Ordering your bespoke bicycle

The decision to purchase a bespoke bicycle does not come from one day to the next. I’m sure you have been dwelling over it for quite some time. Equally during the order process we will take adequate time to discuss your needs. The order process is described in the following and the contact form to get in touch can be found at the bottom of the section.

  1. What bike?

Every bespoke bicycle is a unique creation. While the design possibilities are virtually limitless, practical factors like purpose, size, and component compatibility will define the final build. The most important question is: What do you want to do with your bike?

With experience building hundreds of bikes for road racing, gravel riding, bikepacking, cyclo touring, and commuting, I can propose the optimal geometry and component assembly for your requirements.

For inspiration, here is a selection of recent models (links open in separate tabs):

The models mentioned above are meant to get the discussion started and help during the design process. Every model can be modified to your needs and aesthetic requirements. I work with almost all component and accessory manufacturers, big or small. Here is the full list of builds of the past: “Past Builds”

2. Sizing and Bike Fit

As an artisan frame builder, I can typically create the correct geometry based on a short workshop visit to measure your height, inseam, and arm length.

However, given the investment in a bespoke bicycle, I highly recommend a professional bike fit. Edouard Hervé is a bike fitter in Northern France with whom I have collaborated for years (“AuTour du Cycliste”). If visiting him is not feasible, I can help you find a qualified fitter in your area.

A professional bike fit is essential if you have any health issues (e.g., knee pain, back pain, or past surgeries) that significantly impact your position on a bicycle.

3. Order and Production Process

  • Order Window: early April to end of September

    • Rough Project Outline: First discussions to capture your dream bicycle's use, features, aesthetics, and performance goals.

    • Feasibility Assessment: Technical evaluation of your design ideas to ensure a high-quality product.

    • Rough Budget Estimation: Preliminary cost estimate based on complexity, materials, and time.

      Note: Submitting your initial inquiry during this timeframe is essential to reserve your place in the winter production queue.

  • Order Confirmation: by September 30th

    • A non-refundable deposit of 500 Euros is required to confirm your order.

  • Design Phase: throughout October

    • Finalizing the frame geometry.

    • Defining the complete component list.

    • Discussing the colour scheme.

    • Calculating the final price and submitting a final quote.

Note: If you cancel at this stage, you will receive the frame design, geometry, and component list. You may also postpone your order to the following year.

  • Second Deposit: by November 10th

    • A second deposit of 70% of the final quote (minus the initial 500 Euros) is due.

    • Component and material ordering begins and frame production commences.

  • Adjustments possible: Until End of January:

    • Minor modifications to the paint scheme and components may still be possible.

  • Early April: Delivery/Pickup

    • Your bicycle will be ready for pickup or delivery (coincidentally timed with the Spring Classics, should you wish to combine pickup with a trip to Roubaix).

Note: If you wish to speed up the timeline and only want a frame and fork, you like manual work and always wanted to immerse in the universe of an artisan frame builder please note that frame building courses are also offered during the April-September window (details available here).

4. Pricing

Most complete bicycles range from 6,000 to 9,000 Euros, depending on component selection and complexity.

  • A road bike with a carbon fork, rim brakes, high-end mechanical transmission and custom wheels typically starts around 6,000 Euros.

  • An equally equipped touring bike with additional dynamo-powered light system, charger, racks (unlimited mounts), bags and fenders will be closer to 8,000 Euros.

  • High-end options, such as internal cable routing or premium steel (Columbus Life/Spirit or XCR stainless), push the price toward 9,000 Euros.

My pricing covers the craftsmanship of building the frame, fork, stem, and racks, as well as powder coating and final assembly (on average I spend about 100 hours on a project). Component prices are passed on at market rates. All prices include 20% French VAT.

Quote Calculator

To get a first estimate of the budget you need to put aside for a frame kit or full bike, check out the Quote Calculator (still in beta version)

Base price rim brake frames excluding paint

  • Fillet brazed (with bronze) Columbus Zona 2000 EUR

  • Fillet brazed (with bronze) Columbus Max 2400 EUR

  • Fillet brazed (with silver) Columbus Life or Spirit 2500 EUR

  • Lugged Columbus Spirit or SL 2500 EUR

  • Fillet brazed (with silver) Columbus XCR 2900 EUR

Additional cost for disc brake frames excluding paint

  • Flat-mount, post-mount, I.S. dropouts regular steel: +100 EUR

  • Flat-mount, post-mount, I.S. dropouts stainless steel: +180 EUR

  • Sram UDH: +100 EUR

  • Adjustable dropouts stainless steel (rocker or sliding) including inserts: +240 EUR

Other frame options

  • Gates Belt Drive opening: +80 EUR

  • Internal cable routing: +90 EUR per cable

  • Stainless steel dropouts for rim brake frames: +50 EUR

  • S&S couplers stainless: +350 EUR per coupler

  • Pinion Gear Box Bridge steel: +200 EUR

Forks excluding paint

  • Columbus SL road / touring / randonneur fork (non-disc): 400 EUR

  • Reynolds 631 disc brake flat-mount: 490 EUR

  • Reynolds 631 disc brake post-mount: 540 EUR

  • Unicrown fork, Columbus fork blades: 640 EUR

  • Segmented fork, Columbus fork blades: 640 EUR

Stems and racks excluding paint

  • Ahead stem 1 ⅛ (Paragon Machine Works): 150 EUR

  • Ahead stem 1” lugged: 150 EUR

  • Front rack handlebar bag support stainless: 180 EUR

Powder coat paint (primer and final colour or base colour with clear coat)

  • Single colour frame: 250 EUR

  • Single colour fork: 50 EUR

  • Two-color fade frame: 300 EUR

  • Two-color fade fork: 75 EUR

  • Three colour fade frame: 350 EUR

  • Three colour fade fork: 100 EUR

  • Single colour stem: 40 EUR

  • Single colour rack: 40 EUR

  • Single colour fender: 50 EUR

  • Two-colour fade fender: 75 EUR

Wet paint with masking options - quote based on requirements.

Assembly

  • Road bike rim brake, full assembly with mechanical transmission and brakes: 360 EUR

  • Hydraulic disc brakes: +40 EUR

  • Fenders: +60 EUR

  • Dynamo powered lights with internal cables: +60 EUR

  • Charger (Forumslader) in the fork steerer: +60 EUR

  • Luggage Racks: +20 EUR per rack

Wires, cables and housing (Jagwire), bolts and nuts (stainless), lamp mounts and other small parts are included.

Please use the contact form below to get in touch and get started with the process to create your dream bespoke bicycle.


For your own made-to-measure LaFraise bicycle get in touch!