At Raamwerk, we believe that every cyclist deserves a bike that fits them perfectly—not a one-size-fits-all machine dictated by a product manager sitting behind a desk.
"That’s why Raamwerk primarily sells framesets instead of complete bikes"
The reality is simple: a bike should fit the rider, not the other way around. When you buy a factory-configured complete bike, chances are high that critical components like the handlebars, stem, crank length, and saddle aren’t the right size for your body. This leads to unnecessary spending, wasted parts, and, in the worst-case scenario, discomfort and injury.
TLDR;
A bike should work for you, not against you. The standard approach of selling complete bikes forces riders into a fit compromise, leading to unnecessary expenses, wasted components, and potential injuries.
By choosing a frameset-first approach, you get a bike that fits your body from day one, without the extra hassle and cost. Because at the end of the day, the perfect bike isn’t the one a product manager designed—it’s the one that’s built for you.
The problem with complete bikes
1. They rarely fit properly out of the box
Every rider is unique. Leg length, torso proportions, arm reach, flexibility, and riding style all influence how a bike should be set up. But when you buy a complete bike, you’re getting a generic fit that was designed for an “average” rider—who probably doesn’t exist.
Even if the frame size is correct, other components likely aren’t. The stem might be too long or short, the handlebars probably too wide, or the crank arms the wrong length—forcing you to spend extra money fixing the fit, or riding into injury on the long term.
All these choice of your bike decided by a product manager that (between you and me) his or hers interest isn't always the market. It is also selling what is on stock, or maybe get rid of old stock.
2. You end up paying for parts you don’t need
Most riders end up swapping multiple components to dial in their fit. That means:
- Buying a new stem because the stock one is too long
- Replacing handlebars because the width is uncomfortable
- Changing out the saddle for something that actually works for your anatomy
-
Getting a different crankset because the default length is wrong
By the time you’ve replaced all these parts, you’ve spent hundreds of euros more—on top of the price of the bike.
3. Unwanted parts go to waste
Every part you replace ends up in one of two places:
- Collecting dust in your garage, never to be used again
-
Hitting the second-hand market, where you have to go through the hassle of selling it (often at a loss)
This waste is completely avoidable if you build your bike right from the start with parts that actually fit you.
From a manufacturing perspective this also means using resources that never end up in the place they are meant to, so it doesn't fit within our sustainability vision.
4. A poorly fitting bike can lead to injuries
Cycling is supposed to be enjoyable, but an ill-fitting bike can cause serious issues:
- Knee pain from the wrong saddle height or crank length
- Lower back pain from an improper reach to the handlebars
- Hand numbness from bars that are too wide or a stem that’s too short or long
- Neck and shoulder pain from a poor cockpit setup
Instead of fighting discomfort or developing injuries, wouldn’t it be better to start with a bike that’s tailored to your body?
The smarter approach
By selling framesets instead of complete bikes, we allow you to build a bike that truly fits you—from the ground up.
1. You choose components that fit you
With a frameset, every part of your build is tailored to your needs. You choose the right stem length, bar width, crank length, saddle, and wheels that actually suit your body and riding style.
2. You save money in the long run
Instead of spending money replacing ill-fitting parts, you start with only the parts you need. No wasted components, no unnecessary purchases.
3. You avoid unnecessary waste
By only buying the parts that work for you, nothing gets left behind. Your garage stays clutter-free, and you don’t have to waste time selling unwanted parts online.
4. You get a bike that feels like an extension of your body
When your bike fits perfectly, riding becomes effortless. You’re more comfortable, more efficient, and less prone to injuries. Whether you’re racing, exploring, or just enjoying the ride, a properly fitted bike makes all the difference.
How about our pre-configured bikes?
Our pre-configured bikes are the solution if building a bike from scratch feels overwhelming. We’ve carefully selected the key components—including the wheelset, groupset, and other essential parts—which make up 95-99% of the total build.
This approach leaves room for personalized fit adjustments without the hassle of selecting every single part yourself. Plus, you’ll know the price upfront while still getting a bike that’s built to order just for you.
