Frequently Asked Questions

Frame Production

  • Where are your bikes made? All of our bikes are handmade by Chumba staff in the USA.

  • How are your frames quality controlled? Throughout the fabrication process, every single Chumba frame is checked multiple times for proper tube alignment, weld quality, finish work and compatibility tolerance.

  • What frame materials does Chumba build with? We build using the highest caliber of Titanium and Steel bicycle tubing, along with some stainless steel parts for dropouts and braze ons. We do not build with carbon, aluminum or stainless steel tubes.

  • Does Chumba bend their own tubes? Yes, also, seatstays and chainstays are bent to maximize the clearance for tires, mud, cranks and chainrings.

  • How do I choose my frame size? Frames are true to size, we do offer fit assessment for free though! Once you’ve placed your frame order you can request a fit questionnaire or send us your fit numbers from a pro bike fit and we can make you a custom drawing showing your fit on our suggested frame size. If a size change is recommended we can update your order accordingly.

  • What does double butted mean? Double butted tubes have a varying wall thickness that allows us a deeper control of ride quality and keeps the frame weight low. On most tubes this butting is internal so it is not visible. The only externally butted tube we use is the Terlingua’s seat tube so we can run that 27.2 post!

  • How is that supply chain thing everyone is talking about effecting your frame production? We are careful planners. Even before this, we’ve always stocked up heavily on materials. When all this started we invested heavily in our material inventory to ensure we could keep on lead time. As a commitment to our clients we’ve increased that material inventory threshold even higher. We have constant restocks coming in on all our materials, and to date we’ve never have down time in the shop due to a material!

  • What is your production lead time? All of our frames are built to order, lead times vary widely per model and size, please contact us for a current production ETA. To see if your options are available or get an update on lead time contact us.

  • What is a production ETA? ETA’s are a frames estimated time of arrival out of production and headed into finishing. Finishing can take anywhere from 1 - 4 weeks depending on the type of finish. Once finishing is complete, we will ship your frame or assemble and ship your complete bike shortly thereafter. Generally, this final step happens within 1-7 days. Each frame is handmade to order by our passionate staff. Because each frame is handmade, production estimates can change from time to time. We give each bike our full attention with no corners cut to meet a deadline. Your order may ship earlier then estimated or longer than estimated. We make every effort to meet our ETA’s. Email anytime for the most up to date estimate on your new bike day!

Components

  • Can I order a custom component build? Totally! All of our complete bikes are built with a custom selection of components. We pride ourselves on understanding what your riding goals are & working with you to craft the perfect blend of parts. To request a custom component quote please fill out this form. If you are certain of your frame choice we recommend placing a frame order to reserve your frame or position in our build queue while we work with you to plan the components. Frame orders are appreciated, but not required to receive a custom component quote.

  • I need components too, can you do that? We offer everything from frame only, framesets, partial builds and complete builds. Each build request is customized to you!

  • Can I send Chumba used parts to assemble with? We only offer assembly on new components purchased through Chumba. We can however send you a frame only or partial build so you can use some of your current components.

  • How is that supply chain thing everyone is talking about effecting your custom builds? We’ve had to get smarter about how we handle component inventory that is for sure. We’ve invested heavily in a back end system to keep it all organized and we have bulk component orders for our most common requests. Drivetrains and our staple components are always instock or on schedule for restock in the shop. We’ve really spent time to learn each component vendors consistency and lead time. This way we can best advise you as we are planning your custom bike. At the time of order we can quote your estimated component lead time based on the most current info. In the event the frame is ready or a component is delayed we always work with you to find the best and fastest alternatives.

  • I want to change my components after you already ordered them can I do that? It takes a lot of effort to source custom components for every build. Please ensure your order is correct before you pay for it, we begin ordering right away to get you the fastest ETA’s possible or pull from our inventory. We pledge to go out of our way to help you plan your bike up front, sometimes a component change is needed based on an availability issue, that is no problem and we’ll work with you on that! See cancelation policy below for more details.

