[Closed] Would you expect a shop to chase and face a new frame?

I would expect them to charge unless you had asked for it to be thrown in before you bought the frame

No, I'd assume C'n'F-ing only if requested by customer.....

I wouldn't expect them to do it as part of the sale. Something to negotiate to get done maybe.

Are you supplying the bits to have it built up, or are you buying all new parts from them?

If the former then I would assume labour charge to build up, including facing where necessary, if the latter then I would assume no labour charge (or a deal on the parts). If you're just buying the frame and walking out of the door I'm not so sure, I wouldn't expect them to do it as a matter of course, and I don't think charging is totally unreasonable. Depends on the value of the frame too. Basically, it depends...

Does beg the question, why don't manufacturers sort it out before it gets near the shop.

I'm just buying the frame. It's a £500 frame set that they've chosen to discount.

My LBS does it for me FOC, even if I havent bought the frame /stuff from there. Thats why I keep going back & spending money.

But yes, I think a decent frame should be done in the factory.

Onzadog - Member
Does beg the question, why don't manufacturers sort it out before it gets near the shop.

+1, if it so important to longevity of components.

thinking about it, would a new car arrive at the dealers and be sold with the wheels un-tracked?

thinking about it, would a new car arrive at the dealers and be sold with the wheels un-tracked?

I don't think that analogy works; he's buying the frame,not a complete bike

would i expect a shop to do it - no
do i think that they should by default - yes

facing is only necessary for external type BB and even there is much contention about that too. I don't think it should be done by the manu or the LBS. chasing the threads should be a FOC service if required tho

If i was buying a reasonably priced bike/frame and one of the areas NEEDED facing i would expect it to be done by the shop otherwise no.

For example, i needed to chase the threads on my inbreds bottom bracket. Had i bought it from a shop i would have taken it back and if they refused asked for a new frame the threads were that bad!

Does it always need doing = no - a fair few frames are faced in the factory IME 🙂

"why don't manufacturers sort it out before it gets near the shop"

a steel frame can need re-doing at point of build-up if any rust has occurred on the raw steel threaded parts, so it can be wasted expense.

plus if you paint a frame then face the head tube, you risk corrosion getting under the paint edges - containers at sea have moisture in them and rust can be an issue. it's better done at a dealers and frames not getting any more expensive imo..

edited to add, of all the frames i've built in recent years, i've chased the BB on 2 and that's all. no issues, no bb bearing probs. it's good practice but not essential on all frames.

Does the above need doing on a carbon frame or this alu only?

Does beg the question, why don't manufacturers sort it out before it gets near the shop

Because it's an unnecessary procedure invented by park tools to sell tools and create workshop profit opportunities for bike shops. Along with a few other things bike shops offer.

I'd imagine, it's because some frames need facing, and others don't and if you face certain things, like for instance particular types of rear brake mounts, you can **** them up. If my LBS did anything to any frame or bike that I'd not asked them to do specifically, I'd want my money back, TBH.

Agree with toys19 except that I reckon it was a cover for dodgy external BB bearings that died really quickly.

I have bought 3 shimano BB's and searched for any advice from shimano on the enclosed literature and on their website about facing. Nothing nada zero. I would expect them to warn you to do this if it was even remotely necessary.

toys19 +1

Facing - I wouldn't want it doing and, if they did it without asking, I wouldn't accept the frame.

Chasing - I would hope it wasn't needed but if it was I'd expect them to do it.