FAQ HELP PAGE
All FAQ
What is DIY Carbon Bikes? Why DIY?
We are a company that exists for the purpose of equipping others to build up quality and affordable carbon bikes. DIY stands for Do It Yourself, and not only do we give you options to design your own bikes, but to build you own bikes, and get your bikes directly from the source, rather than having to depend on middle corporations and the markups.
Where Is DIY Carbon Bikes located?
Our company and all of our support staff is located in the United States just north of Atlanta, Georgia where we started the company.
Where does DIY Carbon Bikes source it's parts?
We get our parts directly from the source from the same factories as the major brands. The factories we work with are overseas which is where 99% of where the carbon bike industry is located. The difference with us is that we work directly with these factories for you, so that you do not have to deal with the corporate supply chain and mark ups. Yet, you get the same quality products as the major brands.
How Is DIY Carbon Bikes Different From Other Direct Suppliers?
There are three things that clearly set us apart as a direct carbon business. First, we are USA based cyclists. We know both cycling and the cycling industry. Other direct carbon suppliers have factory workers providing customer service that know little about cycling and cannot answer your questions effectively. Secondly, we use advanced molding techniques, weeding out the good from the bad. We make sure that we use the best carbon fiber layering and molds, rather than simple quick pop up factories you may encounter on other sites. Lastly, we provide a much more robust post purchase experience. We answer questions about assembly and other needs and also honor our warranties and policies.
How are DIY Carbon Bikes prices so low?
With DIY Carbon Bikes you get our parts and bikes generally at 70% less than the major brands. The reason is multifaceted.
First, we eliminate corporate mark ups. When you buy from a brand, you are not only paying for the bike, but you are also paying for the marketing and the salaries of all the employees, with us we are a small company that does not have the same overhead.
Secondly, with major brands you pay for the supply chain process that involves multiple trips including the factory, the brand, and then often another website or shop that marks it up again, with us you are working directly with the factory and eliminate the multiple mark ups.
Thirdly, by shipping to order we can eliminate the cost of stocking, warehouses, and multiple shipping costs, with us we ship directly to you.
With us you get the cost the brands and the bike shops pay!
Why are DIY Carbon Bikes prices more than box stores and aluminum parts?
Carbon is the most advanced material for bikes. It is light, stiff, strong, and compliant. However, it is not cheap. We make high quality products so they are sometimes more expensive than other material bikes, and especially more than big box store bikes. But, our bikes are of the highest quality, in most cases if you bought a bike, frame, or wheels from a local shop or brand site, you would be paying 50% to 70% more for the item.
With us you get QUALITY carbon bikes, frames, wheels, and parts!
How are your carbon parts made?
What material are your frames made out of?
Our frames are made out of carbon fiber. You can see the product page to see that some of them have T700, T800 ,and T1000 which are all quality Toray carbon fibers with various benefits and qualities.
We use the highest quality carbon fiber on all of our frames!
What hardtail frame is right for me?
If you are looking for a hardtail frame, we have several options for you.
Our hardtail offerings are the XCR29, XCT29, XCE29, XCL29, PT29, and XCT27.
All of the 29 frames can run up to 29er x 2.4 or 27.5 x 2.6. Boost frames up to 27.5 x 2.8.
The XCR29 stands for XC Race. This frame is the stiffest and fastest in the bunch.
The XCT29 stands for XC Trail. This frame is the strongest of the bunch for rough riding not as concerned about racing.
The XCE29 stands for XC Endurance. This frame is the most compliant and comfortable for longer riding or if you are going for comfort.
The PT29 stands for Plus Trail. This frame has the most options for wheels and tires. It can take up to 29er x 3.0 tires. It also has another port to run standard 29er tires and 27.5 plus tires.
The XCT27 is our dedicated XC Trail 27.5 hardtail. This frame is intended for 27.5 tires under 2.4. The frames above run tires over 2.4.
You can't go wrong with any of our hardtail frames, but we have many offerings for slight differences of feel and preference!
You can order your hardtail frame HERE
What full suspension frame is right for me?
If you are looking for a full suspension frame, we have several options for you.
Our full suspension frame offerings are the F100, F110, F120, F130, F150, and F157.
All of the 29 frames can run up to 29er x 2.4 or 27.5 x 2.6. Boost frames up to 27.5 x 3.0.
