Bike Frame Prep

Pedal Passion, Brisbane's Premier Destination for Custom Built Bikes and Wheels.

What It Is and Why It Matters

Frame Prep is one of the services that make us stand out from many other workshops. It is one of the most important jobs in bicycle service lists, often the most neglected job by many people. Frame prep also creates a solid foundation for performance and longevity, while skipping it usually shows up later as noise and premature failure.

Frame prep involves thoroughly inspecting and measuring the bicycle frame to identify any corrective work needed to boost performance and extend component life. The heart of doing this job well comes down to one word – precision. It requires significant skill and experience because it’s far more than simply applying tools. This demands careful evaluation of tolerances, alignment, and specifications before any work begins.

The goal of frame prep is to ensure that, before the bike is built, all mounting surfaces and component interfaces meet the required tolerances so everything fits and functions flawlessly.

There are three main frame prep services:

  • facing,
  • chasing, and
  • reaming.

Facing

Both Derailleur will be removed from the bike and cleaned separately to ensure they are free from any dirt and all pivots will be lubed afterward before mounting back onto the bike. Additional service on rear derailleurs such as B-axle service and clutch services on some models can be done.

Both derailleurs will be removed from the bike and cleaned separately to ensure all dirt and debris are eliminated.

All pivot points will be lubricated before reinstallation. Additional rear derailleur service such as B‑axle and clutch for compatible models are available.

Chasing

Chasing – For threaded bottom bracket and thru axle drop out. This task is to ensure the threads on the frame are completely clean, smooth and free from debris.

Applicable for bottom bracket, brake mount, other female threaded interface such as thru axle thread and rear derailleur hanger.

Reaming

Reaming – For press fit bottom bracket shell and headtube. This is to remove excess or uneven material such as carbon or resin which to achieve the desired tolerances (roundness).

Applicable for press fit bottom bracket shell and headtube.

Special Tools and Methods

What tools do we use

As we mentioned above the key to get these jobs done properly and perfectly is done by precision, we perform all frame preparation using only premium, industry‑recognized tools from Cyclus and Park Tool. We do not use low‑grade or cheap tools at any stage as our commitment to quality work begins with the equipment we choose and is reflected in every frame we service.

*All the cutting tools will be reviewed periodically to check for sharpness to ensure we are able work on your bike with the highest level of precision.
Riders Frequently Ask
Why is bottom bracket facing critical for a new frame build?

Bottom bracket facing is one of those precision machining operations that dramatically affects bike performance and component longevity, yet is often overlooked or skipped entirely. Proper facing ensures the bottom bracket shell faces are perfectly parallel and perpendicular to the frame's centreline, creating optimal conditions for bottom bracket installation and function.

Why Facing Is Critical

Perfect Alignment:

  • Ensures bottom bracket sits perfectly in frame
  • Prevents uneven loading on bearings
  • Allows smooth, efficient rotation
  • Eliminates potential for creaking or binding

Bearing Performance:

  • Misaligned faces cause bearing preload issues
  • Uneven loading accelerates bearing wear
  • Proper facing extends bearing life significantly
  • Reduces friction for better power transfer

Bottom Bracket Seating:

  • Creates flat, parallel surfaces for BB cups
  • Ensures proper compression of press-fit BBs
  • Prevents BB from sitting crooked in frame
  • Allows proper torque application without binding

Noise Prevention:

  • Eliminates creaking from poor interfaces
  • Reduces movement between frame and BB
  • Creates solid, quiet installation
  • Prevents frustrating and hard-to-diagnose noises
Facing, Chasing, Reaming? What is the difference?

Facing:

  • Cuts small amount of material from shell faces
  • Creates perfectly parallel surfaces
  • Removes paint, clear coat, and imperfections
  • Typical removal: 0.1-0.3mm per side

Chasing:

  • Cleans and restores thread geometry
  • Doesn't remove significant material
  • Removes corrosion, paint, debris from threads
  • Used on threaded bottom bracket shells

Reaming:

  • Enlarges internal diameter to precise size
  • Removes burrs and imperfections
  • Ensures consistent internal dimension
  • Used on frames with integrated bearing seats