For most people commissioning a custom bike is quite a big step. Each Saffron frame is unique, but they have one thing in common… they all start from the same place: understanding what you want from your bicycle.
Below is some general information for new customers and some things to think about that will help us collaborate in building the perfect bike for you. As we get further along in the process the questions will be tailored around your personal requirements, but this is a good place to start if you’re thinking about commissioning a Saffron Frameworks bicycle.
It’s essential that your frame fits you as perfectly as it meets your cycling goals, that’s why all my prices include the cost of a bike fit.
The bike needs to work for you, both functionally and aesthetically. For that, we need to establish the purpose of the bike, produce a design that fits you, and one that uses appropriate materials and components. Last, but by no means least, we’ll look at the finish – paint, polished stainless steel, or a combination of the two.
At the end of the process you will be the owner of a bike that you want to ride as much as you can, and you’ll feel proud to own.
Price guide
(based upon a rim brake frame only – discs are an increase in price)
Base price includes the below
Forks
Extras (Construction)
Extras (Finishing stainless)
Paint
Assembly
Lead times
The process for commissioning a custom bicycle is made up of a few stages:
I prefer to source your components and deliver you a full bike, because then I can ensure that they are well fitted and have the proper clearances. We will discuss your components at your initial visit. Payment for these would be separate from the frame as I require full payment before ordering components. We aim to be competitive on pricing and have accounts with all major parts suppliers
If you’d like to source your own components you can do this, however I won’t be in a position to advise you on the parts and you would need to ensure they are with me before your build starts (i.e. 8 weeks before delivery date). There may also be an extra charge levied to install components from other sources.
Next steps: If you feel that a Saffron Frameworks custom sounds right for you, we can arrange a date and time for you to come to the workshop for a more detailed discussion. I prefer meeting face to face, but if that’s not convenient, we can move things forward over email / phone / or any other method of choice.
A specialist fitting is integral to the process of designing and building a custom bicycle. At Saffron Frameworks we use the services of a specialist bicycle fitter and include this service in the price of your frame.
The design process is about taking your fitment information and translating it into a measured diagram of your future bicycle. In designing your bicycle there are many factors to take into account - where it will be ridden, your riding style, what additions it will have - racks, mudguards, group sets etc. To take a line from Steve Jobs... "Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works".
We work predominantly with Reynolds and Columbus tubing, but we're not restricted by a particular brand and can also work with Dedacciai and True Temper. Most importantly, we'll use tube sets which are suited to you and your bicycle.
A lugged bicycle has the benefit of being ornate and sometimes quite traditional. We use lugs made from steel or stainless steel and a silver soldering process for our lugs. We also offer hand carving of lugs so that you can choose the design and finish of the lugs on your bicycle.
Fillet brazing leaves a beautiful clean junction between tubes and all of our fillets are filed to a smooth transition. We offer fillet brazing of stainless steel and steel frames, done with bronze or FilletPro.
Lots of elbow grease goes into polishing our lugs and tubes so they're left with a mirror finish.
Saffron Frameworks paint is to the highest standard.
Depending on your needs, the final part of the frame building process is building up the components of your finished bicycle. We can source all of your components for your finished bike from various suppliers, all the way through to building your wheels.. We'll also assemble your bicycle so that it's ready for you to take on your first ride.