  • If you have to substitute a component will you let me know? Yes! Occasionally, the stars don’t align for that one part to finish the bike. We do subs only to meet your timeline goals and only after your approval.

Customizations and Finishes

  • What parts of the frame can I customize? Each model page has a dropdown of currently available frame customizations.

  • Do you do custom colors? Oh yeah! Each model has options for color customization. Lvl 1 colors and Lvl 2 colors, these are all powder coat options. We can also color match wet paint carbon forks, generally for $250. We also do Cerakote painting on frame, fork and components. Some Titanium models also have Lvl 3 finish options.

  • What decal options are available? To see a list of available decal colors visit the model page and view the dropdown under the add to cart button.

  • The Sendero Titanium doesn’t come with decals, what is the stock finish option? Graphics on the Sendero Ti are brushed to a bright finish then the frame is bead blasted. If you are interested in adding color to the frame or graphics we can do that with Cerakote or wet paint.

  • Do you offer Anodized Graphics on your titanium frames? Currently we are not offering anodized, so far under testing we’ve seen varied results on their durability.

Ordering

  • What is your ordering process? We’ve got all the details over here: Ordering Process.

  • How do I order a frame or complete bike? Orders can be placed through the website, on the phone, in person at our Factory HQ or with an authorized Chumba Dealer.

  • Do you sell internationally? We do! To date we have sent frames and complete bikes to New Zealand, Japan, Italy, Israel, UK, France, Spain & Australia! If you are seeking an international order please email us your full order request & the precise shipping address as it appears on google maps. All international orders are sent a Paypal invoice for the quote. We will only ship to your Paypal confirmed address.

  • Do you offer Industry Discounts? We literally are being asked daily. Being a made in house/ made in USA company that literally is doing the work makes it a challenge to offer discounted pricing on our frames. It's an honor that people who get what makes a good bike dig our stuff! We appreciate your support and hope you understand.

  • Can I check on my order status? Email us anytime to check in for the latest ETA.

  • What is a production ETA? ETA’s are a frames estimated time of arrival out of production and headed into finishing. Finishing can take anywhere from 1 - 4 weeks depending on the type of finish. Once finishing is complete, we will ship your frame or assemble and ship your complete bike shortly thereafter. Generally, this final step happens within 1-7 days. Each frame is handmade to order by our passionate staff. Because each frame is handmade, production estimates can change from time to time. We give each bike our full attention with no corners cut to meet a deadline. Your order may ship earlier then estimated or longer than estimated. We make every effort to meet our ETA’s. Email anytime for the most up to date estimate on your new bike day!

Shipping

  • How do you ship your frames/bikes (continental USA)? We ship all of our frames and bikes with UPS Ground shipping, w/signature required and $500 in insurance. If you want insurance over $500 on your order let us know and we can quote adding that for you. Complete bikes over $3000 ship for free within Continental USA.*

  • Who do you ship international orders with? We can ship worldwide direct to customers. We ship small orders with USPS Priority International or UPS International. Customs/duty/tax fees on are due at the time of shipment. We ship with UPS International, for frames and bikes, customs fees are quoted up front. To receive a quote please email us your full order request & the precise shipping address as it appears on google maps.

  • Frames: Orders typically ship in 1-7 business days from the completion of paint/finishing.

  • Complete Bikes: Orders typically ship in 1-14 business days from the completion of paint/finishing.

  • Part orders/Bikepacking Gear/Apparel: Orders typically ship out on Thursday.

  • For more on shipping please visit the ordering process.

