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.

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2. Make Naked Contact

Once you have an idea of what you might like feel free to contact me. 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 me with very basic information in our first conversation such as:

1. Type of bike or frame your interested in or type of alteration or part needed.
2. Whether you are looking for a frame, complete bike or something in between.
3. Where you are calling or emailing from and tell me how you would like to be replied too.
4. 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 I 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.

I can usually give you a fairly good idea of how long it might take for your naked bike to be ready at this point.

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3. Send Deposit

At this point I need to see a deposit of roughly 50%. It is only at this point you are assured a place in line. I attempt to never go over my 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. I am 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 me 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 my email address and a password that both of us agree on. Paypal is an option as well for International customers, but I need to charge an extra 3% as this is what paypal charges me to withdraw.

By Mail:
Mail is still the most popular method for most of my customers. Either a cheque or money order made out to “Sam Whittingham” or Naked Bicycles and mailed to:

Naked Bicycles and Design
P.O. Box 135 Heriot Bay
BC, Canada
V0P 1H0

This deposit is non-refundable once I cut the first tube or order any parts I don’t normally have in stock.

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4. Send Fitting Information

You also need to send me a completed order form with all information relevant to your project. The information I 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.

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5. Send Any Components

At this time I 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.

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6. Wait

Good things take time. Have patience. Think of it like Christmas or your birthday.
Once I have your deposit and all sizing and component information, I can order any parts I don’t have already and design your custom bike based on all the parameters you have provided. At this time, I usually have a good idea of when your bike will be ready.
How long a bike takes to build usually depends on:

1. number of customers in front of you
2. time to get parts not in stock
3. time to design and construct your new bike
4. extra time for special paint or heat-treating (aluminum only)
5. shipping time to you

Most Bikes can be delivered within 12 weeks of first payment. Sometimes less and sometimes more. Most repairs or alterations are done much more quickly than this while special projects can take longer. Rush deliveries are possible but can cost you quite a bit extra to cover courier costs and my late nights. I may contact 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.

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7. Send Final Payment

Just as I am finishing your new bike, I will send you a bill for the final amount to be paid. Under most circumstances I must have this paid before I ship the bike to you. Options for payment are the same as for paying the deposit. You can also pay me in person and pick up your completed bike at the same time.

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8. Get Naked

Once I have finished your frame, complete bicycle or alteration, it is ready for pick-up or delivery. I can ship by a variety of methods including Canada Post, Greyhound, DHL, Purolator or Canpar. I 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 my time and cost of packaging materials.

You are certainly welcome to make the trip out to Quadra Island and pick up your bike. I can go over everything with you at that time and have a cup of tea, a glass of beer or go for a ride.

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9. Ride Naked!

The best part! This is the final reward for both of us. I build bikes because I want you to ride them. I want to see a big smile. If you’re not happy, I’m not happy. Send me your feedback. Send me 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.

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