Can you build your own bike?
9 May 2023
Ever looked at the range of bikes on offer and wished you could handpick components from different models and combine them into your own bespoke bike? With Planet X’s customisation options, you can. With this available on bikes from our ranges of road, mountain and gravel bikes, there’s a custom built option for everyone.
Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of custom bike building with X Works.
Is it worth building your own bike?
If you’re just starting out as a cyclist or you’re just looking for a bike that’ll get you from A to B, buying a bike off the rack will likely serve you well. It’s likely you’re not concerned about the fine margins that can boost your speed or shave time off your personal best - and the range of bikes available to buy off the rack will probably cover what you need.
However, a custom made bike can be better in some circumstances. Tweaking and swapping out components can allow you to get that same great bike but with all the best features for you, from a more comfortable saddle to a race-ready carbon seatpost.
How easy is it to build your own bike?
If you’ve made the decision to get yourself a custom made bike, your next decision may be related to whether or not to build it yourself. This can be a highly rewarding experience if you have the space, the resources and the technical know-how - but it’s not for everyone. X Works allows everyone to have the opportunity to ride a pro-level custom bike even if you’re not a mechanical whizz.
You don’t have to be an expert on all things cycling either. Our customisation process allows you to clearly see the options available to you, what each version of a component is and how they differ from the rest. Once you’ve made your choices and submitted the order, our mechanics will build the bike to completion, check it for safety, and send it to your door.
Is it cheaper to build your own bike?
Looking purely at the price tag, it’s usually cheaper - or costs the same - to get an off the rack bike. But doing so may hamstring your performance, so it’s important to consider what you’re actually getting for the price. It can be the difference between a bike that works well and a bike that, well, works. If you’re keen to achieve the very best performance you can, a custom made bike is well worth the cost.
With our X Works bike building service, price is calculated on a per-component basis. You’ll pay a flat fee for the bike itself, with additional charges depending on the components you choose.
Top tip! Some modifications are totally free, so you may be able to get a custom bike for the same price as off the rack!
How long does it take to build a bike?
Have you ever taken on a DIY project only to realise it’s going to take months of evenings and weekends to finish it? Building your own bike in your spare time can be like that - which is great if you’re doing it for the love of it. But if you’re looking for a bike that’ll up your performance, you want it as soon as possible, right?
When you customise a bike with X Works, the design specifications are handed over to our team of dedicated bike builders who’ll put your ride together piece by piece. They’re experts, so you can be sure your bike is securely put together by those who know what they’re doing - and it’ll be done much quicker than you could on your weekends. A custom bike is just like any other bike from our range, except you get a say in the components we use.
How to build a bike
Want to know exactly how to get a custom Planet X bike? It’s simple - you don’t need to be an expert mechanic or a pro-level cyclist to do it. First, you need to choose a bike on the website. The world is your oyster - but remember that you can’t convert one type of bike to another by customising it. If a mountain bike’s what you need, don’t start with a gravel bike.
Once you’ve selected the bike you want to use as your base, scroll down until you see options to ‘buy now’ or ‘customise bike’. Clicking on the latter will open up a menu that allows you to choose the size and colour you need. Use the sizing guide available to make sure you get the right one for you - no amount of fancy components and tweaked settings can compensate for an ill-fitting frame.
Next, you’ll see a range of drop-down menus showing you the options available for different components, including seat posts, stems, saddles, grips, handlebars and more. You can spend as much time as you like exploring these alternatives and making your choice - don’t forget to click on the information icon beside each option to learn more about the product.
Finally, you’ll also see a range of items under the heading of ‘optional extras’. You can choose to buy your bike without any of these, but you can also add them to your order for a small charge. Having selected all your preferred options, you can then move onto the checkout stage and place your order. You’ll receive confirmation via email and we’ll offer our expert tips and advice every step of the way.