Warranty/Frame Care

  • What is your frame warranty? Our frames are handmade in the USA and are designed for a lifetime of problem free riding. We pride ourselves on our superior craftsmanship and quality of materials. Chumba frames come with a 3 year warranty on material defects and workmanship. We offer repairs as needed at reasonable rates and also offer a lifetime crash replacement discount. In 9+ years of doing this we've only had a handful of repairs across all of our models. Most models have had zero to 2 warranties ever, including our mountain bikes! The max number of warranties on any one model ever is 5 warranties, which was on our Stella Titanium MTB, of which there are hundreds of frames made over the last 6.5 years, and all have been repairable.

  • Can you repair my frame, I crashed it? We offer repair services for Chumba frames only. For an estimate of the cost or to see if you frame is repairable please email us detailed photos of the damage, serial #, model and size info.

  • What is your paint/finish warranty? We use the highest quality powdercoat/paint/finish options. Finish options are covered for a period of 1 year on material defects and workmanship.

  • How do I care for my steel frame? Steel frames must be properly treated with a frame saver for any warranty to be valid. We recommend T-9 Boeshield, these traditional frame treatments are much more reliable then “ED Coatings” advertised by other companies. All frames are treated before shipping. We recommend adding a few shots of frame saver a year to the interior of the bike, especially if you ride in harsh weather conditions. Assemble all components using an assembly compound. When using aluminum seat posts you should always ensure a fresh layer of grease is between the post and frame. Areas where bags contact the frame are good locations to use protective tape.

  • How do I care for my titanium frame? Titanium frames do not need frame saver treatment. Assemble all components using a titanium assembly compound, we like Locktite LB 8150. There is really no maintenance required to maintain the frame. When using aluminum or titanium seat posts you should periodically ensure a fresh layer of grease is between the post and frame. We also offer instruction on brushing your frame if it gets polished from cable rub or bikepacking gear. The process is easy and can make your frame look brand new again and again!

  • Can you repaint my frame, I want a new color? For sure! We offer stripping and re-painting services for any Chumba owner. Costs vary, generally starting at $300. Contact us for details.

  • Can you refinish my titanium frame? Yes for a reasonable fee we can hand brush the frame to bring it to original like new condition. Our titanium finish is extremely durable, anything more than a touch up is rare. Bead blasted frames can also be re-blasted to freshen up to a like new level! Even after years of use!

  • I ordered a frame only or a partial build, will my frame be faced/reamed/prepped for install? Yes, all frames are fully prepped for easy component install before we send them out.

  • For more on our info visit Warranty.

Payments, Returns and Cancelations

  • What forms of payment do you accept? We accept credit card, check, cash, Paypal and Apple Pay. These can be paid over the website, through Quickbooks or Paypal invoicing, over the phone or in person.

  • What is your frame cancelation policy? Please ensure your order is correct before approving us begin to fabricate your frame. Please be aware that any frame, custom color or frame customizations once in production progress are non-refundable. Canceled orders requested before production has begun will be refunded less a restock fee of 15%.

  • What is your component cancelation policy? Custom components that are received for your build are non-refundable. Components that are ordered but not yet received are able to be exchanged without a restock fee provided we can cancel our purchase order. If changing to a lower cost component the resulting balance will be a credit to use as store credit towards the purchase or upgrade of other items/components.

  • What happens if we have to substitute components on my order due to availability and there is a credit left on my account? The resulting balance is eligible for a refund. We work really hard to get everything dialed for your order, and the bank keeps all processing fees so it is always appreciated when you use these credits towards other items.

  • What is your refund policy? All frames are non-refundable. If you are unsatisfied with your bike please contact us within 30 days and we will work with you to help correct the issue. Complete bike orders are non-refundable, we pledge to take our time to ensure the best build is assembled for you and the details are correct. We’ve actually never had anyone contact us to return a complete bike. If any component on the bike is not what you requested or is not working properly we’ve got your back and will resolve the issue quickly.

*Though rare, our policies and offerings are updated from time to time.

Our goal is always to do the right thing, end of the day we want to feel good about our work and provide you with exemplary service!

Let us know if you have any questions anytime!