Knowing what kind of bike you want to ride is a great starting point in designing your custom bike. With all of the options available to the rider, it can be a bit intimidating to navigate through it all. Having the following in mind can help narrow down what is available to you when hammering out the details.
Your brake choice is linked directly to your desired maximum tire size. Also, if you wish to mount fenders, you will need to choose a brake that provides the additional clearance needed to do so.
Having in mind how much you want to carry when you ride will be important in figuring out rack braze ons and eyelet selection. If you want a dedicated race bike, think about watter bottle placement and if you want to carry a pump or a small frame bag. If you want to carry a ton of weight or want a specific rack style, make sure you get the correct rack mount dimensions.
Drivetrains are constantly evolving an require different configurations to achieve a smooth set up and the shift to electric and 1x drivetrains have created different needs and opportunities in frame design. The popularity of beltdrive has created a need for a special dropout which we can certainly provide if we know that is the end goal. Having your drivetrain in mind will be important in guiding many other decisions regarding handlebar choice and shift routing.
The choice of shifting system can determine your handlebar choices. If you are dedicated to a road group, it may require the use of a drop bar. An internally geared hub might require a flat bar to mount a required shifter. Knowing the handlebar shape and width can insure a ideal design for comfort and performance.
Most road bikes use 700c wheels unless otherwise specified. Proper fit and safety may dictate an alternative size. When frames are required to be small, 650c or 26” wheels are typically used. These smaller wheels offer better stability and acceleration for some riders. Keep in mind that gearing should be adjusted to compensate for smaller wheels.
List the maximum tire size (width) you would like to use on your new bike. This affects frame construction, braking system choices, fit, tube selection, and a number of other decisions about your bike’s design.