Every complete bike from Carbon Velo is built to order. This guide explains exactly how the process works - from configuring and ordering your bike online, through agreeing every detail of its specification, to the build itself and finally collection or ready-to-ride delivery.
Our Complete Bike pages don't ask you to make every decision before ordering. There are simply too many choices!
Instead, the online configurator asks you to select the main options that determine the price of your bike. Once you've ordered, we'll contact you automatically to collect and agree all the details needed to build your bike.
Our build queue is typically around 3–6 weeks. We'll keep you informed as your build approaches and let you know when your bike is nearing completion.
How does ordering a complete Carbon Velo bike work?
The process can be divided into two simple stages:
Stage 1: Configure the price of your bike
On the Complete Bike product page, choose your:
- frame model
- handlebar model
- wheelset model
- groupset model
These are the principal choices that determine the price shown on the website.
You won't be asked to select every detail of your bike at this stage.
Stage 2: Configure your bike
After ordering, we'll collect your complete specification and setup requirements using our build sheet.
This is where you choose things such as your frame size and colour, handlebar size, gearing, crank length, tyres and saddle.
If you're unsure about any of these choices, you don't have to work them out yourself. Simply leave them blank and we'll discuss them with you.
Only when we've agreed the complete specification with you do we order the components and proceed with your build.
Why can't I choose my frame size or colour on the Complete Bike page?
You haven't missed anything.
Because every Carbon Velo complete bike is built to order, there are too many possible specification choices to collect sensibly through the bike page.
The online configurator therefore concentrates on the options that determine the price of the bike: your frame, handlebar, wheelset and groupset models.
Your frame size and colour are collected afterwards on your build sheet, along with the rest of your detailed specification.
This also means you don't have to know every technical detail before placing an order.
Step 1: Choose your main bike specification
Start with one of our Complete Bike products and choose the frame, handlebar, wheels and groupset you want.
The photographs and example specifications help show what can be built, but your own bike won't necessarily look like the example shown.
Once you've selected the major components, the website calculates the price of that configuration.
If you'd rather speak to us before ordering, you're very welcome to get in touch and discuss your requirements first.
Step 2: Place your order
Once you're happy with your main configuration, place your order through the website in the normal way.
For standard purchases, payment is taken when you order.
If you're buying through a Cycle to Work scheme, the checkout process is slightly different and no payment is taken when you place the initial order. See the Cycle to Work section below.
Step 3: Receive your build sheet
Immediately after your order is placed, we automatically send you an email containing our build sheet. (Check in case this has gone to your junk folder!)
This is where we start turning the broad configuration you've purchased into the detailed specification of your individual bike.
If we haven't received your choices after a couple of days, we'll normally contact you ourselves to make sure you've received the email and see whether you need any help.
We don't order the components for your build until your choices have been agreed.
Step 4: Choose your frame, components and setup
Your build sheet asks for the remaining information we need to build and set up your bike.
This includes:
- frame size
- frame colour
- handlebar size
- wheel size and finish
- crank-arm length
- chainring size(s)
- cassette size
- tyre size
- saddle width
We also ask for information that helps us prepare the finished bike specifically for you, including:
- bar and saddle height
- preferred brake orientation - UK or Euro
- preferred brake-lever position/angle
- bar-taping style
- head-unit make, so we can fit the appropriate computer holder
What if I don't know which size or component I need?
Leave it blank.
If needed, we can help with frame and handlebar sizing by discussing your requirements and reviewing the make, model and size of your current bike. We offer this support to new customers on a daily basis.
Likewise, if you're unsure about crank length, gearing, tyre size or another part of the specification, we're happy to talk through the options.
You don't need to become a bike-fitting or component expert before buying a custom-built bike!
Step 5: Add any optional extras
The build sheet also gives you an opportunity to add equipment that wasn't included in your original online configuration.
Typical additions include:
- pedals
- bottle cages
- chain catcher
- upgrade to a power meter
- other agreed accessories or component upgrades
Optional extras can alter the final price.
Some specification choices won't affect the price. Choosing a different tyre width or saddle width within the components included with your build, for example, doesn't create an additional charge.
If you change one of the major components originally selected online or add chargeable extras, we'll make the price difference clear before proceeding.
Step 6: Receive and approve your formal build specification
Once we've discussed any unanswered questions and collected your choices, we'll prepare a formal build sheet listing the complete specification we've agreed.
This also shows any additional amount due as a result of upgrades, extras or changes to the original online configuration.
Any additional balance is payable on collection, or before delivery.
We ask you to approve your final build specification by email before we proceed.
Nothing is left to assumption. You have the opportunity to check the specification and confirm that you're happy with it before we order the components and begin the process of building your bike.
Once you've approved the specification, it should be regarded as final. We will always try to accommodate subsequent changes where we reasonably can, but this may not be possible once components have been ordered or the build has begun.
