike personally.
The Build Process: Step by Step
Step 1: Consultation (free)
Tell us what you ride, where you ride, your budget, and your goals. We assess your needs and propose a spec. No pressure, no upsell: just honest advice.
Step 2: Frame Selection
We source frames from quality manufacturers: carbon road, carbon gravel, titanium, steel. We have access to brands including Orro, Factor, Fara, and others. Frames from approximately £1,000 to £6,000+ depending on material and specification.
Step 3: Groupset & Component Selection
With your frame chosen, we spec the groupset: Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo: and all finishing components. Wheels, bars, stem, seatpost, saddle. Everything chosen for your riding, your fit, and your budget.
Step 4: Assembly & Quality Check
We build the bike to Cytech standards. Every bolt torqued to spec, every cable tidied, every adjustment indexed. The bike goes through a written inspection before it leaves the workshop.
Step 5: Handover & Fit
You collect the bike (or we deliver it). We walk through the build, set your saddle height and bar reach, and make sure you're happy before you leave.
How Long Does a Build Take?
Typical lead time is 3 to 8 weeks from consultation to handover, depending on component availability. We keep you updated throughout.
What Does a Custom Build Cost?
Full builds start from approximately £2,500 for a complete bike: frame plus all components. You can also commission a frame with partial component contribution, or upgrade a current bike piece by piece.
Cycle to Work is available for all custom builds: eligible employees can save 42-47% through their employer scheme.
Ready to Start?
Book a build consultation: tell us your budget and what you want from your bike. We'll make it happen.
Ready to get your bike sorted?
Book online or call 07951 125 843. Wimbledon workshop, South West London.
Book a Service →Looking for the full custom build hub?
We've consolidated the full custom build process, costs, materials, framebuilder options, and FAQs into one master page. Read the Custom Bike Build London hub for the complete guide.
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.
How a custom build starts
A proper custom bike build starts with the rider, not the parts list. We need to know what the bike is for: London commuting, fast road, endurance, gravel, MTB, travel, racing, all-weather riding or a dream build around a special frame. Then we check fit, contact points, gearing, tyre clearance, brake choice and whether the frame standards support the parts being considered.
At Bike Clinique the build discussion is practical. We look at what must be right first: frame size, fork, headset, bottom bracket, groupset compatibility, wheel choice, tyres, cockpit and finishing kit. A premium build can still ride badly if the fit or gearing is wrong. A sensible build can feel exceptional if the priorities are right.
What happens before assembly
- Frame and fork inspected before parts are fitted.
- Compatibility checked for bottom bracket, brakes, headset and routing.
- Wheels, tyres and gearing matched to the riding.
- Parts list agreed before ordering or fitting.
- Labour, small parts and expected turnaround explained clearly.
During assembly we build in stages, checking torque, routing, brake setup, drivetrain alignment and finishing details. The final handover should include what was fitted, what to bed in, when to return for checks and what maintenance to expect. Custom does not mean complicated for the rider. It means the bike has been built around the job it needs to do.
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.