AN ANSWER TO ALL YOUR QUESTIONS

Question: Can I order directly from Land Shark?
Answer: Yes, of course. Our frames are sold through many great dealers that can also assist you on ensuring that your new bike fits correctly, but if there’s no authorized dealer near you, we’d be glad to work with you directly. Additionally, our MSRP prices are published on this site so both you and your dealer know what you should be paying. Any further questions? Please call us at 541-535-4516 and lets get the wheels rolling.

Question: In what materials are Land Sharks available?
Answer: Land Shark frames are available in all steel alloy, all carbon fiber, or steel-carbon combinations (e.g. steel front triangle with carbon rear triangle - currently our most popular frame designs). Of course steel frames and steel-carbon combination frames can be combined with carbon forks (frames and forks sold separately and many fork styles are available). Regardless of the combinations desired, the entire bicycle is painted to suit your fancy.

Having given you the material options, Land Shark offers the following comments, based on over 20 years of designing and building custom bicycles:

“Steel is Real” and “Nuthin’ can be finer than to ride on Carbon Fiber” are the words we live by. We like sophisticated steel alloys, carbon fiber, and steel-carbon combinations, which offer the best characteristics of both materials.

Cyclists can debate the various frame materials, but no material has been studied and developed as thoroughly as the modern steel alloys used in high-end bicycle frames. The control, resilience, durability, responsiveness, snap, liveliness of the ride on steel is near-perfect. The "twang” of steel, as they say, the comfort-along-with-stiffness, is very sweet. NOTHING can exactly duplicate the exquisite ride qualities provided by steel alloy.

Carbon fiber materials have rapidly evolved into a fantastic frame building material as well. Carbon is very lightweight and has its own unique characteristics that provide a very “refined” ride. Unfortunately, carbon fiber frame sets remain substantially more expensive than steel alloys, so you’ll pay for privilege of the lighter frame.

Question: What does Land Shark mean by "Custom?" A lot of bike companies say they can build custom bikes, but really you only get to pick a color and the seat tube length at the most.
Answer: Each Land Shark frame is produced for the individual who will be riding it. Every tube length and diameter and every variable frame proportion is considered to optimize your position on the bike. In addition to the obvious parameters such as your body dimensions and weight, other factors such as your riding style and the type of riding you like, can be taken into account to determine the final design. Then the really fun customization happens when you and John decide on your Land Shark’s unique paintwork. Let your imagination run wild and create your dream machine.

Question: How do I decide what geometry I should order
Answer: John Slawta, your Land Shark dealer or local bicycle-fit expert, and the web are great sources of advice and knowledge of fine bicycle design. Start with what you’ve been riding. Is the fit okay? Have you seen any frame designs around that you find particularly attractive? The web has a ton of information (and mis-information) on frame designs that you might check out. Talk with John or your local Land Shark dealer about your specific needs. For example, “I want a bicycle that is comfortable enough to use for century rides, that also climbs well, sprints well, handles well downhill, and is sleek and light so I can ride it in time trials and triathlons”

Question: How long does a Land Shark fabricate… you know, how long will delivery on my new bike take?
Answer: Land Shark’s usually deliver within 6 to 8 weeks. Once we get your bike-fit measurements and you choose your frame materials, we get to work. Most customers get their bikes well within 8 weeks of their order.

Question: I love Land Shark paintwork! Can I send my "Acme" brand bike frame to you for refinishing?
Answer: Sorry. One of the things that make Land Sharks so unique and desirable is the astonishing paint finish, as you’ve probably seen in the photo gallery. It seems only fair to reward all of the wonderful Land Shark owners by keeping this service exclusive to Land Sharks. Of course, Land Shark owners can send in their Land Shark bicycles for a new paint finish whenever they want. Land Sharks can be repainted to your heart’s desire for $350 plus shipping costs to and from Land Shark.

Question: How exactly do I order a custom Land Shark bicycle?
Answer: Typically, you will want to visit your local Land Shark dealer, get a proper bike fit and fill out the details on our Bike-Fit PDF. Your dealer will assist you with the rest of the details, which include choosing your bike seat, handlebars, gearing, etc. Land Shark then builds your frame and delivers it to your dealer, who then assembles the complete bicycle for you.

In cases where you are not located near a Land Shark dealer, you should download our Bike-Fit PDF, take this to a local bike fit expert and have him/her fill out the form. (Feel free to contact Land Shark if you do not know a good local bike fitter and we’ll try to help you find one). Then send or FAX the form to Land Shark, including your contact information. Land Shark will then contact you by phone to help you design your dream machine. It is best to have your bike assembled by a local bike shop who you know and trust, but in some instances we do provide complete bicycles directly to customers.