How to order a custom or tailored frame? If you order one of our tailor made frames then the communication about the technical details should always be between the Nicolai engineer in charge and the future rider. Of course you can order and buy a tailored frame at your local licensed dealer, but for all technical aspects and details regarding this order we here at Nicolai are your direct contact. So after we‘ve got in contact we will first ask you why you think that you need a custom frame at all. Usually the reasons have developed from past experiences with other frames. What bike have you been riding so far? What are the exact measurements of it? What kind of worries and problems did you have with that bike? Backache or aching knees? A stiff neck perhaps? These are the first things that we should discuss. Next we will ask you some details regarding dimensions: Your body size, inseam, arm-length and your weight. What riding position do you prefer? Do you have any specific requirements? We will then find out what you are going to use your new bike for: cross country racing, relaxed tours, challenging trails - or maybe freeriding is your thing? What forks are you intending to fit to your bike? What components do you have in mind? We often find that with analysis of the first three points we come to the conclusion that one of our regular Nicolai frames with carefully chosen components will put things right and custom geometry is not actually required. However, if we come to the conclusion that we can‘t meet your demands with a standard frame then we will work out a bespoke tailored geometry for you. Of course it is also possible that you are particularly technically skilled, a professional rider, or just know exactly what geometry or features you require. In that case we will ask you for a technical drawing containing a complete set of geometry data. We will, of course, assess your design for any issues with components that we are aware of and for technical feasibility, and advise you accordingly. However, if the frame is completely you your specification we cannot be held responsible if the final outcome does not work as well as our custom tailored frames. When we build a tailored frame for you we make a technical drawing containing all geometry details and we will send it to you for your confirmation. You will then have the opportunity to make any final changes or resolve any unanswered questions. We won‘t start building your frame until you give us the go-ahead and have confirmed your personal tailored geometry. Independently from agreeing the technical details it is best to place a formal order to set a production slot for your frame so it can be built without too much delay. Technical details and questions can still be resolved during the period between order placement and production date. …stands for Hollow Weld Technology. Big and voluminous parts like the yokes of chainstays and seatstays or parts of the bottom bracket are normally very heavy. That’s why we manufacture them in two phases, cnc the inside and weld them together. The result is hollow parts. This process is extremely difficult and takes a great deal of time time; needless to say it’s also cost intensive. But the result justifies the hassle: the parts are very lightweight, incredibly stiff and extraordinarily durable. HWT Das Kürzel steht für Hollow Weld Technologie und bedeutet, dass wir Volumenteile am Rahmen, wie Tretlagergehäuseeinheiten, Kettenstreben- und Sitzstreben Hufeisen, auch Yoke genannt, in zwei Hälften fertigen, sie innen ausfräsen und anschließend zu Hohlkörpern verschweißen. Dieses Verfahren ist sehr aufwendig und zeitintensiv und daher nicht ganz billig. Nur das Resultat rechtfertigt diesen Aufwand: Gewichtsminimierung mit einer überragenden Steifigkeit und Leichtbauteile mit außergewöhnlicher Haltbarkeit.