Popular Component Changes

The following list covers the most commonly requested changes to standard ‘factory spec’ bikes.

In many cases the swaps will be free, but even in cases where there is an upgrade cost it will still be far more cost effective to make this change before purchase than leaving it to a later date.

Tyres

The most popular request that we receive from customers is a change to the tyres fitted to their new bike, either to an alternative model that better suits their needs or local conditions, or to a different size or tread pattern in the same model (both of which are free of charge).

We stock a wide range of models from most of the leading brands, including Continental, Pirelli, Vittoria, Schwalbe, Panaracer, Hutchinson and Maxxis, as well as a number of smaller specialist brands.

Tyres can be quite a high value component, and they have a major impact on how your new bike rides.  Making the swap to your preferred tyres at the point of bike purchase is extremely cost effective, as we will only charge the difference in price between the two sets of tyres, instead of you needing to purchase a brand new set from scratch.

Wheels

Wheel upgrades can deliver significant performance or reliability improvements, so it is not surprising that they are another of our most commonly requested upgrades.

We work with over twenty major wheel brands, and around 40% of our wheel upgrades involve models we haven’t listed as examples on our site, so if there is a wheelset that you’d like us to provide an upgrade quote for then please just ask.

Cassette Ratios

If you request a cassette swap that has a larger maximum sprocket we may have to fit a longer replacement chain.

The cassette swap itself will be free of charge, as long as it is the same model in a different size, but if a new chain is needed we will need to charge for that (you are of course free to retain the original). Where the new cassette is a higher level item we will simply charge the difference in value of the two cassettes.

Chainset Lengths & Ratios

Where we are changing ratio or crank length using the same model, there will be no charge, but if we are fitting a higher value model we will need to treat this in the same way as other upgrades. 

Handlebars & Stems

For standard (i.e. non-frameset specific*) handlebars and stems we are only too happy to swap to a different sizes according to your needs. If the swap is to a different size in the same or directly equivalent model then there will be no charge.

In some cases the manufacturer may have supplied the bike with ‘own-brand’ stems and bars are not available as stand-alone aftermarket items and have no recognised market value. In these cases, assuming the frame does not require a specific own-brand cockpit, we will suggest an alternative branded item and apply a substantial discount to the new part.

If you require a swap to a higher level component we will charge the difference in value between the two components.

*Where the supplied handlebar and stem are integrated or frameset-specific we may be unable to obtain alternative sizes from the manufacturer’s UK parts stock, but may be able to specify that the correct dimensions are fitted at the factory if we are placing a fresh bike order for you with the manufacturer. Where we are able to obtain an aftermarket frame-specific or integrated cockpit, either from overseas stock or from an alternative brand, there will a heavily discounted charge for the swap, and you will retain the original.

Saddle

We have access to a large number of leading saddle brands, so if you require a specific saddle then just let us know. The majority of our saddle swaps are upgrades, rather than alternatives of the same value, where we will simply charge you the difference in value between the two items. Where the saddle being upgraded is an ‘own brand’ model we will offer the new one at a discount and you will retain the original too.

Bikes Tuned for Riding (not shipping)

As a centre of excellence for all of our bike brands we pride ourselves on knowing our bikes inside out, especially on the technical front.

Our technicians are some of the best and most experienced in the UK, and are regularly contacted by the manufacturers themselves regarding tuning and technical aspects of bike set-up and optimisation.

When bikes arrive with us from the manufacturers, even ones that are entirely standard off-the-shelf models they are either partially built or pre-assembled using efficient but not necessarily optimal techniques. Factory builds need to cater for speed of assembly, and the requirements of secure packaging for long-haul space-saving transportation.  This is especially so in the areas of cabling, bearing adjustments and installation, and drive-train optimization.

In most cases the factory assembly (if complete) will of course work, but not as well as it could with proper set-up and tuning.

So every bike we sell is either completely or partially stripped down, then rebuilt to ensure the smoothest and most reliable operation possible – whether, amongst many other things, it is accurate gear shifting, correct rear mech hanger alignment, properly bled brakes, smoothly running bearings with minimal play and noise, or weather proofed seals (not all bikes are built with British weather in mind!).