I recently had a unique opportunity to witness a complete bicycle assembly from beginning to end. Thanks to Shimano GRX Di2 components and a Bossi Bicycles Grit Ti gravel frame, along with wheels and finishing kit, I was able to observe the entire process firsthand. Being there, camera in hand, to document the build, I spent a considerable amount of time at Bio-Mechanics Cycles and Repairs (BMCR), a bike shop known for its exceptionally high standards in building and servicing. While I had been a customer for years, watching the build unfold truly revealed just how meticulous their approach was. Astonishingly, two full hours out of the approximately eight-hour build were dedicated to “facing” the frame and fork – and this was before a single component was even near the frame.
This experience highlighted the crucial, yet often overlooked, process of Bike Facing. Many cyclists may not be familiar with it, and even fewer bike shops prioritize it. However, for riders seeking peak performance and longevity from their new bike, finding a shop that understands and excels in bike facing is paramount. To shed light on this “nerdy” yet vital aspect of bike building, I spoke with Pete, co-owner and mechanic extraordinaire at BMCR.
Before we delve deeper, a couple of points to clarify:
- This article is based on my genuine experience and is not sponsored or an advertisement for Bio-Mechanics Cycles and Repairs. I am simply a satisfied customer who appreciates meticulous bike builds.
- The frames and components mentioned are purely incidental to the build I was documenting and are not endorsements of their quality. The titanium frame is the Bossi Grit Ti, and the black frame referenced is my personal Grove R.A.D.
WHAT EXACTLY IS BIKE FACING?
Bike facing is essentially the meticulous process of removing any excess paint, clear coat, or even frame material from all surfaces of the bike frame and fork that will interface with components. Which parts need this treatment?
“Everything. Head tube, bottom bracket shell, stem interface, disc brake mounts, we also ream the seat tube, and face the fork crown if possible. Essentially, any point of contact between frame and component.” – Pete, BMCR
Witnessing the facing process is quite fascinating. Specialized cutting tools are carefully threaded into the head tube or bottom bracket shell, lubricated with cutting oil, and then methodically cranked. Initially, there’s resistance as the cutters engage with the frame’s imperfections. Gradually, as the excess material is removed, the turning becomes smooth and consistent. The byproduct is a metallic slurry, known as swarf, a testament to the material being shaved away to create perfectly flat and parallel surfaces – the ideal foundation for a flawless bike build. Disc brake mounts require smaller, more precise cutters and a drill to carefully skim off any excess material, ensuring perfect alignment.
WHY IS BIKE FACING SO IMPORTANT?
The importance of bike facing stems from the need for perfect alignment and contact between the frame and its components. Bike frames, even high-quality ones, are manufactured with tolerances. Paint and clear coat add further layers, potentially creating uneven surfaces. Without facing, these imperfections can lead to a cascade of problems:
- Improved Component Alignment: Facing ensures that components like the bottom bracket, headset, and disc brakes are mounted perfectly square and parallel to the frame. This precise alignment is crucial for smooth bearing operation, efficient power transfer, and optimal braking performance.
- Elimination of Creaking and Noise: Uneven surfaces can cause components to sit imperfectly, leading to creaking noises, especially under load. Facing creates a flush, even surface, eliminating these potential noise issues and providing a quieter, more enjoyable ride.
- Enhanced Bearing Longevity and Performance: When bearing surfaces are not perfectly aligned, bearings can experience uneven wear and premature failure. Facing ensures that bearings sit squarely in their races, maximizing their lifespan and maintaining smooth, efficient rotation.
- Precise Shifting and Braking: For components like disc brake calipers and derailleurs, proper alignment is critical for precise and consistent performance. Facing the mounts ensures that calipers are perfectly aligned with rotors and derailleurs are correctly positioned relative to the cassette, leading to crisp shifting and powerful, modulation-rich braking.
- Protection of Frame Integrity: In some cases, excessive force may be needed to install components on un-faced surfaces, potentially stressing or even damaging the frame over time. Facing ensures components fit correctly without undue force, preserving the frame’s structural integrity.
WHY IS FACING NOT STANDARD PRACTICE EVERYWHERE?
Given its significant benefits, one might wonder why bike facing isn’t a standard procedure in every bike shop. There are a few key reasons:
- Time and Labor Intensive: Facing is a meticulous and time-consuming process, adding considerable labor to a bike build. Many shops, especially those focused on volume, may skip facing to reduce build time and costs.
- Specialized Tools Required: Facing requires a set of specialized and often expensive tools for different parts of the frame and fork. Not all shops invest in these tools, especially if they don’t prioritize high-end builds or frame preparation.
- Skill and Expertise: Proper facing requires skill and experience to be done correctly without damaging the frame. Mechanics need to be trained in using facing tools and understand the nuances of the process.
- Cost Perception: Some cyclists and shops may perceive facing as an unnecessary added cost, especially if they are unaware of its long-term benefits. However, the slight upfront investment in facing can pay dividends in performance, component longevity, and overall riding experience.
SEEK OUT A SHOP THAT FACES
For cyclists seeking the ultimate performance and longevity from their bikes, especially with higher-end frames and components, choosing a bike shop that prioritizes facing is a wise investment. It signifies a commitment to quality, attention to detail, and a deeper understanding of bike mechanics. While it might add a little to the initial build cost, the benefits of bike facing – smoother operation, quieter ride, improved component performance and lifespan – are well worth it. When you are investing in a new bike, especially a quality frame, ensure it gets the best possible start with a proper facing process. Ask your bike shop about their facing procedures – it’s a mark of a truly meticulous and performance-oriented service.
