Custom Bicycle Build Policy

Last Updated: March 12, 2026

This Custom Bicycle Build Policy applies to all custom bicycle build projects ordered through Imaginary BikeWorks LLC (“Imaginary BikeWorks,” “we,” “our,” or “us”).

By approving a build specification, confirming a custom bicycle build order, or submitting payment toward a custom bicycle build, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to the terms outlined in this policy.

Custom builds are fundamentally different from purchasing a standard, pre-assembled bicycle and are therefore subject to the terms described below.

1. What Qualifies as a Custom Bicycle Build

A custom bicycle build is a bicycle assembled specifically for an individual customer using components selected during the consultation or ordering process.

Custom builds may include:

Frame and component combinations not sold as a standard complete bike
Individually selected drivetrains, wheels, cockpits, and finishing kits
Special-order frames or components sourced from manufacturers or distributors
Custom color, fit, or specification requests

Because each build is assembled specifically for the customer, the resulting bicycle is considered a one-of-one product.

This process differs significantly from purchasing a factory-assembled bicycle that arrives pre-configured from the manufacturer.

2. Exclusive Custom Build Pricing

Custom bicycle builds often include exclusive pricing or discounted component bundles that are not available when purchasing individual parts separately or when purchasing returnable items.

These discounts may occur because:

parts are bundled into a single project
items are purchased through supplier programs specific to custom builds
components are ordered with the understanding that they are not returnable once ordered

Because these discounts are tied to the commitment to a custom build, the pricing structure is offered only on a final-sale basis.

This pricing model is standard practice within the bicycle industry. Many independent bicycle retailers and custom frame builders offer discounted component pricing when assembling a custom bicycle because the order represents a committed project rather than a retail purchase of individual returnable parts.

3. Payment and Final Sale Terms

All custom bicycle builds are final sale.

Once an invoice has been issued and payment has been submitted—whether for a deposit or full payment—the funds are immediately allocated toward ordering components specifically selected for the build.

These components are typically:

special-order items from distributors or manufacturers
products that cannot be returned once ordered
items that may be difficult or impossible to resell as a complete set

For this reason:

All payments toward a custom bicycle build are non-refundable once invoiced.

By proceeding with payment, you confirm your commitment to the build and acknowledge that the order cannot be cancelled or refunded.

4. Component Procurement and Special Orders

Most custom builds require components that are not stocked inventory and must be ordered specifically for the project.

These may include:

frames
wheelsets
drivetrain components
cockpit parts
finishing components specific to the build specification

Once these parts are ordered from suppliers, they typically cannot be returned by the retailer, which is why custom builds must be treated as final sale.

This approach is consistent with how most bicycle manufacturers and distributors handle special-order components within the cycling industry.

5. Build Timeline Expectations

Typical custom builds are completed within 2 to 6 weeks.

However, build timelines depend heavily on supplier availability, shipping schedules, and manufacturer lead times.

In some cases—especially when using newly released or limited-availability components—lead times may extend significantly.

It is not unusual within the bicycle industry for certain components (for example, high-demand drivetrain parts, frames, or wheelsets) to experience delays.

Because of this, customers should be aware that build timelines may extend up to 90 days or longer in rare cases.

While Imaginary BikeWorks will make every reasonable effort to complete builds promptly and will communicate significant delays when possible, exact completion dates cannot be guaranteed due to factors outside of our control.

6. Changes to the Build Specification

During the consultation and ordering process, we work closely with customers to finalize component choices before parts are ordered.

Once parts have been ordered from suppliers, changes to the build are typically not possible.

This is because:

parts may already be in transit
suppliers may not accept returns
pricing structures and availability may change

If a customer requests a change after components have been ordered, the change may only be possible if replacement components are purchased separately and any additional costs are covered by the customer.

For this reason, we strongly encourage customers to carefully review and confirm all build details before approving the final invoice.

7. Customer Acknowledgment

By approving a custom build specification, confirming a build order, or submitting payment for a custom bicycle build, you acknowledge and agree that:

the build is a custom, one-of-one product
parts are special-ordered specifically for your build
the purchase is final sale once invoiced
payments toward the build are non-refundable
build timelines may vary depending on supplier availability
changes may not be possible once parts have been ordered

These terms ensure that custom builds can be offered with the specialized parts selection and pricing that make them possible.

8. Questions About Custom Builds

If you have questions about a custom build before confirming your order, we strongly encourage you to contact us so we can clarify any part of the process.

Imaginary BikeWorks is committed to making your custom bicycle build experience transparent, collaborative, and rewarding from start to finish.

https://www.imaginarybikeworks.com/pages/contact