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FAQ

FAQ's

Sales Related Questions

Technical Overview

  • Do we guarantee fit?

    Yes we do. When you use our WS sizing system and get a fit consultation from out fit specialist, then we do guarantee the fit is correct. The fit measurements you provide will be screened by at least two fit experts: the sales consultant, whose number one job it is to ensure fit and has done so thousands of times, and the mechanic who will notice any fit anomalies as the bike is being assembled. For our official fit guarantee information please refer to Guarantee support page.

  • What if my stem is too long or too short?

    Stem swaps are part of our Wrench Science fit guarantee. Plus or minus one centimeter on a stem length can make all the difference in the world regarding fit. If you are not completely comfortable with the stem length, return it to us within 30 days of receiving your bike and we will replace it with a more suitable length stem. Please refer to our Returns: Stem Swaps section of the site for the details on replacing your stem.

  • Can you get parts not shown on the website?

    We can get most any part not listed on WrenchScience.com. Just ask a sales consultant if it is possible and they will let you know.

  • Do we manufacture our own custom frames?

    No we do not. Although the idea has been tossed around the shop many times, at the present time we are not manufacturing our own frames. If you are looking for a custom bike see below.

  • What manufactures do you carry that will build me a frame with custom geometry?

    We carry four of the most thorough and creative custom bike manufactures in the business. Independent Fabrication only does custom bikes and requires our salesperson to fill out a ten page spec sheet with your fit and current bike measurements to make sure the bike meets your needs. Moots, possibly the finest titanium bike manufacturer in the world will build you a custom titanium bike beyond compare. If you like the dirt we will give Sherwood at Ventana a call on your behalf. The legendary bike builder and mountain bike pioneer can meet any weight and size requirement. Finally, Dean Bikes for the value-minded looking for a custom built titanium bike, no one can beat their price vs. performance ratio.

  • Are the weights on the site accurate?

    The weights on our site reflect the weights given to us by the manufacturers. We do not weigh the parts ourselves. The weight you see when you build a bike on Wrench Science is the accumulation of the manufacturers’ weights for the parts you chose on your bike.

  • What is WS Logic?

    You have the abilities of a master mechanic to build your own personal dream bike. Our proprietary WS Logic™ software (patent pending) is the first of its kind to offer only compatible component selections every step of the way. It’s like having your own master mechanic at your beck and call to insure that you never end up with bike components that don’t work together. WrenchScience.com automatically finds all the compatible parts for the frame, fork, and components you choose, with a running price and weight tally as you build.

  • Are frames prepped before they are shipped?

    We do not ship a frame or build a bike without the frame being prepped. A full frame prep consists of us chasing the bottom bracket shell (facing upon request), reaming and/or honing the seat tube (an internal polishing of the seat tube to remove any burs), facing the head tube, checking the frame alignment and, if needed, chasing the threads of the derailleur hanger and the water bottle bosses.

  • Will my bike be assembled?

    Yes. We assemble all bikes at no additional charge. We pride ourselves on the quality of our bike builds and we feel you would be hard pressed finding a better complete custom built bike anywhere. We were a pro shop long before we ever went online to sell bikes and we bring that same race quality bike build to each and every bike we build.

  • What is the bike building process?

    Wrench Science has formulated a very precise quality control system to build bikes. First, parts are picked for the bike and checked for accuracy. The wheels are built or assembled and quality controlled. The frame goes to a prepping station where the bottom bracket is chased and faced, the seat tube is reamed and/or honed (an internal polishing of the seat tube to remove any burs), the derailleur hanger is chased and aligned and the head tube is faced. The frame is then moved to a second station where the fit is checked, wheels are installed, the saddle to handlebar drop is measured and the steerer tube is cut. The frame is then moved to a third station where all the parts are installed. Last the frame is moved to the finishing station where the cables and housing are cut to length and all adjustments are made. The mechanic then test rides the bike and double checks to make certain everything is still as it should be. The last step is our quality control process where a second mechanic puts a wrench on every bolt a second time to insure nothing has been missed. After everything checks out the bike is taken for a second test ride to guarantee that the bike is perfect and Wrench Science certified. After the second test ride the mechanic does one final check over the bike and assuming everything checks out he signs off.

  • Do I have to pay sales tax?

    A sales tax is collected in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington. The exact tax rate is calculated based on your ship to address entered during checkout. 

  • How long for the bike to be shipped?

    Bikes typically ship in 7-10 business days. Because the bike industry is seasonal, you may have to wait a bit longer during the peak of the season and a bit less when the season slows down. Our sales consultants will give you a dependable ship date when you make your purchase.