Step 7: We order and prepare everything for your build
Once you've approved your specification, we can order or allocate the components required.
Framesets, handlebars, wheelsets and components are sourced from our carefully selected brand partners and may already be held by us in UK stock. Where an item needs to be ordered, it will typically arrive with us in less time than it takes for your bike to reach the front of our build queue.
How long will my custom bike take?
Our build queue typically varies between approximately 3 and 6 weeks.
This is a build-queue estimate rather than a guaranteed completion date, as availability and individual specifications can vary.
We'll keep you informed as your bike approaches the front of the queue so that you have an idea of when it will be completed.
Step 8: We build your bike
We don't import part-built bikes. Nothing is off the peg. Every complete bike is individually assembled and prepared by us here in our South Wales workshop to your specification.
Where appropriate, frame preparation can include checking and preparing interfaces before assembly. Brake hoses are cut, routed and lined to avoid rattle, electronic components are configured and firmware updated, gears and brakes are set up, and the finished bike is checked as a complete system.
Because we've already collected information such as your bar height, saddle height, brake orientation, lever position and head-unit make, we can incorporate those preferences into the build rather than handing you a generic setup.
Step 9: Your bike approaches completion
We'll contact you as your build approaches so that you have an idea of when your bike will be ready.
Your completed bike is supplied with our Getting the Best from Your New Bike guidance, which covers useful information about looking after and getting the most from your new equipment.
You can then either collect your bike from us in South Wales or choose our specialist ready-to-ride delivery service.
Step 10: Collect your new bike
We particularly like customers to collect their bikes where practical because it gives us an opportunity to meet you and introduce you properly to your new equipment.
We'll take you through as much or as little as you need depending on your existing knowledge, including your bike's operation, gearing and maintenance requirements.
You're also welcome to take the bike for a test ride and we can make any final adjustments.
Can my complete bike be delivered?
Yes.
If travelling to South Wales isn't practical, you can choose our specialist ready-to-ride delivery service.
Your bike is transported fully assembled and unboxed by a specialist bicycle courier. There is no need to refit the handlebars, install a front wheel or carry out any other assembly when it arrives.
You can choose the delivery option at any point before collection. The delivery charge is paid in advance.
We prepare delivered bikes in exactly the same way as bikes being collected from us.
Read our full guide to Ready-to-Ride Bike Delivery.
How does Cycle to Work work with a custom-built bike?
You can order a custom-built Carbon Velo bike through any Cycle to Work scheme, and the initial process is very similar to a normal website order.
Step 1: Configure your bike normally
Choose your Complete Bike and select the frame, handlebar, wheelset and groupset options you want in exactly the same way as any other customer.
Step 2: Select Cycle to Work Voucher at checkout
At checkout, choose Cycle to Work Voucher as your payment method.
No money is taken and you don't need to enter bank-card details.
Shopify simply registers the order and sends you an order confirmation together with the same build-sheet request used for our other complete-bike orders.
This order confirmation can also provide the information you need when applying for your Cycle to Work voucher.
Step 3: Apply for and send us your voucher details
If you don't already have your voucher, complete the application process through your employer and Cycle to Work provider.
As soon as you receive your voucher reference or other required details, send them to us.
Carbon Velo accepts all Cycle to Work schemes. Our business is registered with scheme providers as Tailwind Cycles Ltd.
Step 4: We validate your voucher
We'll validate your voucher details and process the order.
Once the voucher has been validated and processed, you're committed to the purchase and the order proceeds in the same way as a bike originally paid for by bank card.
We'll agree your complete specification, send you the formal build sheet for approval, order the necessary components and add your bike to the build process.
Do you charge extra for Cycle to Work purchases?
No. We don't add a Cycle to Work administration fee to your order.
However, discount codes and promotional offers cannot be used with Cycle to Work purchases.
Read our complete Cycle to Work guide.
Can I speak to you before ordering?
Absolutely.
This guide is intended to answer as many questions as possible and make the ordering process transparent, but it isn't intended to replace talking to us.
If you'd like advice about which frame, wheels, groupset or specification would suit you before ordering, get in touch.
Likewise, once you've ordered, you're not expected to complete every part of the build sheet without assistance. If you're unsure about something, leave it blank and we'll work through it with you.
What happens after I buy my bike?
Our support doesn't end when your bike is collected or delivered.
If you have questions about your bike, components, setup or maintenance afterwards, you have a UK-based point of contact with first-hand knowledge of the products and how your bike was built.
That's one of the reasons we build every complete bike ourselves.
Ready to start your build?
Browse our Complete Bikes and choose the frame, handlebar, wheelset and groupset combination you'd like.
Remember: you only need to make the price-affecting choices online.
We'll collect the detailed specification afterwards, help with anything you're unsure about and agree everything with you before we build your bike.
