>>faQ<<

Click on any Frequently Asked Question for an answer.

• How do I go about ordering a Wily Cycles frame or fork

• What is your typical turnaround time from initial order to delivery

• What is the warranty on Wily Cycles frames and forks?

• Can I get any frame geometry I want?

• What if I don't know the frame geometry I need?

• How do I go about choosing a color?

• Can you match other colors?

• Is your Singletrack Retro frame raceable even though it looks like a cruiser?

• What seatpost size do your frames use?

• What's the deal with 29" wheels?

• I heard that 29" wheel frames are just for tall people, and they don’t work well for shorter people, is that true?

• Why do you NOT recommend using disc brakes with horizontal dropouts?

• What setup do you recommend for Singlespeed frames with disc brakes?

• Does the EBB and Sliding Dropout designs allow for at least ½" throw so I can use ANY gear combo I want?

• Can you design my singlespeed frame so that I can get a useable range of gear combinations with the same chain length?

• Do I have to buy a dedicated singlespeed rear hub and wheel if I want to build up one of your singlespeed frames?

• Can you design a frame to work with a Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal hub?

• Do you sell complete bicycles?

• Can you sell me individual components even if I'm not buying a frame from you at this time?

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1) How do I go about ordering a Wily Cycles frame or fork?

To start with, give us a call at 1.800.545.2535 x1 and ask for John or shoot us an email ( info@wilycycles.com ) and we can discuss what you are looking for and what would work well for your wants/needs.

2) What is your typical turnaround time from initial order to delivery?

Stock sizing we do our best to have read to head down to Spectrum for paint _ We like to give them 2-3 weeks to work there magic. With custom geometry frame we like to have 8 to 10 weeks from the time we get your complete order and 50% deposit.  However, sometimes we are faster than that and other times we might be a week or two longer. It really depends on our current orders and we'll do out best to not leave you in the dark about when your frame will be finished.

3) What is the warranty on Wily Cycles frames and forks?

We offer a lifetime guarantee against manufacturing defects - this applies only to the orginal owner.  We will either fix or replace your frame/fork, at our discretion. However, we will not warranty a frame that has been crashed and/or abused (our call). We will however give you a good discount on a crash replacement frame.

4) Can I get any frame geometry I want?

Yes, our custom frames are all one-of-a-kind customs, built specifically for each one of our customers. If you know the geometry you want, or if you would like us to build you a frame that mimics the geometry of another bike that you like, we can do that.

5) What if I don't know the frame geometry I need?

We have extensive experience with frame design and geometry and can help you with that. We aren’t a big believer in achieving an exact frame fit based on a few tape measurements, but it can help put us in the ballpark. Then we can evaluate your morphology, riding style, and preferred riding position (i.e. high bars, short reach, etc). If you can get a sizing fit done on a adjustable stationary bike such as a Serotta size cycle at your local bike shop, that is even better. The size cycle allows you to actually feel what the position is like, instead of just measurements on a piece of paper and guesswork. From there we of course make sure that the geometry not only fits your body, but provides for a precise and stable handling bike.

6) How do I go about choosing a color?

We recommend referencing either automobile, bicycle, or motorcycle brochures that show stock colors. If you can’t find the color you want, then try an automobile paint and supply store. These places have literally thousands of color chips that, if given the manufacture and color code, our painter Spectrum Powder Works can cross-reference with their suppliers.  However, it is not always possible to get an exact match between powder and wet paint.

7) Can you match other colors?

Our painter can usually match a color, but again we can't always guarantee an exact match of a wet paint pantone since Spectrum uses powder paint.  So expect a little variance in color shade at times.

8) Is your Singletrack Retro frame raceable even though it looks like a cruiser?

Most definitely. We race on them ourselves, and do it in STYLE!  It can be built to handle exactly like our Classic Mountain frame.  Since it uses True Temper OX Platinum tubing in every tube but the curved seatstays and top tube, it can be built up respectably light.

9) What seatpost size do your frames use?

Our frames use 27.2mm seat posts, as this is the current standard and allows for a wide selection of posts.

10) What's the deal with 29" wheels?

