Process

It all starts with contact. When you are interested in ordering a frame, contact me by phone, email, or a scheduled in-shop appointment (which are welcome and encouraged). First we'll have a general discussion focusing around what bicycles you like, what you don't want in your frame, your basic thoughts concerning bikes in general, and other interesting topics. Should you be in the area, a "discussion" fee of a pint of Great Lakes may be applicable.

When the time comes for you to order your frameset, you secure your place in the build queue by submitting your deposit (see Pricing section for details). When your deposit is received, you will receive a bill-of-sale with your name, deposit amount paid, and the serial number of your frameset. Also once I receive your deposit, we then have a more thorough discussion about your frame, and also I fit you for your bike. If you are in the Cleveland area or are willing to travel, you can come down to the shop for a fitting, or if you'd like I can give your preferred bicycle fitter the measurements I need and they can carry on with it. I also can provide you with the specific measurements I need, and you can enlist a friend to help carefully measure you. Lastly, we will speak in depth about paint at this point as it's time to begin thinking about it.

Once your name comes up on the queue, I will contact you and let you know that work for your frame is about to begin. This also serves as a final check, in case you have changed your mind about any details of the frame. Your final price is also given to you at this point, including any additional options and paint specifics. You will receive a custom printed order form, screened right here in Cleveland, with all of this information.

When I begin your frame, yours is the only one I work on. Upon its completion, I get final confirmation from you on paint, and then send it off to be finished (more details are in the finish section).

Your frame arrives back to me, new finish and all, and if you have ordered a complete build through me, or a custom wheelset, I assemble your frame, build your wheels and ship it out to you within one week of my receiving it back from finish. If you prefer to have your local bike shop or personal mechanic assemble it, if you would like to assemble it yourself, or if you have just ordered a frameset and no components I ship it out the next business day. Of course you can just stop by and pick it up from the shop at your convenience.

I only ship frames, wheels, and components when they are paid in full. As mentioned, your deposit secures your fixed place on the wait list, and then after that it is up to you how you'd like to pay. Almost everyone pays the balance in a lump sum, and I really prefer it this way, but I understand that there are other things happening in your life, and that you may need to pay in installments. I do accept credit cards for this reason. However, if you cannot work this out with your credit card company, please contact me and we can discuss it.

Current wait time to receive your Cicli Polito is 4 months from the date I receive your deposit.