Custom Bike Build Guide: Pro-Level Insights You Won’t Find on Generic Sites

If you’re passionate about cycling, the thought of building a custom bike has probably crossed your mind. And whether you're eyeing your first upgrade or planning a fully optimized dream machine, a custom build gives you something no stock bike can offer—performance, precision, and personality.

At Approved Cycling, we specialize in high-end custom builds using premium components like Pinarello, Nich, PCW, and Fulcrum wheels, CeramicSpeed OSPW and bottom brackets, Berk saddles, Wahoo computers, TPU tubes, and Vittoria tires.

And yes—we're not just online. You can visit us in person at our shop on Ziherlova 10, Ljubljana, where we’re helping cyclists like you dial in their perfect ride every day.

Let’s dig into what you really need to know—whether you’re just getting started or already wrenching your own setups.

🔥 Is a Custom Bike Really Better?

Yes. But not always for the reason you think.

A custom bike isn't just “cooler”—it’s smarter:

• It fits your body perfectly

• It matches your terrain and riding goals

• It saves you time, energy, and money by not replacing stock parts later

What most cyclists don’t realize is that factory bikes often cut corners where it counts—wheels, bearings, and saddles. These are the exact parts we optimize in our builds using ultra-smooth CeramicSpeed, ultralight carbon wheelsets, and custom Berk saddles made here in Slovenia.

🧩 What Do You Need for a Full Custom Bike?

Here’s a no-BS list of what goes into a full build:

• Frame and fork (we help you find the right geo and material)

• Wheels – go light, stiff, and fast with Nich, PCW, or Fulcrum

• Drivetrain – SRAM, Shimano or Campagnolo mechanical or electronic?

• Brakes – Disc, hydraulic, or rim (still viable for some)

• Cockpit – stem, bars, seatpost, headset

• Bottom bracket & OSPW – we recommend CeramicSpeed

• Saddle – nothing beats the feel of a Berk custom saddle

• Tires & tubes – we spec Vittoria + TPU for top speed & weight savings

• Tech – Wahoo computers for seamless performance tracking

🤔 DIY or Pro Build: What’s Better?

You can definitely build your own—but here’s the truth:

• You’ll need €300–€800 in tools alone

• You’ll spend hours checking compatibility

• A single torque mistake on carbon? That’s a cracked frame

We’ve already built a lot of bikes, and our mechanics know every torque spec, BB standard, and cable routing trick. Your bike deserves that level of detail.

Want to watch your bike come to life? Visit us at Ziherlova 10, Ljubljana. We’ll build it with you, not just for you.

⚖️ Real Talk: How Much Does a Custom Bike Cost?

Custom builds start around €2,500 (Gravel bike) and can climb to €10,000+ depending on your choices.

But here's what you get that a €5,000 factory bike never gives you:

• Top-end carbon wheels that don’t need replacing

• Bearings that roll forever

• Fit and handling tuned to you

• Long-term value—fewer upgrades, fewer regrets

Most popular setups in our store:

• Nich wheelset + CeramicSpeed OSPW = Best price / performance & looks

• PCW wheels + Berk saddle = racing lightness without compromise

• Fulcrum aero wheels + Tubeless = comfort & control
  
  
  

💡 Tips Only a Custom Build Pro Will Tell You

1. TPU inner tubes are the most underrated upgrade—save up to 200g with no performance loss

2. CeramicSpeed components add 1,5–9 watts of free speed

3. Wider tires (28–30mm) on carbon wheels improve rolling resistance AND comfort

4. Fit trumps everything—if your position isn’t dialed, the rest doesn’t matter

5. One upgrade at a time is OK – We often help clients build in stages

🚴♀️ Who Should Consider a Custom Bike?

This is for you if:

• You’re done with “good enough” and want exactly what fits and performs

• You want a race-ready machine built for Slovenian terrain

• You’re tired of upgrading factory parts every season

• You’re a cyclist who values tech, precision, and experience

📍 Visit Us in Ljubljana or Shop Online

We’re not just another e-commerce store. We’re a physical shop with real bikes, real rides, and real people behind every build.

📍 Approved Cycling
Ziherlova 10, Ljubljana, Slovenia
View Custom Bike Builds

Stop by. Talk to us. Touch the wheels. Try the saddles. Let’s create a bike that’s built around you.

🛒 Ready to Build?

👉 Browse our builds online
📞 Have questions? Contact us here: +38630360820
📍 Or come in-store for a free consult

Your dream bike isn’t a click away—it’s a conversation away.