Frequently Asked Questions

General questions

At the moment we only offer custom builds on request. Because of the acute parts shortage, it is difficult for a small company like us to plan complete bikes at the moment.

As soon as global supply chain issues have eased, we will certainly also offer complete bikes.

We also offer custom painting within certain design parameters defined by us. The cost of a special color is about € 500 plus, depending on the complexity of the painting.

In short: Yes.

Individual bike builds can also be offered as a Jobrad.

We have several partner factories in China (Shenzen and Xiamen) which manufacture frames and rims for us. These factories produce materials for many established brands and operate with ISO certifications and rigorous material testing.

Shipping & Insurance

Frame sets are shipped by DHL with additional insurance up to € 2,500.

Wheels are in most cases shipped by Hermes.

Complete bikes are shipped as bulky goods with DHL. The additional insurance depends on the value of the complete bike.

As soon as the goods are shipped you will receive a tracking link

If there are parts on backorder (e.g. frames) delivery time can take between 8 and 16 weeks. The impact of the Covid 19 pandemic has greatly affected global supply chains.

Frame questions

Other than lower manufacturing costs we see no real advantages regarding steel and aluminum. Carbon and titanium have all the properties that we value in frame building. With carbon you have freedom in shaping and by aligning the fibres you can control stiffness and flex precisely. Titanium offers classic beauty of form paired with robustness and corrosion resistance. Tube forming can enable targeted flex .

The geometry tables contain ranges of body sizes that you can use as a guide. It is best to get additional advice from us by phone or email, since body measurements alone should not be the only criteria of choice. Physical mobility and personal preferences often play a role as well.

Our Mauerweg model can also be used as an endurance road bike when coupled with a decent wheelset and good tyres. Our guiding principle is allroad rather than the separation between gravel and road bike. A pure aero racing bike is being planned but it will also be rather unconventional.

No. However, we can offer a custom build as a complete bike through Jobrad.

Wheel questions

In our opinion wheels together with tyres, are the most important thing on the whole bike. Few upgrades transform a bike as much as good wheels. Low rotational mass, lateral stiffness, improved aerodynamics, and smooth running hubs. All this contributes to better and safer riding.

The answer depends on the application and overall weight.

Most modern wheels for Gravel and Allroad feature just 24 spokes. For long tours in remote places 28 spokes are recommended, because in case of a broken spoke the wheel remains usable, whereas with 24 it might buckle too much to carry on.

For heavier riders and ultimate durability, we recommend using 32 spokes.

There is no general answer to this question. Flat spokes have minimal advantages in terms of aerodynamics and are often used with straightpull hubs because they are easier to manufacture in larger quantities. We like to use round spokes, unless it is a pure road bike LRS. Flat spokes are more expensive, so you should know exactly whether they make sense for the planned use.

Nowadays, carbon is so resistant that aluminum hardly offers any advantages. Aluminum still has a cost advantage and the fact that in the event of damage from an impact, you can usually continue to use the rim. However, damage also occurs more easily with Alumnium than with carbon. The most important thing is that you know what application you choose the rim for. It´s not really advisable to ride an XC rim in Enduro.

For carbon rims we prefer to use brass spokes because unlike aluminum they are not susceptible to galvanic reactions that causes corrosion. . Moisture can corrode aluminum nipples after 1-2 years and the spokes may break free. Some aluminum nipples are more prone to this than others, but brass is a safe bet. The weight difference is so marginal that we just ignore it.

We combine aluminum rims and nipples without reservation.

In short, no. Unless you have already pulled out all the stops in terms of upgrades and, at a very high price, and would like to tease out the last 0.1 W. But be careful: ceramic bearings are not all the same and there are big differences in quality. Bad ceramic bearings are worse than standard steel bearings. When we install hubs with ceramic bearings, we only use established and proven models such as the DT Swiss 180.