Well, they are the best thing to hit the mountain bike market since disc brakes in our opinion. The larger wheels roll over logs, rocks, and roots much better than a 26" wheel, due to their shallower angle of attack. Also, the 29" wheel allows for a larger tire contact patch, which greatly improves traction. You have to try one to believe, but be careful; you might not be able to switch back to your 26" wheel bike!

11) I heard that 29" wheel frames are just for tall people, and that they don’t work well for small sized frames?

No, 29" wheel frames aren’t just for taller people. We can design a 29" wheel frame that will fit almost any size rider and still offer all the wonderful benefits that 29" wheels provide.

12) Why do you NOT recommend using disc brakes with horizontal dropouts?

Even though there are various adapter kits available to allow the use of disc brakes with horizontal dropouts, we think that these solutions are a poor compromise at best. You have to readjust the caliber anytime you move the wheel back and forth in the dropout, and some solutions require you to unbolt one of the disc caliber mounting bolts in order to pull the wheel out. The use of solid axle bolts instead of a quick release skewer is also necessary to prevent the wheel from moving even slightly in the dropouts, causing the disc to rub. We recommend using either an eccentric bottom bracket (EBB) with standard dropouts, or using our Custom vertical sliding Singlespeed dropouts that have an integrated ISO disc mount.  Either on of these setups allows for simple chain tensioning, easy disc caliber setup, and easy wheel removal using a quick release skewer. A bonus with an EBB is that you can run your BB either high or low in the EBB, effectively changing your BB height depending on the riding conditions.

13) What setup do you recommend for Singlespeed frames with disc brakes?

See answer to question above.

14) Does the EBB and Sliding Dropout designs allow for at least ½" throw so I can use ANY gear combo I want?

Yes it does. The problem with some EBBs on the market is that they have less than a ½" of chain adjustment available, and since a chain link is ½", there are certain gear combos that are impossible to set up with a properly tensioned chain. Nothing worse than buying a custom frame and finding out you can’t use the preferred chainring and cog combination you were planning on running. That is NOT a problem with the custom spec Phil Wood EBBs we use.

15) Can you design my singlespeed frame so that I can get a useable range of gear combinations with the same chain length?

Yes, based upon your preferred range of gears, we will design your frame to have a chainstay length that will allow for the optimal range of different gear combinations you want to use, without having to shorten or lengthen the chain each time you make a gear change. Say your preferred gear combo was a 34x17 (this is the gear that you run most of the time). But you want the flexibility of quickly changing your rear cog when riding conditions necessitate without having to break your chain and add or subtract a link. Well, we could design your frame to accept a 34x16, 34x17, 34x18, and 34x19 gear combinations, all using the same chain length, allowing for quick gear changes.

16) Do I have to buy a dedicated singlespeed rear hub and wheel if I want to build up one of your singlespeed frames?

Not at all, you can easily (and cheaply) use your existing 8/9 speed rear wheel and mount one rear cog  (best to use a dedicated singlespeed rear cog that doesn't have shifting ramps) and use spacers to adjust your chain line. We sell conversation kits that contain Chris King singlespeed cogs, spacers, and "Discos" The Discos are a great product made locally here in Boulder that will totally prevent your chain coming off the rear cog, even under hard torque with a loose chain.

17) Can you design a frame to work with a "Rohloff SPEEDHUB 500/14 internal hub"

Yep, sure can. We use Rohloff sliding dropouts that prevent the need for the long (and ugly) aftermarket torque arm, and also eliminates the need for a Rohloff chain tensioner and rear derailleur hanger. And of course we will design the frame’s cable routing to work perfectly with the Rohloff shifter. This all makes for a very nice and tidy frame design for this excellent drivetrain system.

18) Do you sell complete bicycles?

Yes, we can sell you a Wily Cycles frame/fork with any parts package you desire.  Also, since we can give you a package price on the frame and components, we are able to be very competitive with the overall price compared to what you would pay if you only bought the frame from us and bought all the components from other sources.  Even though we can get you every single part you need to build your complete Wily bike, we however cannot assemble the complete bike for you.

19) Can you sell me individual components even if I'm not buying a frame from you at this time?

Yes, we are an authorized web retail seller and can get most anything you need.  Just let us know what you are looking for and we can quote you a price.