Frame builders unite and UCI listens and reduces approval costs
Collective currently has 14 members (see list below). This small group of leaders within the custom frame building community has reached an agreement with the UCI to reduce the cost of the frame and fork approval process.
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The Framebuilders’ Collective currently has 14 members (see list below). This small group of leaders within the custom frame building community has reached an agreement with the UCI to reduce the cost of the frame and fork approval process.
Collective currently has 14 members (see list below). This small group of leaders within the custom frame building community has reached an agreement with the UCI to reduce the cost of the frame and fork approval process.
The Framebuilders’ Collective members:
A.N.T.
Anvil Bikeworks
Coconino Cycles
Crisp Titanium
Crumpton Cycles
DeSalvo Custom Cycles
Inglis/Retrotec Cycles
Kirk Frameworks
Llewellyn Bikes
Pegoretti Cicli
Richard Sachs Cycles
Spectrum Cycles
Strong Frames
Vanilla Bicycles
Normally the UCI charges 500 Swiss francs (about $580) for its “simplified” procedure that applies to the lugged or welded frames most custom builders produce. Through its agreement with the UCI, TFC has reduced the cost by 20 percent.
Here’s how it works:
1. The builder fills out the application form and mails it to the UCI. On the line asking for the company name, the builder adds “via TFC.” (e.g. Bob’s Custom Frames, LLC via TFC)
2. Upon receipt of an invoice from the UCI the builder wires 400 Swiss francs to the UCI.
3. Then instead of sending frame and fork geometry plans to the UCI, the builder sends them to TFC. The plans are then securely forwarded to the UCI.
4. Upon approval, the builder can use the UCI-approved label on their frames.
This agreement in no way prevents frame builders from working directly with the UCI. But the discount is only available through TFC. According to its website, the TFC “will not charge nor receive any fee from either the UCI or the small builder for this service.”
Don Ferris, a member of The Framebuilders’ Collective Board of Directors, said, “The Framebuilders’ Collective is pleased to have partnered with the UCI to simplify the process and reduce the cost for bespoke and custom builders wishing to comply with the UCI Homologation Program.”
Score one for the underdogs.
For more information check out www.framebuilderscollective.org.