The F100 is a versatile frame that can be a XC race bike, Downcountry, or Trail bike. This frame can run up to 130mm of travel up front for trail riding, or down to 100mm for XC race. The bike can also run 100 and 120mm in the rear based on the stroke of the rear shock.
The F110 frame has a similar build type, with an inherent 110mm travel in the back and standard rear shock. It can also run a 100-130mm of front shock. This bike is for racing, downcountry, or trail riding.
The F120 frame is dedicated Light Trail frame for 120mm travel in the rear and runs a 120-130mm travel up front. This frame is for dedicated trail riding with minimal racing.
The F130 is a dedicated Trail riding frame with 130-150mm of travel up front and 130-140mm of travel in the rear. This frame is a great all around bike intended for trail riding and light am/enduro, with little to no XC racing.
The F150 is a dedicated AM/Enduro frame with 150-170mm travel up front and 150-160mm travel in the rear. This frame is for dedicated AM/Enduro riding for lots of down hill, Enduro racing, or downhill parks.
The F157 frame is our dedicated 27.5 frame, intended for 27.5 tires smaller than 2.6. This is also a Trail to Enduro frame.
You can't go wrong with any of our full suspension frames, but we have many offerings for slight differences of feel and preference!
You can order your full suspension frame HERE
Are your frames in stock?
What CX/Grave/Road frame is best for me?
Right now we offer two CX/Gravel/Road frames, the GRX700 and the GRA700.
The GRX700 is a lighter option that is attended for more dedicated cx/gravel/road riding. It is versatile and compliant, and very light and runs 700x28 tires and up to 700x40 tires.
The GRA700 is a more versatile option that can run 700x28 tires, 700x40, AND 27.5x2.1 adding another element to it.
What components work with my frame? Can I swap my frame over?
For all information about the components needed for the bike please see the product pages of the individual frames.
You only have to worry about a few components being correct:
Forks - Most of our hardtail frames have a limit of recommended forks, otherwise you can run any tapered fork.
Groupset - Any group set will work on our frames, but most of our frames have a limit on the front chain ring of 36t.
Bottom bracket - You need to make sure to get the correct bottom bracket to match the frame, usually either BSA, PF30, or PF92. All of our hardtail frame widths is 68/73. Your bottom bracket spindle diameter needs to match your cranks, usually 22mm (Shimano), 22/24 (Sram), 30mm (Sram DUB and others).
Rear spacing - Your wheel-set rear hub spacing needs to match the rear spacing on your frame. Most of our frames are 12x142 TA OR 12x148 Boost. You can see on the product page options
Seat Post and clamp Diameter - Make sure to check the product page for correct seat post and seat post clamp diameter. Most of our hardtail are 27.2, some are 30.9 or 31.6.
For full suspension frames you also need to make sure that your rear shock eye to eye matches and if its a standard or trunnion mount. Our F100 frame is trunnion mount, all others are standard. As long as the eye to eye matches, you can go with any stroke. (For example a shock will show a number like 200x50. 200 is eye to eye and the stroke is 50. More stroke generally means a little more travel.
Making sure you buy the right components for your bike is not as complicated as it may seem! Follow the steps above to make sure you buy the correct parts!
Do your frames have internal cable routing?
Yes all of our frames have internal cable routing for rear derailleur housing, rear brake housing, and a internally routed dropper post, if needed.
Our frames have the sleek look of all internally routed cables!
Our your frames exact replicas of other frames?
Our frames are based off the molds of other frames made in the same factory. Many of our frames are very similar molds, with slight differences. Some molds are exactly the same. We use open molds that are able to used by the factory to either use if the mold is open, our to create a slightly different mold based off the original for molds that have proprietary patented properties.
With us you get the same great molds used by the big brands, but at a significantly less price!
What wheels are best for me? What will fit my bike?
Ordering wheels involves a lot of factors. In order to walk you through this we have created a blog and a video that should help!
You can see that HERE
Are the wheels tubeless ready?
Every one of our rims are tubeless ready, but they need rim tape and valves. At checkout you can select this as an add on our installed.
Yes absolutely, checkout with 29er wheels and simply mark in the check out notes "29er front and 27.5 in the back"
We will make sure the rim width matches and follow the rest of your order like hub spacing, driver, spokes, etc.
What spacing do I need for my bike?
You need to look at the bike that you have and the spacing it needs.
Most MTB bikes after 2013-2015 are thru axle, generally 15x100 and 12x142.
Most MTB bikes after 2016 are 15x110 BOOST and 12x148 BOOST
Check your manufacturer website if you still have questions about the spacing of your bike
What driver do I need?
