Awards
Get Naked | Fitting Info | Pricelist | Order Form PDF
How To Get Naked
An a-hole
Want to know how to get your hands on a naked bicycle? Here is the typical steps involved in the process:
1. Browse Site
Take a good look around. Make sure you like what you see. Many of the options and prices are listed within but are by no means exhaustive.
2. Make Naked Contact
Once you have an idea of what you might like feel free to contact us. This is generally easiest by email but telephone is always a good choice as well. Come and visit if you can. Be ready to provide us with very basic information in our first conversation such as:
- Type of bike or frame your interested in or type of alteration or part needed.
- Whether you are looking for a frame, complete bike or something in between.
- Where you are calling or emailing from and tell us how you would like to be replied too.
- Your height and weight will affect certain tubing or component choices so include these basic measurements. A more thorough bike fit will be done later.
It is common to have several conversations at this point as various options are discussed and we check availability of any unusual items or requests. Many details may not be finalized at this point as it is impossible with a full custom bike to foresee every possible eventuality that arises during the design and construction process. We can usually give you a fairly good idea of how long it might take for your naked bike to be ready at this point.
3. Send Deposit
The first baby step is to send a $250 place holding deposit. This deposit is non-refundable unless you have one heck of a sob story. It is only at this point you are assured a place in line. Once we get closer to the build date we need to bring the deposit to roughly 50%. We attempt to never go over our initial quoted price but you may find you want items added, removed or changed in the process so the actual final price tends to fluctuate somewhat. We are always up-front with what the price is so there are no unexpected costs for you. This deposit is used to buy most of the parts needed to create your new naked bicycle. The best way to send us a deposit is via the internet or by mail.
- Internet: Canadian customers can use the interac function of their online banking. This is quick and easy. You only need to know our email address and a password that both of us agree on. Paypal is an option as well for International customers, but we need to charge an extra 3% as this is what paypal charges us to withdraw.
- By Mail: Mail is still the most popular method for most of our customers. Either a cheque or money order made out to “Naked Bicycles” and mailed to:
- Naked Bicycles and Design P.O. Box 135 Heriot Bay BC, Canada V0P 1H0
The 50% deposit is non-refundable once Sam cuts the first tube or order any parts we don’t normally have in stock.
4. Send Fitting Information
You also need to send us a completed order form with all information relevant to your project. The information we need depends on how much you have already decided yourself and how much has already been decided in previous conversations. See the order form page for details of which form is best for your situation. Once you have filled out the forms carefully. Check any measurements again as an error can have a drastic effect on how your naked bike turns out. These forms can be mailed with your deposit, or emailed.
5. Send Any Components
At this time we also need any special components you already have and want to be specially fitted to your new frame. This is often not needed with standard components but is always a good idea to ensure exact compatibility.
6. Wait
Good things take time. Have patience. Think of it like Christmas or your birthday. Once we have your deposit and all sizing and component information, we can order any parts we don’t have already and design your custom bike based on all the parameters you have provided. At this time, we usually have a good idea of when your bike will be ready. How long a bike takes to build usually depends on:
- number of customers in front of you
- time to get parts not in stock
- time to design and construct your new bike
- extra time for special paint or heat-treating (aluminum only)
- shipping time to you
Most standard bikes can be delivered within 6 months of first payment. Sometimes less and sometimes more. Most repairs or alterations are done much more quickly than this while special projects and “art-bikes” can take quite a bit longer. Rush deliveries are possible but can cost you quite a bit extra to cover courier costs and our late nights so I don’t delay my other customers. We may contact you several times in this process to update the progress of your bike and make any necessary changes to the plan. During this time we usually finalize paint choices and arrange for final payment and expected delivery time.
7. Send Final Payment
Just as we are finishing your new bike, we will send you a bill for the final amount to be paid. Under most circumstances we must have this paid before we ship the bike to you. Options for payment are the same as for paying the deposit. You can also pay us in person and pick up your completed bike at the same time.
8. Get Naked
Once we have finished your frame, complete bicycle or alteration, it is ready for pick-up or delivery. We can ship by a variety of methods including Canada Post, Greyhound, DHL, Purolator, UPS or Canpar. We will ship by the safest and most economical means available to your area. You are responsible for shipping costs as well as small packaging fee (usually $10-20) mostly to cover our time and cost of packaging materials. You are certainly welcome to make the trip out to Quadra Island and pick up your bike. We can go over everything with you at that time and have a cup of tea, a glass of beer or go for a ride.
9. Ride Naked!
The best part! This is the final reward for all of us. We build bikes because we want you to ride them. We want to see a big smile. If you’re not happy, we’re not happy. Send us your feedback. Send us any naked pictures as well. Pictures of naked bikes and naked customers that is, not customers who happen to be naked! That’s a different website.