  • What is the warranty on my frame?

    Each frame manufacturer has its own warranty program. All frames carry a minimum of one year, but some manufacturers carry full lifetime warranties. Please refer to the manufacturer or model pages of this site for the warranty details concerning the bike you want or own. Wrench Science will act as warranty intermediary for you, but ultimately it will be up to the manufacturer to decide what is and what isn’t under warranty.

  • How do you unpack and assemble the bike once it is received?

    Once you have received your bike, please refer to the unpacking instruction sheet we have included in the shipment. These instructions explain everything you need to know about unpacking and assembling your bike before your first ride. Also, it includes instructions on how to deal with any shipping mishaps that may occur. The last thing we want is your bike to be damaged in shipping. Therefore we pad the bikes extensively with packing materials. Please take care when cutting though any packing materials so not to damage your bike.

  • Do you build custom wheels?

    We have great wheel builders here at Wrench Science. We will build just about any configuration or wheel type you can dream of. We primarily use DT Spokes in our wheel builds, but we will use any Wheelsmith, Marwi, Sapim, Phil Wood or Ritchey spoke you specify at a minimal up charge. We use tensiometers for all wheel builds to ensure accuracy and build strength. All wheels are built to within .5mm of true, round and dish, and finished with DT Spoke Freeze to ensure they stay that way. We will also give you recommendations based on the type of riding you’re doing to ensure the wheels are appropriate for your needs.

  • What is the shipping method?

    We use UPS for all domestic shipping and Fed Ex for international. Once a bike is shipped, a conformation email will be sent to you with all of the tracking information. For more details please refer to our shipping page.

  • Do you match prices?

    Yes, as long as the prices are verifiable. We think that it’s hard to beat our prices from the start, but if you have a quote for a bike that is spec’ed exactly the same as one you built on our site, give your quote to the salesperson and let them go to work. Remember, the quote you get from another store must have the exact same parts. The price comparison needs to be between two identically spec’ed bikes.

    • What are your hours of operation?

              Store hours are as follows:
              Monday through Friday 9:00 am to 6:00pm PST
              Saturday: Closed
              Sunday: Closed

    • Can I visit your store?

      Yes you can but we do work by appointment. We were a pro Independent Bike Dealer before WrenchScience.com was ever created. If you are ever in Berkeley, CA and want to stop in, please call the shop to schedule a visit. Then you can check out the showroom and meet the people behind the scenes.

    • What are your sale restrictions?

      Qualifying amount applies to non-sale merchandise only, not the value of gift certificates purchased, packaging, taxes, or shipping & handling. Cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts. This offer can only be used on New Orders. No adjustment on previous purchases. Discount does not apply to Basso, Cipollini, Colnago, Enve, Evil Bikes, Ibis, Moots, Niner, Pinarello, Princeton CarbonWorks or Zipp.

    • What is the return policy on sale and clearance items?

      For all sale, clearance, or non-current year items, the sale is final.

    Technical Overview

    • What is single pivot?

      Single pivot suspension designs connect the main pivot on the frame directly to the rear wheel. This causes the rear axle to describe an arc around the main pivot. Single pivot suspension designs are a one-piece swingarm. 

    • What is VPP?

      Virtual Pivot Point suspension is featured on Intense frames. The VPP design employs a pair of links that bridge the front and rear triangles of the frame. This linkage creates an S-shaped rear wheel path as the suspension compresses. The advantage of this is that the chain torque that comes from pedaling pulls on the rear wheel and settles it into the forward curve of the S-shaped path. This keeps the suspension from “bobbing” under pedaling loads, yet is easily overcome by forces generated by the trail (i.e. bumps).

    • What is dw*link?

      Dw*link is a suspension system created by Dave Weagle, and can be found on IBIS and Evil frames. The dw*link also uses a pair of links bridging the front and rear triangles of the frame, yet does not share the S-shaped wheel path of the VPP design. The dw*link creates harmony between the need for anti-squat characteristics and the decreasing spring rate to achieve a balanced and efficient suspension.

    • What is damping?

      Damping is the means by which a spring’s compression or return from compression is controlled. This is usually accomplished by the passing (or restriction) of oil through a valve.

    • What is low speed compression damping?

      Low speed compression damping is the restriction of movement of the suspension during the beginning of its stroke. This creates a threshold that must be overcome to compress the suspension. Applications of this are the “anti-bob” features of forks and shocks. 

    • What is sag?

      Sag is the amount of suspension compression caused by the static weight of the rider on the bike. Sag allows for “negative travel” to keep the wheel(s) in contact with the trail throughout rapid undulations in surface level

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