Frequently Asked Questions:

  • Where are your bikes made? All of our bikes are handmade by Chumba staff in house!

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

    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 tubing? Yes, downtubes, seat tubes, seatstays, and chainstays are all custom-formed in-house.

    What is double butted steel tubing? 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 does Chumba select tubing for titanium bikes? Each bike model uses specific tube diameters and thicknesses per tube, per frame size. This way we can optimally control the ride quality. We can also customize our tubing to make the bike suited to lighter or heavier riders or for different ride qualities. Some models like the SOCO SL and Terlingua SL also have options for double-butted front triangle tubing.

    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.

    What is a production ETA? ETA’s are a frame's 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 1-3 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 than 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!

    For additional information on Fabrication please see our page and video: Framebuilding

  • 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. We recommend placing a frame order to reserve your position in our build queue while we work with you to plan the components. Frame orders are appreciated, but not required to receive a free custom component quote.

    I need components too, can you do that? We offer everything from frame only, to 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.

    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 component order is correct before you pay for it, we begin ordering right away to get you the fastest ETA’s possible. 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 the 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.

  • What parts of the frame can I customize? We offer many a-la-cart customizations. Each model page has a dropdown of currently available frame customizations.

    What finish options are there for Titanium frames? All titanium frames come with a brushed finish with your choice of bead-blasted or vinyl graphics. We can also perform anodized graphics, custom Cerakote paint, and more by request. Please view the dropdowns on each page for a list and thumbnail preview.

    What finish options are there for Steel frames? All steel frames are powder coated with 2+ layers of coverage. Paint w/Primer or Paint w/Clearcoat. Please view the dropdowns on each page for a list and thumbnail preview.

    What options are there for graphics? Please view the dropdowns on each page for a list and thumbnail preview. Steel frames get a top-mount decal. Titanium frames get either anodized graphics, bead blasted, or a decal. We can also do painted graphics with Cerakote.

    Do you do custom colors? Oh yeah! Each model has options for color customization. Lvl1 and Lvl2 colors are all powder coat options. We can also color-match with wet paint carbon forks, generally for $300. We also do Cerakote painting on frame, fork, and fit components. Titanium models have Lvl3 and Lvl4 finish options. Want something off menu? Let's chat!

  • How do you take orders? Orders can be placed through the website, on the phone, in person at our Factory HQ, or with an authorized Chumba Dealer.

    How do I order a frame? Go to the model page and add your frame to cart. You can add customizations and color choices as well or add them later. Once an order is received we will contact you to plan it all out!

    How do I order a complete bike? To order a complete bike please complete this form and we will send you a quote and link to complete your order.

    How do I choose my frame size? Frames are true to size, we do offer fit assessment for free though! You can request a fit questionnaire or send us your fit numbers. We will reply with a custom drawing showing your fit on your chosen model and recommended size.

    Do you sell internationally? We do! To date, we have sent frames and complete bikes all over the world! 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 shipped via Bikeflights UPS International. Shipping and all customs fees are invoiced for payment at the time of shipping. When your order arrives there will not be additional costs to accept it.

    Do you offer Industry Discounts? We are being asked daily. Being a made-in-house company that fabricates each bike 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.

    Still have questions? Contact us and we’ll walk you through it.

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

    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.

    What is a production ETA? ETA’s are a frame's 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 1-3 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 than 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!

    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.

  • How do you ship your frames/bikes (continental USA)? We ship all of our bikes via Bikeflights UPS Ground, 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.

    Do you ship internationally? We do! To date, we have sent frames and complete bikes all over the world! 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 shipped via Bikeflights UPS International. Shipping, full insurance and all customs fees are invoiced for payment at the time of shipping. When your order arrives there will not be additional costs to accept it.

    Tracking: We email a tracking # with each order.

    Frames: Orders typically ship in 1-5 business days from the completion of paint/finishing.

    Complete Bikes: Orders typically ship in 1-5 business days from the completion of paint/finishing.

    Part orders: Orders typically ship out in 1 business day.

    Apparel: Typically is made to order and will ship direct from the maker in a few days.

  • 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 10+ years of handmaking bikes, we've only had a handful of repairs across all of our models. Most models have had zero to two warranties ever, including our mountain bikes! To date 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 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. We will quickly respond with next steps to get you back riding!

    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? All steel frames are treated before shipping. Steel frames must be properly maintained with a frame saver for any warranty to be valid. We recommend T-9 Boeshield, these traditional frame treatments are much more reliable than “ED Coatings” advertised by other companies. 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 proper assembly compounds. 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. Sweat is the harshest on steel, so if you are a heavy sweater, lightly rinse the bike off after riding and consider adding a few drops of Tri-flow at the headset and head tube as an extra barrier.

    How do I care for my titanium frame? Titanium frames do not need frame-saver treatment. Ti is inert and will never rust. Assemble all components using a titanium assembly compound, we like Locktite LB 8150. There is 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 instructions 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 its a 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!

    Can you add or change anodizing on my titanium frame? Yes! We can remove your graphics and add custom anodizing to any of our existing titanium bikes.

    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 installation.

    For more on our info visit Warranty.

  • What forms of payment do you accept? We accept credit cards, checks, 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 to 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 we have ordered for you that are not yet received can 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 towards the purchase or upgrade of other items/components. If changing to a higher cost component we can apply the payment towards that less a 15% restock fee for the canceled item.

    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 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. We do subs only to meet your timeline goals and only after your approval.

    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 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.

Email: support@chumbausa.com

Phone: 512-494-4944 M-F 9-5pm CST.

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!