How do you FIT the bike?

If you are comfortable on your current bike, we take 3 measurements off of your current bike and build the bike to those specifications. We have been very successful in providing bikes that fit perfectly using these measurements. The fit is guaranteed, and we will swap stems as you need to get the fit correct.

If you don't have a bike that fits well, check out our bike fit recommendations under the "Bike Fit" tab. These are general recommendations based on height. For more specific recommendations, there are various resources available on the web. This website lists a number of the sites that are available: http://www.cyclemetrics.com/Pages/FitLinks/bike_fit_links.htm


OK, I understand how to choose the frame size and stem length. What about handlebar width and crankset length?

Again, if you have a bike that fits well, our recommendation is to match the handlebar width and crankset length of your bike.

Handlebar width is generally measured from the center of one end of the handlebar (where you put the handlebar plug that comes along with the handlebar tape) to the center of the other end of the handlebar. Most people choose a handlebar width equal to their shoulder width measured as the distance between the shoulder joints. A wider bar will allow you to open up your chest allowing better breathing, but will be less aerodynamic. Most riders achieve a balance after some period of trial and error. If this is all too much to work with, our general recommendation is a 40cm handlebar width for XS and S size frames, 42cm handlebar width for M and L size frames, and 44cm handlebar width for XL frames.

The ideal crankset length is related to the length of your legs. The following formula is often used to determine length: Crank length (mm) = Inseam (mm) X 0.216 . A longer crankset provides more leverage, so you can push a bigger gear. A shorter crankset provides less leverage, but allows you to spin at a higher RPM with less stress on the knee joint. Again, if this is too much to work with, our general recommendation is a 170mm crankset for XS and S size frames, a 172.5mm crankset for M and L size frames, and a 175mm crankset for XL size frames.


OK, I've got my bike, but now how do I dial in the fit?

This may take a little bit of trial and error adjustments, but here's what to look for:

- Saddle height Too high - hips rock while trying to reach the pedals. Too low - can not fully extend your legs. Just right - knee slightly bent when the leg is fully extended.

- Saddle Setback Too far back - feels like the seat is too high or the reach to the bar is too long. Too close - can feel like the seat is too low. Just right - knee is position over the pedal spindle.

- Handlebar reach Too short - hunched shoulders causing neck or shoulder paint. Too long - arms fully extended affecting handling and control. Just right - slight bend at the elbow when the hands are on the brake hoods or in the drops.

- Handlebar height Too high - front end feels light/saddle pain from too much weight on the seat. Too low - stiff arms, back, and neck from too much weight on the arms. Just right - aim for a 60%/40% weight distribution between the saddle and the bars.


What is the difference between the CL1 and the M1?

The CL1 is our second generation frame and uses carbon fiber tubes mated with carbon fiber lugs. The M1 frame is a full monocoque bike, meaning that the entire front end of the bike is built in one mold -- there are no tubes mated with lugs. This not only saves weight, but gives us a great deal of flexibility on tube shape. The geometry of both bikes is the same, but the M1 is a little stiffer and a little more responsive. The M1 is also lighter by about 100g's.


How about between the M1 and M1SL?

The M1SL shares a common geometry with the M1 and the CL1, but the frame is manufactured using T800 carbon fiber, for the ultimate lightweight carbon bicycle.


Where are your bikes manufactured?

The frames, forks, handlebars, stem, seatpost and cranksets are manufactured in Taiwan to our specifications by a major manufacturer that specializes in manufacturing carbon bicycle frames and components. This manufacturer makes bikes and components for a number of large European and American bike companies. Think that brand name bike is made in the US? Think again. Check out this website: http://allanti.com/page.cfm?PageID=328 Although we could claim that our bikes are manufactured in the US since they are painted and assembled here, we here at Leopard feel that it's important not to hide where our frames are manufactured.


What is the delivery time from order?

We paint the bike to order and it takes about a week to get the frame/fork from the painter. It takes another week to assemble and pack the bike. We ship the bike via DHL or FedEx Ground which takes up to 7 days to arrive on the East Coast and faster on points in the midwest and West Coast.


How long has the company been in business?

The company was founded in 2004, and it took about 6 months of R&D before the first production bikes were available in early 2005.


What kind of specials or discounts are available?

Each month we typically run some sort of special on the front page of our website, but the pricing on the bikes is very competitive so we are unable to offer any special deals. With Leopard you are buying direct from the manufacturer without a bike shop mark-up. Special closeout items are available at our eBay store. Check the home page for a link to the eBay site.


How do I maintain the bike since I'm not buying from a bike shop?

We have found most customers are able to have their bikes maintained at their local bike shop, and the bike shop is happy for the repair business. While some local bike shops may be disappointed they did not make the original sale, they're still happy for the repair and maintenance business.


What kind of warranty does the bike come with?

The frame and fork has a lifetime warranty. The Leopard components (handlebar, stem, seatpost and crankset) is one year. The bike has a 30 day no-questions asked satisfaction guarantee – you can ride the bike for 29 days and send it back because you don't like the handlebar tape.


What kind of colors do you recommend?

We have two color schemes, one with solid painted lugs and translucent tubes, the other is full translucent. The translucent is a color tint over the carbon weave and looks spectacular in the sunlight.


Are custom paint jobs available?

While each bike is painted to order and we are willing to work with you on color combinations, we are unable to significantly change the color schemes or the decals that we use. For those customers who don't have any preference for one of our colr schemes, we also have a “stealth” look scheme which is flat matt clearcoat with just a headtube badge. All of our standard color schemes are detailed under the tab "Paint Schemes".

What are the torque specs for your Leopard components?

Torque specifications are available at the component manufacturers website and in our Leopard Owner's Manual.

Click here for the Leopard Owner's Manual