The XD driver is required for Sram 11 or 12 speed cassettes with 9 or 10 tooth in the bottom. Cassettes with 11 tooth in the bottom like NX take a standard driver.
Shimano Microspline is needed for new Shimano 12 Speed cassettes.
Standard Shimano is used for everything else outside of the above options
Do complete bikes come assembled?
Our complete bikes are assembled, but for boxing, we have to take some of the easier parts apart for fitting. Generally the wheels need to be put on, some adjustments need to be made, but it can all be done with simple allen wrenches.
Which full bike is best for me?
Currently on the site we have a hardtail and a full suspension complete bike.
The full suspension full bike is based on our F130 and the hardtail on the XCT29 Chameleon mold. The F130 completed build is a trail full suspension bike 140 travel in the front and 130mm in the rear and the XCT29 is a a Trail hardtail with 130mm of travel.
This summer we will release a full bikes based on
XCR29 XC style with 100mm travel
F100 XC style bike and Downcountry bike
F150 AM/Enduro bike
How do full bikes ship?
Complete bikes ship in two boxes. The smaller box has the wheels in it with the cassette on it and disc rotors. The bigger box has the frame with all the assembled parts.
How long do full bikes take to process?
Full bikes, if in UD matte, usually ship in about 2 weeks. If painted, it can add 2-3 weeks for paint before assembly.
The wheels sometimes ship first if the frame is taking longer for paint. The assembled frame box once shipped its 2-6 days in transit.
Where do your items ship from?
The vast majority of our items ship directly from the overseas factory, by this process we eliminate 70% of the mark ups and allow you to receive top quality items at a significantly lower price.
You can check our Open Box, which usually has a few items for sale that ship domestically.
We cut out the long supply chain and ship directly from the factory to you just like a brand or bike shop!
How long does it take items to process before shipment?
The vast majority of our items take about 5-15 days to prepare and ship out. Because we are working directly with the factory, sometimes there is some finishing touches and preparations before shipment. Wheel tend to take 12-15 days to ship as they are hand-built to order.
Items that are painted, or finished beyond UD matte, can take longer depending on the paint queue, which usually adds 1-2 weeks.
For more information on Shipping and Processing see our page HERE
We give the greatest care to our items and make sure that they are quality tested and correct with shipment, yet still ship our items out fast!
What method of shipment is used? How long does shipment take?
If your item is shipped the free method your item will, in most cases, be shipped EMS Expedited. EMS is a fast shipper that usually takes about 10-15 days in transit once shipped. Some items require upgraded shipping currently.
Upgrading to FedEx, UPS, or DHL is an option on some items.
For more details on shipping and processing see our Shipping and Processing page HERE
Our number one priority is the safe delivery of your package, so we make sure to use the most stable methods!
I ordered, how can I see the status and tracking of my item?
The best play to see the status and tracking of your order is HERE which is our Status and Tracking Page. There are also some FAQ's on this page for you to see the status of your order!
Why hasn't my item shipped yet?
There are many factors in shipment. The vast majority of our items ship in 7-15 days as they are prepared for order, quality assured, and prepared for shipment. Wheels are built to order, therefore depending on the amount of orders we have received, this can sometimes slow the queue slightly. Frames can experience the same issue if the queue gets backed upped for processing.
If my item has exceeded the 7-15 day estimate, when will my item ship?
Generally frames and wheels that go over the estimate will ship in 2-10 days after they go over. It is hard for us to predict the exact date, but stay tuned to the shipping page for a tracking number.
See Shipping Page HERE
Why is my tracking number not showing any information?
Sometimes the tracking information does not show until the item has cleared the export airport. Your item is still moving, it should show movement within 5-7 days of being posted.
To see details and updates see our Shipping Page HERE
Why did my tracking number originally show movement but it has stopped?
There can be gaps in tracking even though your tracking is still moving! Some items will show original movement and not show much movement again till the day they arrive. Especially in todays shipping environment, scanning packages frequently has become less common.
The good news is your package is on the way and it will arrive!
My item is showing shipment cancelled, what should I do?
if your item shows shipment cancelled we have been notified, and are addressing it. Usually, these means one of two things. Either we cancelled the number before it went out in order to use a better method, or the item was returned to sender before it left the airport... either way, you will be getting a new tracking number in the next 2-5 days. If it was returned to sender we might have to wait which would add some additional time.